Retake four undergrad classes or attend a masters program?

[fingergunz]

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Hi all!

My girlfriend is looking to pursue a career in medicine. She's been accepted to a masters program (USF's MSMS program); however, she's also considering retaking four undergraduate classes that she earned C's in as well.

If she retakes the four the C's her DO cGPA will increase from 3.23 to 3.41.

Cost and time wise, she'd be much better off retaking the four courses and acing them. What do you guys think she should do? What will give her a better chance when applying to medical school the following year?

Thanks!

 

[ZedsDed]

A 3.4 is the average GPA of DO matriculants. I'm guessing retaking those classes probably cost less than the 40k or so she'll spend on an SMP. So yeah, I would retake the classes.

 

[fingergunz]

Do you think retaking the four classes to improve her undergraduate GPA will result in having a better chance at getting into medical school as opposed to doing the MS MS program and doing well?

 

[fingergunz]

Anyone?

 

[onsager]

is she only applying DO? what's her mcat score?

 

[fingergunz]

I think she's open to both MD and DO schools. She applied in 2009 (I think) with a 29 on the MCAT.

 

[NonTrad16]

<3.5 is tough for MD programs, even with a great MCAT. The SMP (MSMS) would likely be required if she wants to attend an MD school, but it would be at large expense and not guaranteed; she'd need to do very well in the program, and improve the MCAT by a couple points. Regardless, she'd need to retake since the score is too old. Grade replacement for DO schools seems more realistic, but would still require a new MCAT (and likely biochem and/or a psych/soc course). The MSMS program would not be required for DO schools... given the two options I'd sooner save cash and pursue the DO programs...