Sliding time rule for post-bacc's?

[toocoolforyou]

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Hey guys,
I've been trolling the post-bacc site for a while and haven't found anything that directly answers this question: How long is long enough for a post-bacc? I have seen posts about 1-2 year programs, but my undergrad GPA wasn't outright terrible (3.2), so I was wondering if taking a full load of classes and really hitting the books for just one semester would count. PS, based on practice tests I think Im headed for a 33-34 on the MCAT.

 

[drizzt3117]

Get your MCAT score, then decide.

 

[toocoolforyou]

Are you saying that if I do score in the mid 30's on the MCAT then a post-bacc would be unneccessary? <fingers crossed>

 

[toocoolforyou]

I don't mean to be rude, but that really didn't tell me anything. The first question, in summation, was would a 1 semster post-bacc do any good. The second question asked if a mid-30's MCAT score would suffice to overcome a 3.2 GPA, presumably for lower to mid-tier schools. Does anyone have concrete evidence or anecdotes that would help me decide either way?

 

[drizzt3117]

Are you saying that if I do score in the mid 30's on the MCAT then a post-bacc would be unneccessary? <fingers crossed>

No, what I'm saying is get your MCAT score first. As I've said before, predicting your MCAT score is like predicting lottery numbers. SDN is filled of people who said they thought they'd score in the mid 30s that scored in the mid 20s.

 

[toocoolforyou]

See, but there is no way to know that. Generally, it is extremely difficult to get over a low GPA. What EC's do you have? What is your science GPA? Do you have any upward trends? If you want a straight answer, in my opinion, a 33-34 alone will not make up for a significantly substandard GPA (3.3 or less). Since SMPs are pretty much 'last-chances', I wouldn't recommend that.

Yes, significant upward trend. 2.5 freshman year. 3.45 Senior year. BCPM around there, too. Two years paid clinical experience, worked 20 hours/week while taking full class load. Internship (100 hours shadowing MD), and volunteer work in war zones (not kidding).

Another question is how much will your GPA go up with straight A's for a semester? If its going to improve significantly (3.2-3.3), then I would go for it, but if it's going to go from a 3.2 to a 3.23, I wouldn't recommend it.

I was under the impression a post-bacc would count toward a seperate GPA.

Thanks for your opinion guys 😉

 

[drizzt3117]

I was under the impression a post-bacc would count toward a seperate GPA.

Thanks for your opinion guys 😉

Postbac GPA is listed separately but it counts into your cumulative undergrad GPA which may be regarded with higher importance by med schools.

 

[Maxprime]

Calculate your GPA after a year of solid work at a post-bacc.

Compare your future stats with the MSAR.

Decide what kind of chance you have.

A 33 will not overcome a 3.2 from what I've seen, unless you live in a state with easier schools to get into.

I think the million dollar question is - what better thing do you have to do?

 

[yogurtsoul]

I am currently in a post-bac program and it is my understanding that your post-bacc gpa is completely separate. Med schools will see both your undergrad gpa and your post-bacc gpa. Also, I am not an admissions person, but one semester of classes even if it is a 4.0 will not prove to med schools you are able to tackle the rigors of med school courses. Along with your post-bac gpa, they will also evaluate the number of units you took.

A mid-30s MCAT score is great, but a 3.2 gpa is something that may be difficult to be considered. With these stats though, you would be highly competitive for a post-bac program.

good luck!

 

[drizzt3117]

I am currently in a post-bac program and it is my understanding that your post-bacc gpa is completely separate. Med schools will see both your undergrad gpa and your post-bacc gpa. Also, I am not an admissions person, but one semester of classes even if it is a 4.0 will not prove to med schools you are able to tackle the rigors of med school courses. Along with your post-bac gpa, they will also evaluate the number of units you took.

A mid-30s MCAT score is great, but a 3.2 gpa is something that may be difficult to be considered. With these stats though, you would be highly competitive for a post-bac program.

good luck!

They will see both your post-bac and undergrad GPA, but most schools are going to consider candidates by cGPA and MCAT as the primary stats because that's what shows up in the rankings. That said, good postbac GPA is going to be useful in showing an upward trend and the ability to do well in the sciences.

 

[drizzt3117]

Cumulative GPA will include both your undergrad and post-bac grades (assuming the post-bac is all undergrad courses).

On AMCAS, there's a section for undergraduate cumulative and also post-baccalaureate undergrad (that is separate from cumulative uGPA) which is what the poster above was asking, I believe.

 

[drizzt3117]

Ah, but I thought your 'final' cum. and sci. GPA included both?

Yes... for those who haven't applied yet, this is what the AMCAS grade page looks like.

Yes that is my AMCAS but...umm...edited a bit.

As you can see, postbac GPA has its own section.

 

[drizzt3117]

Thanks, thats how I thought it worked. Post-bac is separated out as a separate year (e.g freshman, sophomore, etc.) but it is still counted in your undergrad cum. gpa. Thanks. 🙂

EDIT: High school? What the hell? God, I really really don't want to give out my high school transcript?

The high school section is for college courses taken in high school. And yes, I did have 20 credits of college courses taken during HS (at 4.0) which definitely helped my cGPA.