Question regarding "informal" undergraduate classes

[dsan]

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Dear all,

I'm recent graduate of Temple Univ. with a B.S. in biology. I have accumulated poor gpas over the span of 5 years.(cum: 2.72 and BCPM:2.56) I would like to take some science courses, possibly even retake some courses to improve my gpa before I apply to a post- bac program.

It has came to my attention that by taking "informal" undergraduate classes and doing well in them would help improve the gpa. Would i have to apply to the university as a freshman in order to take the classes? Would I be able to waive the application and take the science courses immediately? How would the "informal" classes be considered when applying to post- bac programs?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
dsan

 

[NewmansOwn]

Dear all,

I'm recent graduate of Temple Univ. with a B.S. in biology. I have accumulated poor gpas over the span of 5 years.(cum: 2.72 and BCPM:2.56) I would like to take some science courses, possibly even retake some courses to improve my gpa before I apply to a post- bac program.

It has came to my attention that by taking "informal" undergraduate classes and doing well in them would help improve the gpa. Would i have to apply to the university as a freshman in order to take the classes? Would I be able to waive the application and take the science courses immediately? How would the "informal" classes be considered when applying to post- bac programs?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
dsan

You can most definitely take classes informally without being a degree-seeking student. This is especially doable if you go to your local 4-year state university -- temple, being "state-sponsored," would count, as well.

You will simply enroll in the college or university as a non-degree seeking student and will be permitted to register for classes (usually) as would any undergraduate, though you will not have the benefit of credit seniority and may be forced to register with the latest group. No application is necessary, save maybe a few standard enrollment forms.

Not quite sure what you mean when you ask how the courses will be "considered," but any classes you take will boost your GPA and can only help you. With your low GPA, the option you cite is really your only chance to take classes, as I imagine no formal program would take you. As such, enroll as a non-degree seeking student and do the best you can.

 

[DrMidlife]

I'm recent graduate of Temple Univ. with a B.S. in biology. I have accumulated poor gpas over the span of 5 years.(cum: 2.72 and BCPM:2.56) I would like to take some science courses, possibly even retake some courses to improve my gpa before I apply to a post- bac program.

Hi -

For MD schools, retakes don't wipe out the old grade in GPA calculations. For DO schools, retakes do. In other words, if you're trying for DO schools, retake everything. If you're trying for MD schools, a retake is no better for your GPA than a new course.

You'll want to do a spreadsheet to see how much you can improve your numbers. What it looks like to me, assuming you did 5 years of full time undergrad study, is that you can roughly get up to a 3.0 with 2 more years of full time study at a 3.7. That's overall - I can't guess your science GPA futures. A 3.0 is the realistic minimum undergrad GPA for med school apps. Obviously you can't get into competitive range by taking more undergrad, which I think you've figured out.

Lastly, what do you mean by "postbac program?" You're not eligible for the traditional structured programs like Bryn Mawr or Goucher, because you're already done with the prereqs (or mostly done), and your GPA is too low to get in to such. You are certainly a candidate for a special masters program, where you do most of the first year of med school to prove you can handle med school. These are designed for folks with GPA problems.

Best of luck to you.

 

[DrDre2001]

Did you JUST graduate? Like last week after finals?

I go to Temple too. And also have similar GPA problems. I basically have the same grades as you and I could graduate after summer session 1 next month if i wanted to.

The thing is, I know that i'm going to stay in the fall next year so i can take and re-take classes for the sole purpose of raising my GPA. So i'm not going to do my exit interview and officially graduate.

I'm just going to stay a temple student for another year. I spoke with academic services about this and this seems cool with them.

I think this way will allow me to still have seniority when it comes to picking classes, and i'll still have financial aid. I don't know if you will, since you'll be "coming back" as a non-degree student, while i will have never left Temple in the first place and will basically be a fifth year senior next fall.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Did you JUST graduate? Like last week after finals?

I go to Temple too. And also have similar GPA problems. I basically have the same grades as you and I could graduate after summer session 1 next month if i wanted to.

The thing is, I know that i'm going to stay in the fall next year so i can take and re-take classes for the sole purpose of raising my GPA. So i'm not going to do my exit interview and officially graduate.

I'm just going to stay a temple student for another year. I spoke with academic services about this and this seems cool with them.

I think this way will allow me to still have seniority when it comes to picking classes, and i'll still have financial aid. I don't know if you will, since you'll be "coming back" as a non-degree student, while i will have never left Temple in the first place and will basically be a fifth year senior next fall.

Not a bad idea at all.

OP, you ought to consider this if you're in a similar situation.

 

[plausible]

I think this way will allow me to still have seniority when it comes to picking classes, and i'll still have financial aid. I don't know if you will, since you'll be "coming back" as a non-degree student, while i will have never left Temple in the first place and will basically be a fifth year senior next fall.

I was a "continuing-studies" student at temple and constantly got the shaft when I was trying to sign up for classes. Work hard at making the grade!