Q on grades affecting BCMP GPA

[Aero047]

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Hey,
I didn't do so hot my first semester in college and ending up getting some C's in the courses that will be calculated into my BCMP GPA. I'm kind of worried about this since adcoms take this GPA more seriously. I was just immature and didn't care too much about grades, but I believe I can pull off close to, if not achieve a 4.0 GPA this semester, acing the biology and chemistry requirements. Should I retake the classes that I bombed in first semester or did I just screw up my chances because of this? (By the way, I'm looking into UMDNJ-RWJMS if that helps.)

Thanks, sorry if this post was just a waste of space.

 

[vtucci]

Okay- Cs will not help you but if you have a good explanation- you were working too much or you got over committed to extracurriculars your first semester, the ADCOM will understand. What they will be looking for is evidence of an upward trend. If you maintain a 4.0 in your BCPM from now on (or damn close to it), it will not be a tragic/fatal flaw in your application. Just work your butt off.

Retaking really won't help since the grades will be there anyway and if for whatever reason you don't ace it the second time around it will look worse. Concentrate on nailing your upper level classes (they are supposed to be harder anyway).

 

[Law2Doc]

Hey,
I didn't do so hot my first semester in college and ending up getting some C's in the courses that will be calculated into my BCMP GPA. I'm kind of worried about this since adcoms take this GPA more seriously. I was just immature and didn't care too much about grades, but I believe I can pull off close to, if not achieve a 4.0 GPA this semester, acing the biology and chemistry requirements. Should I retake the classes that I bombed in first semester or did I just screw up my chances because of this? (By the way, I'm looking into UMDNJ-RWJMS if that helps.)

Thanks, sorry if this post was just a waste of space.

I would push on with the remaining courses, maybe taking lighter loads when you take the harder sciences, and see what the total damage is. A couple of C's followed by an upward trend to a lot of A's probably won't kill your chances. If your GPA and BCPM are still lacking at the end, then maybe repeat those classes, perhaps in a postbacc after you finish school. One suggestion -- I wouldn't set your heart on just one or two schools (just yet). Apply to a broad range, and wait till you get acceptances before you decide where you want to attend.

 

[Coronada]

Hey,
I didn't do so hot my first semester in college and ending up getting some C's in the courses that will be calculated into my BCMP GPA. I'm kind of worried about this since adcoms take this GPA more seriously. I was just immature and didn't care too much about grades, but I believe I can pull off close to, if not achieve a 4.0 GPA this semester, acing the biology and chemistry requirements. Should I retake the classes that I bombed in first semester or did I just screw up my chances because of this? (By the way, I'm looking into UMDNJ-RWJMS if that helps.)

Thanks, sorry if this post was just a waste of space.

Hi Aero047,

You definitely did not screw up your chances, especially if you know you can do better from now on. I got a few Cs my sophomore year in college (in classes that affected my BCMP gpa) and ended up retaking those classes. I think retaking these classes not only helped me not only to increase my GPA, but also showed med schools that i was persistent, hardworking, and that i could do better. Med schools definitely look for an upwards trend, so if you decide not to retake, definitely work hard from now on 🙂 good luck to you! 👍