I just finished my first year at a rigorous top-20 university. During my first semester, I didn't perform as well as I would've liked (~3.7 overall GPA with a B in Biology/A in BioL/A in Chem/A in ChemL). I tried my best but I think that I was still adjusting to the demands of college and in over my head.
I was much more successful during my second semester and earned a 4.0 GPA while in biology, chemistry, and general education requirements. My GPA for the year is now a mid-3.8, which puts me in the top 10% of my class (give or take). My STEM GPA is also a 3.81 (all As except for the Biology I).
If I were to retake first semester bio, I am confident that I would earn either an A or an A- - bringing my freshman year GPA up to a 3.9-something. Medical schools, however, would see that I retook the first course in the biology sequence.
Do you think that I should retake biology for the pure numerical boost or would it be more worthwhile to show improved performance in upper-level STEM courses (including other bio courses)? My gut tells me that my experience is not unique and that the improved performance will speak for itself, but I also do not want to be disqualified from receiving potential medical school scholarships/competitive opportunities that are largely quantitative (i.e. undergrad scholarships saying people with GPA x and SAT y automatically get a $z scholarship).
Thanks!
I was much more successful during my second semester and earned a 4.0 GPA while in biology, chemistry, and general education requirements. My GPA for the year is now a mid-3.8, which puts me in the top 10% of my class (give or take). My STEM GPA is also a 3.81 (all As except for the Biology I).
If I were to retake first semester bio, I am confident that I would earn either an A or an A- - bringing my freshman year GPA up to a 3.9-something. Medical schools, however, would see that I retook the first course in the biology sequence.
Do you think that I should retake biology for the pure numerical boost or would it be more worthwhile to show improved performance in upper-level STEM courses (including other bio courses)? My gut tells me that my experience is not unique and that the improved performance will speak for itself, but I also do not want to be disqualified from receiving potential medical school scholarships/competitive opportunities that are largely quantitative (i.e. undergrad scholarships saying people with GPA x and SAT y automatically get a $z scholarship).
Thanks!
