Retaking Classes

[LINYKid]

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I was just wondering for those of you that have re-taken classes is 4-5 too many? Are schools going to hold a strike against you for it. FYI of the classes I am possibly going to retake most of them are liberal arts or biz classes [except for 1 science] Any advice would be appreciated. thanks

 

[cabinbuilder]

Personally I wouldn't retake any classes (unless it's an F) if it's not the science requirement needed for medical school. The science GPA is what matters, not the liberal arts. Why waste the time and money if that GPA is not counted in AACOMAS??? I took many of my science courses over multipletimes and still got into DO school. You need to look at the big picture of what med school requires.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Personally I wouldn't retake any classes (unless it's an F) if it's not the science requirement needed for medical school. The science GPA is what matters, not the liberal arts. Why waste the time and money if that GPA is not counted in AACOMAS??? I took many of my science courses over multipletimes and still got into DO school. You need to look at the big picture of what med school requires.

I didn't know that liberal arts was not counted on the AACOMAS. Interesting. However, medical schools do see all your grades, so if there are multiple Cs (or lower) on it, it'll raise a suspicion. IMO, I would try to put my best foot forward. Don't accumulate too many Cs (or below) on your transcript. Four to five seems like a lot. The retakes mask your old score on the AACOMAS (DO Schools)

Be prepared to answer questions on your transcript if you have too many Cs and below. Ask your premed counselor if you have one.

 

[cabinbuilder]

I just meant that the science GPA is the most important part of applying to meidcal school. I would not waste my time and money trying to bring up a C in art per se. That's all. Yes, the med school sees all of your grades that you have ever taken. However, a C in some liberal arts course gets the look over while a C in organic does not. Take over the Organic, not the other if you have to choose. If your science GPA is sitting above a 3.3 then don't really stress a lower non-science GPA. A C in English or art or music is ok.

 

[LINYKid]

I still havent taken all of my science prereq's but have done well so far in them. My non-sci gpa is below 3.0 so thats why I was asking about the retakes.
Lets say I have a sci gpa of close to 3.4ish but non-sci I should have at about a 3.0 once I calculate eerything. My c's [except for 1]are mostly in biz classes or lib arts from my undergrad degree [1 science c but retook it and got an a].
Would a sci gpa os 3.4ish but a much lower general gpa constitute me as a candidate for nycom [1st choice], umdnj, nsucom, or will such a low general gpa be looked at as a strike agaiinst me.
Also a for science classes I am taking the prereq's [since i have my biz degree] at a local cc does that hurt me as well? I spoke to NYCOM and they said it didnt matter where I took my prereq's but Im not sure if thats 100% reality.
thx

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I just meant that the science GPA is the most important part of applying to meidcal school. I would not waste my time and money trying to bring up a C in art per se. That's all. Yes, the med school sees all of your grades that you have ever taken. However, a C in some liberal arts course gets the look over while a C in organic does not. Take over the Organic, not the other if you have to choose. If your science GPA is sitting above a 3.3 then don't really stress a lower non-science GPA. A C in English or art or music is ok.

I do see your point. The BCPM is important over the AO. English is often a prerequisite to medical schools, so don't look over this grade. Cs are okay, just try not to get too many of them. Retake Cs in the science courses and/or English.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

I still havent taken all of my science prereq's but have done well so far in them. My non-sci gpa is below 3.0 so thats why I was asking about the retakes.
Lets say I have a sci gpa of close to 3.4ish but non-sci I should have at about a 3.0 once I calculate eerything. My c's [except for 1]are mostly in biz classes or lib arts from my undergrad degree [1 science c but retook it and got an a].
Would a sci gpa os 3.4ish but a much lower general gpa constitute me as a candidate for nycom [1st choice], umdnj, nsucom, or will such a low general gpa be looked at as a strike agaiinst me.
Also a for science classes I am taking the prereq's [since i have my biz degree] at a local cc does that hurt me as well? I spoke to NYCOM and they said it didnt matter where I took my prereq's but Im not sure if thats 100% reality.
thx

Much lower overall GPA is relative. Many of the DO schools have a minimum overall GPA. I do not know them offhand, but they are on the websites. Okay, I did a quick look up. Feel free to confirm them yourself.

UMDNJ - Desired science and cum GPA - 3.0
NSUCOM - Preference will be given to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
NYCOM - Cum and science GPA - 2.75

There are exceptions every year, but try to aim higher than 3.0. It will hurt you if your GPA falls below 3.0. You don't want to be an exception.

Taking courses outside your regular instituion will not hurt as long as its accredited. You must obtain transcripts from all colleges and universities that you attend. Keep that in mind. So, it is 100% reality. Hope this helps.

 

[LINYKid]

Thanks for the stats. My overall gpa should end up being in the low 3's, with my sci grades it bring it to almost 3.0 but I still have some more science to go. I am still a bit away from the MCAT's but Im hoping my higher sci gpa will offset my low average non-sci gpa.
As far as classes at different institutions go I have my bachelors in biz so Im just taking my science classes now.
Also do grad school credits count towards the AACOM GPA calulaction I have some A's in MBA math classes.

I have seen a lot of posters with good stats on the NYCOM waitlist so that does worry me a bit.

thx again

Much lower overall GPA is relative. Many of the DO schools have a minimum overall GPA. I do not know them offhand, but they are on the websites. Okay, I did a quick look up. Feel free to confirm them yourself.

UMDNJ - Desired science and cum GPA - 3.0
NSUCOM - Preference will be given to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
NYCOM - Cum and science GPA - 2.75

There are exceptions every year, but try to aim higher than 3.0. It will hurt you if your GPA falls below 3.0. You don't want to be an exception.

Taking courses outside your regular instituion will not hurt as long as its accredited. You must obtain transcripts from all colleges and universities that you attend. Keep that in mind. So, it is 100% reality. Hope this helps.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Thanks for the stats. My overall gpa should end up being in the low 3's, with my sci grades it bring it to almost 3.0 but I still have some more science to go. I am still a bit away from the MCAT's but Im hoping my higher sci gpa will offset my low average non-sci gpa.
As far as classes at different institutions go I have my bachelors in biz so Im just taking my science classes now.
Also do grad school credits count towards the AACOM GPA calulaction I have some A's in MBA math classes.

I have seen a lot of posters with good stats on the NYCOM waitlist so that does worry me a bit.

thx again

Are you taking your classes as a post bac? Graduate courses and post bac courses do not count towards your AACOMAS. Therefore, I believe your uGPA is what is going to be counted. Of course there will be your uGrad GPA and your post bac and/or graduated school GPA. Make sure your postbac GPA is good. However, I don't profess that I am an expert on the AACOMAS, I know the AMCAS better.

 

[LINYKid]

Im not sure if I am answering right but since I allready have a Bachelors but no science classes [was a biz major] I am just taking classes as a non-degree student since I allready have my degree. Will that count towards my AACOMAS gpa?

Are you taking your classes as a post bac? Graduate courses and post bac courses do not count towards your AACOMAS. Therefore, I believe your uGPA is what is going to be counted. Of course there will be your uGrad GPA and your post bac and/or graduated school GPA. Make sure your postbac GPA is good. However, I don't profess that I am an expert on the AACOMAS, I know the AMCAS better.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Im not sure if I am answering right but since I allready have a Bachelors but no science classes [was a biz major] I am just taking classes as a non-degree student since I allready have my degree. Will that count towards my AACOMAS gpa?

Okay, I got confirmation from someone else. Taking courses beyond your uGrad degree are considered post bac if you're not in a degree program (masters, phd, etc..)Thus for the AMCAS and AACOMAS, post bac grades will be separated from the other years. However, since you're taking the majority to all your science courses post bac, your science GPA will be mainly comprised of your post bac course grades. It will be factored into both your science and cumulative GPA.

To sum it up, there is a separation of your post bac course grades/gpa on the application. Your science GPA will be calculated based on your post bac courses. And it will count towards your AACOMAS GPA. Hope this wasn't too confusing.

 

[Gabby]

Im not sure if I am answering right but since I allready have a Bachelors but no science classes [was a biz major] I am just taking classes as a non-degree student since I allready have my degree. Will that count towards my AACOMAS gpa?

Your post-bacc classes WILL be averaged in with your undergrad GPA. Say you have a 3.0 undergrad GPA with 120 credits and you take 32 credits post-bacc and get all A's. All those A's will be averaged into your undergrad GPA and your number of credits for undergrad will now be 152.

Graduate level classes will not count towards your undergrad GPA, however.

 

[LINYKid]

thx for all the clarification.
do many schools take a look at your post-bacc gpa seperately if it it substantially higher?

Your post-bacc classes WILL be averaged in with your undergrad GPA. Say you have a 3.0 undergrad GPA with 120 credits and you take 32 credits post-bacc and get all A's. All those A's will be averaged into your undergrad GPA and your number of credits for undergrad will now be 152.

Graduate level classes will not count towards your undergrad GPA, however.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

thx for all the clarification.
do many schools take a look at your post-bacc gpa seperately if it it substantially higher?

It will be separate from your post-bac gpa. If your post-bac GPA is substantially higher, they will keep it in consideration providing that you had an active courseload (a number of courses and not just one at a time). Why? Because they want to see whether you can juggle multiple classes, not just concentrating on one at a time.

 

[cabinbuilder]

It will be separate from your post-bac gpa. If your post-bac GPA is substantially higher, they will keep it in consideration providing that you had an active courseload (a number of courses and not just one at a time). Why? Because they want to see whether you can juggle multiple classes, not just concentrating on one at a time.

This is exactly how I got into medical school. I did all the pre-req's in one year 3 years after I got my bachelors. So I took:

Inorganic w/lab (2 sems)
organic (2 sems)
organic lab 2nd sem
physics w/lab (2 sems)
biochem 1st sem


My biology, math, english were good. I also worked a 32 hour week. My post bacc classes were scored separately. I showed I could hold my own with a full load and full time work. Med school really considers this especially if your undergrad grades are poor and your science GPA is low.

Think of post bacc as starting with a clean slate, take the courses that are required for med school admission and get A's. You should do fine. Good luck.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

This is exactly how I got into medical school. I did all the pre-req's in one year 3 years after I got my bachelors. So I took:

Inorganic w/lab (2 sems)
organic (2 sems)
organic lab 2nd sem
physics w/lab (2 sems)
biochem 1st sem


My biology, math, english were good. I also worked a 32 hour week. My post bacc classes were scored separately. I showed I could hold my own with a full load and full time work. Med school really considers this especially if your undergrad grades are poor and your science GPA is low.

Think of post bacc as starting with a clean slate, take the courses that are required for med school admission and get A's. You should do fine. Good luck.

👍 A late congratulations! It is important to show that you're able to juggle a life and a good number of classes. "Everyone" can get an A while just taking one course. Follow cabin's example.

 

[erleichda]

Quick question about retaking courses. I'm a Molecular Biology & Biochemistry major. I got a D in my first semester of intro to bio, but I got B+'s and A's in more advanced bio courses which had the intro course as a requirement. My school didn't allow retakes unless you failed, so I never did. I have a ton of biology courses with B's and A's. So would I need to retake the first semester of intro, or do the schools just require 8 semester hours of ANY bio?

.

 

[LINYKid]

I'm no expert but I copied the info below from NYCOM's website I believe it is similar for most schools and a basic bio is ok

Applicants must have completed an acceptable academic year sequence, with a grade of “C” or
better, in the following pre-requisite courses:
• English: 6 semester hrs.
• Biology, including a basic course in general biology or general zoology (lecture and laboratory): 8
semester hours
• General Chemistry (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours
• Organic Chemistry (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours
• Physics (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours

Quick question about retaking courses. I'm a Molecular Biology & Biochemistry major. I got a D in my first semester of intro to bio, but I got B+'s and A's in more advanced bio courses which had the intro course as a requirement. My school didn't allow retakes unless you failed, so I never did. I have a ton of biology courses with B's and A's. So would I need to retake the first semester of intro, or do the schools just require 8 semester hours of ANY bio?

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

Quick question about retaking courses. I'm a Molecular Biology & Biochemistry major. I got a D in my first semester of intro to bio, but I got B+'s and A's in more advanced bio courses which had the intro course as a requirement. My school didn't allow retakes unless you failed, so I never did. I have a ton of biology courses with B's and A's. So would I need to retake the first semester of intro, or do the schools just require 8 semester hours of ANY bio?

Any bio. For example, some high school students take AP courses in biology, so they are exempt from taking intro bio courses. As a result, they would need to take upper level bio courses to satisfy the requirements for medical school...genetics, anatomy, ecology courses, etc...What LINY stated is the "standard" but check with the schools you're going to be applying to.

So, if you take advanced courses in bio, you should have met the requirement. I'm sorry that they don't allow you to take intro bio first semester. You could try taking it outside your undergrad institution. Best of luck.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Quick question about retaking courses. I'm a Molecular Biology & Biochemistry major. I got a D in my first semester of intro to bio, but I got B+'s and A's in more advanced bio courses which had the intro course as a requirement. My school didn't allow retakes unless you failed, so I never did. I have a ton of biology courses with B's and A's. So would I need to retake the first semester of intro, or do the schools just require 8 semester hours of ANY bio?

Before matriculating to medical school it is required that all prereq classes be a C or higher. A C- and below the class MUST be retaken until a C or higher is achieved. You should retake the required course at another school. A CC is fine. Call the admissions office of your top choice for medical school to confirm.

 

[Raven Feather]

At my university, bio majors HAD to have at least a C in all bio/chem/phys courses or they had no choice to retake--they would not graduate them if they didn't. I bet you can retake that class, it is YOUR money and time--they might not replace the most recent grade as far as your GPA, but AACOMAS will. I believe you can retake regardless. It is your perogative.

 

[HemaOncoDoc]

At my university, bio majors HAD to have at least a C in all bio/chem/phys courses or they had no choice to retake--they would not graduate them if they didn't. I bet you can retake that class, it is YOUR money and time--they might not replace the most recent grade as far as your GPA, but AACOMAS will. I believe you can retake regardless. It is your perogative.

Same here. Perhaps my uGrad was more strict. A student could not accumulate more than one C from a course in your major or you'll be on academic probation.