Science GPA - Just a number, or do the ACTUAL classes that compose it matter?

[Marjan Islam]

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I know med. schools look at your science GPA closely, and it better be close to your cum. GPA. That's all good and well, but my science GPA is buffered with 4 semesters of Undergraduate Research (BY 398 - 3 credit hours). So, that's a lotta help to boost the science GPA up!

I was wondering if this'll look bad? My science GPA is pretty good, but it's buffered. I got B's in OChem I and II, and Gen. Chem. I and II, and a few in the upper bio. classes. I got A's in all labs, and the majority of my bio. classes (I'm a bio. major). Will all this buffer make my science GPA not as good as it seems?

I've also heard that medical schools look at your grade in OChem. strongly (or atleast stronger than other science classes). Is this true? My OChem. teachers told us this.

 

[funkymunkytoes]

I would imagine it being more than just a number, but it could very well be just that. Maybe they demarcate certain points in your academic career, like your pre-req GPA vs. science GPA vs. total GPA, etc. Who knows!

 

[kingofthehill]

I'm surprised they let you count that BY 398 class four times for credit. Anyway, I'm sure they'll notice this, though I can't for sure if it will look bad or just blah. You said you're a bio major, so you should have quite a bit of upper-level bio courses factored into your GPA by the time you apply, right? If you do well in those courses that WILL look good, I know that much.

Edit: Oh, as for ochem, I've heard that too, but I know several people who've gotten in with a B in one or both semesters, but it could be they had high grades in other science classes. Idk

 

[mmmcdowe]

I think both. They like high numbers, but if you can do it with a lot of tough classes that is a plus too.

 

[146233]

You'll be fine. And don't worry about B's in OChem. It has nothing to do with medical school courses anyway. Move forward and keep doing well.

 

[BTC]

Do you have the prereqs?
Have you demonstrated success, interest, and a reason for taking the courses?

If so, then you have nothing to worry about. There are many physics and engineering majors who are very jealous of you.

 

[WiseGuy1]

Marjan, I told you about fluffing your transcript! You'll never get in! Try nursing school instead. Just kidding. (This is Thame). I think you'll be fine, man. As long as your sGPA is good and you've done well in most of your upper-level bios, I think you'll be fine.