Looking for more science classes

[doctry23]

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Hello all! I have a 3.1 sGPA and I am a junior majoring in biology. I'm done with my pre-med reqs (the reason why my sGPA is so low is because I got a D- in one course that I should have dropped during a bad semester but I'm acing my STEM courses now) and I have 4 more bio courses to take to graduate with my degree, however I am thinking of adding more science courses to further boost my sGPA and I can't think of any to add. I don't want to take any further chemistry, physics, or math past what's required by med schools, but I'd love to take more statistics or even take an intro astronomy course. Do these count in the science GPA for med schools or should I just stick with more bio courses (the problem is adding more lab work/time). Thanks!!

Edit: And I forgot to ask, what should I aim for my sGPA to be when I apply which will be the summer right after I graduate? Would a 3.4 be enough with a decent MCAT score for target/state MD schools?

 

[Blueprint Med School]

First, be sure to retake the course you got the D- in, and try your absolute best to get an A on the retake.

Statistics courses will count as BCPM, astronomy will not. Generally, courses that are in your schools Bio, Chem, Physics, and Math departments will always count as BCPM, and others that fit in the category do too (such as neuroscience, statistics, etc). However, if your courses are particularly math or physical science heavy, you may be able to spin them into BCPM. I was able to count two of my economics courses as BCPM.

With a 3.4, you'll need an above average MCAT (~515) to be competitive, but both scores will be a bit higher if you want to feel safe with your application.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[Doctor-S]

... I am thinking of adding more science courses to further boost my sGPA and I can't think of any to add. I don't want to take any further chemistry, physics, or math past what's required by med schools, but I'd love to take more statistics or even take an intro astronomy course. Do these count in the science GPA for med schools or should I just stick with more bio courses (the problem is adding more lab work/time). Thanks!!

It's advisable to refer to the AMCAS Course Classification Guide to determine how various BCPM (and non-BCPM) courses are often categorized based on the primary content of the course (click link below).

Pursuant to the AMCAS Guide, statistics (Math) and astronomy (Physics) qualify as BCPM courses.

AMCAS Course Classification Guide

 

[chemphysicsinstructor]

Hello all! I have a 3.1 sGPA and I am a junior majoring in biology. I'm done with my pre-med reqs (the reason why my sGPA is so low is because I got a D- in one course that I should have dropped during a bad semester but I'm acing my STEM courses now) and I have 4 more bio courses to take to graduate with my degree, however I am thinking of adding more science courses to further boost my sGPA and I can't think of any to add. I don't want to take any further chemistry, physics, or math past what's required by med schools, but I'd love to take more statistics or even take an intro astronomy course. Do these count in the science GPA for med schools or should I just stick with more bio courses (the problem is adding more lab work/time). Thanks!!

Edit: And I forgot to ask, what should I aim for my sGPA to be when I apply which will be the summer right after I graduate? Would a 3.4 be enough with a decent MCAT score for target/state MD schools?

Also, taking more advanced biology classes such as upper-level cell biology and upper-level genetics will be helpful.