Shooting for MD-- a few questions about Harvard Extension for GPA boost

[mcatobsessed]

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Hey Everyone!

I need to boost my AMCAS gpa and want to retake first semester ochem and physics (B- on both). I've heard great things about the profs at harvard extension, but I have a few questions about the actual app when it comes time. I know for MD post bac classes don't actually 'replace' your undergrad grades, but they boost your AMCAS gpa, correct?

Does anyone know how they specifically view taking post bac classes to cover for lower grades in the past? I would assume they like it, but I'm wondering what the consensus was!

 

[el_duderino]

Retaking o chem 1 and physics 1 after you've gotten a B- in them, and presumably taken o chem 2 and physics 2, seems silly. If you're going to try to boost your AMCAS GPA by taking extra classes, take new classes.

 

[mcatobsessed]

Right, I really agree with you!

But does anyone know whether ADCOMs want to see that you retook specific classes and got higher grades (presumably higher, not trying to make any bold predictions) OR would a GPA boost from science classes I want to do be enough?

 

[deleted248403]

Right, I really agree with you!

But does anyone know whether ADCOMs want to see that you retook specific classes and got higher grades (presumably higher, not trying to make any bold predictions) OR would a GPA boost from science classes I want to do be enough?

At the level of a B-, you don't need to retake them.

And every Adcom is different so there is no magic answer.

I would just do upper level classes assuming you have a somewhat decent GPA now (cGPA >3.3)

 

[death prophet]

If you're looking for a GPA boost then you might want to look around a bit more. A's in the pre-med classes aren't easy at Harvard Extension. Very much doable, but not easy.

 

[mcatobsessed]

Oh I'm sorry, yes I didn't mean to come across arrogant like I can get straight As there. Honestly, the courses looked really interesting and I was kind of hoping for the 'don't redo the classes' answer, because classes on epigenetics and neurobiology seem much more interesting!

Thank you robflanker, I've been reading your stuff on the low gpa thread and you give out really good advice.