Retaking Coursework

[dd1548]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all!

Just a quick question about retaking coursework. If I retake coursework at a community college, would it replace a grade from undergrad, or just average into the total GPA calculation?

For background, I'm looking at mostly DO with a potential few MD. The core classes I didn't do well in are Ochem 1 (I did much better in ochem 2), Calc 2, molecular biology 2, and biochem 2. I majored in biochem, AP'd out of basically all the pre-med requirements, and my program mostly consisted of lab courses and biochem electives taken with the Masters students. I'm currently employed and looking to retake courses before getting a post-bacc/masters.

Thanks!

 

[DrMidlife]

1. Community college work isn't viewed fondly at some med schools. The above could be perceived as an attempt to address a lack of academic excellence by reducing the rigor.
2. All undergrad work gets averaged together, and then sorted out by year. Fr/So/Jr/Sr/Postbac/Grad. Sci/nonsci/overall.
3. MD schools don't forgive the old grade on a retake. That's only a DO thing. However, MD schools will be just as unhappy to see grades lower than a B in hard science. And regardless, both old grade and new grade are on your app.
4. It doesn't matter how you perceive the worth of your education, it matters how it's perceived by reviewers quickly reviewing your app & your transcripts in a very big pile of apps, such as 5000+ for 150 seats. They're not looking for reasons to keep your app, they're looking for reasons to make the pile smaller.
5. Also be aware that no GPA on a transcript is respected by med schools. You have to enter your coursework line by line into the app, which gets verified against official transcripts sent directly from schools.

Search SDN on "low GPA" for further advice. Not taking advantage of the years and years of commentary from those who have succeeded in your situation is a huge mistake and a waste. I'd expect to see you back in reapp asking what you did wrong in a year or two if you don't make yourself into the grownup in charge.

Best of luck to you.