Should I retake? Please help

[timaq]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I have a 3.01 sGPA and 3.05cGPA. Good EC's and LOR's. I'm taking the MCAT May 21st and shooting for a 30+. If I retake an old biology class where I got a C+ and turn it into an A my GPA would turn into a 3.09 science and 3.08 cumulative. However, it wouldn't post to my transcript until late June. I was hoping to apply June 1st through AACOMAS pending my MCAT score. So if I retook I wouldnt be submitting my application until the beginning of July. Is it worth it for me to retake this bio class? I know applying as early as possible is really important for someone with my stats. Thanks a lot for your input.

 

[Postal]

I have a 3.01 sGPA and 3.05cGPA. Good EC's and LOR's. I'm taking the MCAT May 21st and shooting for a 30+. If I retake an old biology class where I got a C+ and turn it into an A my GPA would turn into a 3.09 science and 3.08 cumulative. However, it wouldn't post to my transcript until late June. I was hoping to apply June 1st through AACOMAS pending my MCAT score. So if I retook I wouldnt be submitting my application until the beginning of July. Is it worth it for me to retake this bio class? I know applying as early as possible is really important for someone with my stats. Thanks a lot for your input.

Well, personally, I don't think an increase from 3.01 to 3.09 is really worth a retake. I would focus all of my energy on killing the MCAT and applying early.

 

[aSagacious]

Well, personally, I don't think an increase from 3.01 to 3.09 is really worth a retake. I would focus all of my energy on killing the MCAT and applying early.

Agreed, I school is unlikely to think differently of you because of a 0.08 increase in GPA. You could also submit your primary, retake the class, and then send in the updated transcript later in the application cycle.

 

[Sinfest]

Agreed, I school is unlikely to think differently of you because of a 0.08 increase in GPA. You could also submit your primary, retake the class, and then send in the updated transcript later in the application cycle.

This is what I would do.

 

[timaq]

Agreed, I school is unlikely to think differently of you because of a 0.08 increase in GPA. You could also submit your primary, retake the class, and then send in the updated transcript later in the application cycle.

So in that case, schools would have my application and just be waiting for my update in order to make a decision? Wouldn't that be the same as just applying later in the cycle?

 

[Sinfest]

So in that case, schools would have my application and just be waiting for my update in order to make a decision? Wouldn't that be the same as just applying later in the cycle?

No. Most, if not all, schools will continue with your application.

 

[SLC]

So in that case, schools would have my application and just be waiting for my update in order to make a decision? Wouldn't that be the same as just applying later in the cycle?

No they'll push you through the app process, and you can update them as the grades come in. Don't stress, you'll get a ton of secondary prompts in June, and by the time the schools get them into processing you'll be able to update them if you're anything like me, you may not even have them all done by the time your transcript is updated.

But know this, a 0.08 increase in GPA is probably not worth the time, effort, or cost in my opinion. You'll still be below average at all schools, but if you get a good MCAT, combined with your strong EC's and LOR's you'll have your chances. The new grade probably won't matter either way in the end.

 

[Sinfest]

I don't know why everyone is saying this, but a 0.08 increase in GPA just from retaking one class is HUGE. Sure, a 3.09 is not a good sGPA, but it's certainly better than a 3.01.

As an underdog you will need to improve your application in any way possible. Own the MCAT and retake the class.

 

[timaq]

It kind of looks like a big increase to me too Sinfest. I think I'll take the class. I'll still submit my app in June and then just send in an update in July. Thanks for your help.

 

[blinkboy1156]

Well, personally, I don't think an increase from 3.01 to 3.09 is really worth a retake. I would focus all of my energy on killing the MCAT and applying early.

This.

 

[mnoon1]

I don't know why everyone is saying this, but a 0.08 increase in GPA just from retaking one class is HUGE. Sure, a 3.09 is not a good sGPA, but it's certainly better than a 3.01.

As an underdog you will need to improve your application in any way possible. Own the MCAT and retake the class.

👍 well said

 

[NurWollen]

With just two semesters of half my credits being retakes I was able to bring my sGPA up from a 2.6 to a 3.1... it's a 3.2 now and that is huge.