Re-taking a course you already did well in...

[CognitiveSci]

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Hey guys,

I've got a quick question. Not going in to detail, but I've had a rough UG experience that has resulted in my sGPA being <3.0. I can bring the GPA up to exactly a 3.0 by the time I complete my post-bacc in the Spring, but only if I take a few extra science classes at my local CC (in addition to the upper-level courses I'm doing at university). Problem is, there are not that many science classes I haven't taken yet. Obviously, I'm not taking any upper-level courses at the CC. My question is, would it look horrible for me to re-take Bio 1 at CC, even though I already made an A in it at university? It's like the only lower-level course available for me to take right now, and I absolutely need the credits to pull my sGPA up to a 3.0.

Any input would be appreciated, especially from the adcoms.

 

[Psai]

If you're trying to prove to adcoms that you can handle medical school, you can see how an obvious ploy to bring up your gpa does not help your argument. No one will be impressed by a 3.0

 

[Promethean]

Retaking the same course won't affect your GPA significantly, especially if you already did well in it.

If you need to get your grades up in order to be allowed to take additional courses, that is one thing. I had a sub-2.o GPA at one point early on. I had to take a couple ridiculous classes that I could have easily tested out of, partially to get that GPA up so that I could take a full course load the next term. That is one issue.

But if you are hoping that retaking a course you already got an A in will affect your GPA calculations on your application... sadly, I don't think it will help you at all, and will only lead to questions about why you would do that.

 

[Promethean]

If you want to bring up your GPA like a rocket, retake courses that you got Cs or worse in and apply DO. DO schools allow you to retake courses and use only the most recent grade in GPA calculation. MD schools don't do this, but if your heart is set on MD, you are going to have a rough go of it anyhow with such a low GPA.

 

[Goro]

Horrible, no. Stupid? Yes.

Take something that interests you. English Lit? History? Poli Sci???

Hey guys,

I've got a quick question. Not going in to detail, but I've had a rough UG experience that has resulted in my sGPA being <3.0. I can bring the GPA up to exactly a 3.0 by the time I complete my post-bacc in the Spring, but only if I take a few extra science classes at my local CC (in addition to the upper-level courses I'm doing at university). Problem is, there are not that many science classes I haven't taken yet. Obviously, I'm not taking any upper-level courses at the CC. My question is, would it look horrible for me to re-take Bio 1 at CC, even though I already made an A in it at university? It's like the only lower-level course available for me to take right now, and I absolutely need the credits to pull my sGPA up to a 3.0.

Any input would be appreciated, especially from the adcoms.

 

[Biochemistry2014]

I think a SMP may be something to think about in the future

 

[CognitiveSci]

Thanks for the response, everyone!

Alright, point well-taken; I won't be taking the Bio course. However, I do still need a BCPM class to get my sGPA over a 3.0, so I'll have to start looking into math courses, such as Calc 3.

I'm under no illusion that a 3.0 is even half-way competitive, but I do know that if I even want to stand a chance, I have to have AT LEAST a 3.0 (for MD admissions). Do you all think the fact that I will have ~67 credits complete with a ~3.8 GPA (all upper-level sciences/math) within just a year help my cause? My ECs and such are all aligned, and I won't be taking the MCAT until April. Also, I've got a story, not just blatant incompetence here (which I will explain on my applications).

EDIT: I have absolutely NO MONEY to even be thinking about an SMP; I'm flat out broke and have enough loans as is.

 

[GreenDuck12]

It's hard to give you very specific advice as you have not posted your stats and have not taken the mcat nor have you stated your state of residence or URM status. To be frank, a 3.0 sGPA is not going to do it for MD or DO schools, even with an upward trend. Med school is incredibly competitive and you need to respect your competition. You will need to take some time after graduating to take classes, volunteer, crush mcat, in order to get your application in order (think 2-3 years).

If you want to apply to MD schools you need to:
- Demonstrate an ability to handle the coursework by taking multiple semesters of rigorous science courses and earn high grades
- Earn a significantly above average MCAT to dispel the idea that your abilities are equal to your GPA
- Have a stellar app in all other regards and great letters of rec
- Luck. Lots of luck. Even 3.5 candidates need this.
This route is going to be long, hard, and cost quite a bit of money.

If you want to apply to DO schools you need to:
-Use the DO grade replacement policy and retake all F/D/C courses and earn A grades (this will significantly increase your GPA)
-Earn a solid MCAT score
-Volunteer and shadow an osteopathic physician
-Have a stellar app and great letters of rec
This route will be quicker (still years) as your can raise your GPA using the grade replacement policy. Osteopathic medicine may make it more difficult for your to match into one of the highly competitive residencies but if you do well on step tests and in school you can find yourself in a fulfilling and rewarding residency and career

For more, check out the non-trad forum. There are many cases similar to yours. Best of luck.

 

[md-2020]

@GreenDuck12 has great advice. There is literally a zero chance for you right now, if you're broke don't waste your money applying. You will need some sort of SMP/DIY post-bacc/grade replacement if you want to be a doctor.

This imaginary "3.0 line" you seem to have drawn in your mind actually means nothing.

 

[moisne]

Just apply DO and retake your poor classes. Don't repeat a class that you did well in - they will be like "WTF? Diplopia? What's wrong with this girl?"

 

[CognitiveSci]

Thanks again for the replies everyone!

Sorry for not making this clear earlier, but I am currently in a post-bacc; I started my own DIY post-bacc this summer. I already have a degree that I completed in May, so in that sense, I'm non-traditional. By the time I finish my post-bacc in the Spring, I should have 67 credits complete with (hopefully) a 3.8 GPA. Also:

- TX resident
- URM (black female)

My story: I did so poorly in undergrad due to crappy family, legal, and financial circumstances. During my freshman year, my family began to struggle due to the legal implications of the dubious business my step-father had gotten himself into. During that time, I was also dealing with the court system in trying to get my biological father to pay child support. All these things combined spelled a horrid financial bind for my family. I had to get a job where I was working full time just help keep the lights on. During the beginning of my junior year, my step-dad decided the best way for him to get out of his legal issues was to flee the country. So then, it became about helping my mom support my younger siblings. Things got so bad during my junior year that I almost dropped out, but my mom was vehemently against that decision that she told me if I did, I would have to move out and pay for everything myself, including my tuition if I ever decided to go back to school. Her logic was that I would be too preoccupied with work and not want to go back to school (she's an immigrant so my getting my degree when I was supposed to was very important to her). So instead of dropping out, I switched into an easier major that didn't require too work much outside of the lecture hall to pass, that way I could continue working full-time and help my family out. I also, stupidly, decided to take on heavy schedules in hopes of graduating early (which didn't happen because I had to complete a minor in order to graduate).

Anyway, I graduated with a 2.6 cGPA and an even worse sGPA. My mom picked up two more jobs, so I was able to cut back on my hours after graduation. If everything goes according to plan, I can pull both GPAs above a 3.0. It's obviously not ideal, or even remotely competitive, but given all the credits I already have, it's really the best I can do.

Knowing these facts, is there anything else you all suggest I do?

 

[CognitiveSci]

You can only present the story that you have making a contrast of what you were like before to the current academic achievements. It is a big hurdle but you wouldnt be the first applicant with an atypical story and background. It is how you make the application a coherent, concise and compelling narrative showing your pattern of motivation, commitment , and achievement. This why I tend to avoid the nearly compulsive neurosis on numbers that most premeds have when I deal with the complex lives that many nontrads have. Yes, its a challenge. You cant change the past and only focus on the future

I'm afraid my efforts won't be enough. So while my extreme upward trend is impressive, how else can I show the adcoms that I'm serious? I was on uneven playing field for a while, but things have kind of (not completely) evened out now, and I'm doing MUCH better. All of the classes I did poorly in where simply because I did not have the time or physical energy to study, not because I couldn't grasp the subject. Hopefully, my performance in my upper level classes will convey that.

Thanks

 

[GreenDuck12]

There is not a single person on here who will guarantee that anything will be enough for a certain school. You're right, you were dealt a really challenging hand with very real and legitimate challenges. But you still have to demonstrate that you have the academic fitness to make it through medical school. By having multiple semesters of high academic achievement and a solid MCAT score, you can become a competitive applicant at both MD and DO schools (DO will still be quicker). Remember though, 40% of all medical schools applicants do not get into a program in the end. Competition is fierce. Try and create the strongest application you have by making high academic achievement, solid MCAT and extra curriculums (volunteer work, job, shadowing, etc). Focus on the things you can do now and worry about the admissions process after taking several semesters of classes. The doors to medical school are never shut, it's just a matter of whether or not you're willing to do the work to have them open for you. Best of luck.

I'm afraid my efforts won't be enough. So while my extreme upward trend is impressive, how else can I show the adcoms that I'm serious? I was on uneven playing field for a while, but things have kind of (not completely) evened out now, and I'm doing MUCH better. All of the classes I did poorly in where simply because I did not have the time or physical energy to study, not because I couldn't grasp the subject. Hopefully, my performance in my upper level classes will convey that.

Thanks