Importance of BCPM GPA vs. total GPA?

[PsychStudent]

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So obviously you have to do decently in the BCPM GPA, but is it weighted as heavily as the total GPA? I ask because I'm a post-bacc who took no science or math classes in college, so I don't have any filler science classes to pull up that GPA. So far I have a 3.7 regular GPA and a 3.7 BCPM, but I potentially see some Bs in my future in premed classes, and I'm just wondering if that's really bad for top 20 schools. Thanks!

 

[searun]

Your BCMP gpa needs to be competitive in the applicant pool at the med schools where you are applying. If it is much lower, you will have problems. Apply to schools where you can be competitive. Get an MSAR. The Ad Com needs to have confidence that you can handle the science of the med school curriculum. The cumulative gpa is important as well...all your scores need to be competitive and then you need to sell yourself with your personal statement and your ECs. Good luck.

 

[LifetimeDoc]

Exactly, poster above. Medical school years 1 and 2 is intensive absorption (force feeding) of scientific material that must be mastered quickly and efficiently. Your BCMP reflects your ability to take courses such as those in medical school, so are therefore the best measure of your ability to handle those types of classes. Other classes do factor in, but less than the BCMP ones.