Is coursework on AMCAS really looked at by adcoms?

[gannicus89]

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I was finally verified today. I spent extra time in college to improve my science gpa and to complete my second major, but this isn't really reflected by the AMCAS gpas.

This is reality:

freshman: low gpa
sophomore: medium gpa
junior: low gpa
senior: medium gpa
super senior: high gpa
super senior: high gpa

This is how AMCAS makes it seem since they don't have an option to have additional senior years marked as discrete years:

freshman: low
sophomore: medium
junior: low
senior: high

So you don't really see how I improved over time. During my junior year, I was mainly focusing on my non-science major, so I only took two science classes. During my last three years as a senior, I took ALL science classes.

Is there any way to address this issue? I think the only way adcoms might determine that I'm not a total ***** is if they actually looked at the courses I took or looked at the hours...but who's actually going to do that?

 

[gyngyn]

In answer to your initial query, yes.
Screeners will look at trends if you are an otherwise good candidate.
If you make it to committee, many will review every aspect.

 

[The Cheat]

I wonder how adcoms go about deciding who gets an interview? I understand there is an initial stat screen followed by a review of a candidate's letters of rec, activities, and PS. How do admission committees decide what stat/EC/personality combo to accept for interview?

 

[vellez]

I believe that adcoms absolutely are aware of your AMCAS grades and trends. I was asked about the particulars of my GPA.

 

[Goro]

LizzyM has discussed this in depth. One of the key criteria is "What does this person bring to the Class?"

To OP, I see GPAs just like you have laid out yours, except on AACOMAS app forms. We do look for rising trends (or, at least, the lack of a declining trend.).

Your app speaks for itself....a rising trend is always good! And yes, we see your transcripts and know what courses you've taken.

I wonder how adcoms go about deciding who gets an interview? I understand there is an initial stat screen followed by a review of a candidate's letters of rec, activities, and PS. How do admission committees decide what stat/EC/personality combo to accept for interview?