Summer Classes

[adrian710]

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Already sent in my transcripts to AACOMAS and they have received them but I am enrolled in 11 science credits I would like to be included in my sGPA especially. After my grades have been finalized in early August or whatever, am I supposed to send them a new transcript?

Side note, can I send out a new transcript to them after my session 1 summer classes are over? And then again when my session 2 classes are over?

Thanks!

 

[MedNation907]

Yep! That's what I did. I only had 1 summer session but I don't see why you couldn't send them a new transcript after each session.

 

[adrian710]

Yep! That's what I did. I only had 1 summer session but I don't see why you couldn't send them a new transcript after each session.

Yeah just to keep them updated. Maybe it's overkill but I would be more comfortable doing that. Another quick question, do I update my grade in AACOMAS after my classes are done for session 1 or 2, like in the actual app or by then I will have sent it in and you don't update it like that anymore.

 

[Major]

After you hit "submit" on AACOMAS, you can't update your grades and gpa until September

 

[MedNation907]

Yeah just to keep them updated. Maybe it's overkill but I would be more comfortable doing that. Another quick question, do I update my grade in AACOMAS after my classes are done for session 1 or 2, like in the actual app or by then I will have sent it in and you don't update it like that anymore.

Yeah that's fine, I don't think it's overkill. I did both by the way -- updating the AACOMAS app itself and the new transcript.

 

[adrian710]

Yeah that's fine, I don't think it's overkill. I did both by the way -- updating the AACOMAS app itself and the new transcript.

Should I show that I intend on retaking a bunch of pre-req classes at my CC during this gap year?

 

[MedNation907]

I showed what classes I was taking during the summer by using the "planned/in progress" option.. I'd say it could only be beneficial to let them know what you're doing, they're going to know by the end of your sessions anyways.

 

[adrian710]

I showed what classes I was taking during the summer by using the "planned/in progress" option.. I'd say it could only be beneficial to let them know what you're doing, they're going to know by the end of your sessions anyways.

Yeah but should I let them know I am planning to retake several pre-req classes at my community college during Fall and Spring of next year?

 

[MedNation907]

Yeah but should I let them know I am planning to retake several pre-req classes at my community college during Fall and Spring of next year?

Any and all classes that you will be taking in the future before matriculation = fair game to put 'in-progress'.. which is, I'm assuming, what you mean by "letting them know". So your classes in Summer 1 and 2, Fall and Spring can all go into the app as 'planned/in-progress' because that's what those classes are at this point: planned or in progress.

 

[adrian710]

Any and all classes that you will be taking in the future before matriculation = fair game to put 'in-progress'.. which is, I'm assuming, what you mean by "letting them know". So your classes in Summer 1 and 2, Fall and Spring can all go into the app as 'planned/in-progress' because that's what those classes are at this point: planned or in progress.

Do you think it will be seen in a positive light?

 

[MedNation907]

Do you think it will be seen in a positive light?

Hard to say. Obviously scoring badly in pre-reqs in the first place is a bad thing, but I have to think that investing the time and money to right your wrongs would show determination/perseverance -- or at the very least show that you are adamant about maximizing you chances in attending medical school. The distinction here is that showing them that you will be re-taking pre-reqs has no negative impacts (if any net impact at all), but perhaps the fact that you're in this position does..

This is a highly subjective factor to anticipate, but I don't think you have to worry/read into it so much. Grade forgiveness is an option for a reason, most schools are okay with retakes, but I would also suspect that this grace is curved -- at some level it would probably warrant a red flag. So unless you're willing to share your faults with us publicly, try to think logically.. Did you screw up almost all your science pre-reqs -- how would you consider this in an academic light?

 

[adrian710]

Hard to say. Obviously scoring badly in pre-reqs in the first place is a bad thing, but I have to think that investing the time and money to right your wrongs would show determination/perseverance -- or at the very least show that you are adamant about maximizing you chances in attending medical school. The distinction here is that showing them that you will be re-taking pre-reqs has no negative impacts (if any net impact at all), but perhaps the fact that you're in this position does..

This is a highly subjective factor to anticipate, but I don't think you have to worry/read into it so much. Grade forgiveness is an option for a reason, most schools are okay with retakes, but I would also suspect that this grace is curved -- at some level it would probably warrant a red flag. So unless you're willing to share your faults with us publicly, try to think logically.. Did you screw up almost all your science pre-reqs -- how would you consider this in an academic light?

Honestly I am looking to re-take my gen chem's (C's in both), my physics 1 (C), my physics 2 (C+/B-), bio 2 (C+/B-). Basically all 5 pre-req's that I received under a 3.0 or B grade in I want to retake. Then I got thinking might as well throw in a sociology class and re-do my math (C+/B-) grade even though it doesn't touch my sGPA and I got over a C. Am I doing too much re-doing even my (C+/B-) grades? Should I forget about doing the math re-take?

 

[MedNation907]

What are your GPA's right now excluding the planned retakes? (cumulative and science)

 

[adrian710]

What are your GPA's right now excluding the planned retakes? (cumulative and science)

Idk what it will be according to AACOMAS but something like 3.04 sGPA and 3.26 cGPA... Low I know, that's why these retakes I feel are vital. Even if I score a B in each retake class (provided I retake all 6 classes including the math one) my sGPA will be above a 3.3 and my cGPA like a 3.5

 

[MedNation907]

Idk what it will be according to AACOMAS but something like 3.04 sGPA and 3.26 cGPA... Low I know, that's why these retakes I feel are vital. Even if I score a B in each retake class (provided I retake all 6 classes including the math one) my sGPA will be above a 3.3 and my cGPA like a 3.5

Yeah then those retakes are necessary. But now my concern turns toward timing. If the bulk of these retakes are occurring during Fall/Spring, then your GPA won't be repaired until the end of the cycle..? Am I understanding that correctly?

 

[adrian710]

Yeah then those retakes are necessary. But now my concern turns toward timing. If the bulk of these retakes are occurring during Fall/Spring, then your GPA won't be repaired until the end of the cycle..? Am I understanding that correctly?

Yes. That is why I was split on applying or not this cycle but decided that I will be applying to a lot newer and lower tier DO schools. I have 13 schools on my list (maybe you can take a look at them?) that I believe I stand somewhat of a chance with a 28 MCAT score. Worst case, I do not get in, but will know the process and will apply next cycle with a much better GPA and more volunteer hours, etc.

 

[MedNation907]

Yes. That is why I was split on applying or not this cycle but decided that I will be applying to a lot newer and lower tier DO schools. I have 13 schools on my list (maybe you can take a look at them?) that I believe I stand somewhat of a chance with a 28 MCAT score. Worst case, I do not get in, but will know the process and will apply next cycle with a much better GPA and more volunteer hours, etc.

In cases like this I always advise to wait a year, and is often followed by 'hell no' lol. I've been there, I decided to wait a year when I was feeling impatient and wanted to apply. But I would not have had such an awesome cycle if it wasn't for that gap year. But that's your decision, and I'd be happy to help compose a list.

 

[adrian710]

I understand where you are coming from and I agree with you 80%. I know my chances go up ten fold if I apply next year, which I am preparing to do, but I don't see the problem in applying now anyways just to give myself a slim shot. Money is no issue and unless applying twice in a row is seen as bad to schools, which I know it's not like that at all, then why not.

Here is my list of schools...

MSUCOM (I am a MI resident)
NSU
Marian
Pikeville-Kentucky
WVSOM
ACOM
Campbell
LMU
LUCOM
LECOM
LECOM - Bradenton
William Carey
BUCOM

 

[MedNation907]

I understand where you are coming from and I agree with you 80%. I know my chances go up ten fold if I apply next year, which I am preparing to do, but I don't see the problem in applying now anyways just to give myself a slim shot. Money is no issue and unless applying twice in a row is seen as bad to schools, which I know it's not like that at all, then why not.

Haha I understand, and honestly I agree as long as you have taken the MCAT -- which I would need to know to really help with a conducive list

 

[adrian710]

Haha I understand, and honestly I agree as long as you have taken the MCAT -- which I would need to know to really help with a conducive list

26 but re-taking August 5th. List is above.

 

[MedNation907]

A 26 isn't too bad (assuming an even-ish split) but I understand your desire to re-take. I think your list is really good.

*If you wanted to expand your list* I'd add KCOM and KCUMB, they have taken a decent number of applicants from MI and your not too far from their averages. To balance you could add any/all VCOMs. But note that KCUMB is the only school that has a strict GPA cut-off at about 3.25 (?) -- and Idk if that's for both cumulative and science.. so basically on second thought maybe not KCUMB lol or at the very least seek another opinion. @Goro

 

[Chubaka31]

I understand where you are coming from and I agree with you 80%. I know my chances go up ten fold if I apply next year, which I am preparing to do, but I don't see the problem in applying now anyways just to give myself a slim shot. Money is no issue and unless applying twice in a row is seen as bad to schools, which I know it's not like that at all, then why not.

Here is my list of schools...

MSUCOM (I am a MI resident)
NSU
Marian
Pikeville-Kentucky
WVSOM
ACOM
Campbell
LMU
LUCOM
LECOM
LECOM - Bradenton
William Carey
BUCOM

Question. I know when re-applying to MD schools, they expect you to have made some significant changes to your application, for the better, to garner a possible acceptance as a reapplicant.

Does this same theory not apply to DO programs? You mentioned that applying twice in a row is not seen as "bad".

Another question. Say you are taking classes in the Fall, re-takes on 2 pre-reqs, wouldn't schools need to see your grades from those classes to make a determination as to whether move forward in the process with you?

 

[adrian710]

Question. I know when re-applying to MD schools, they expect you to have made some significant changes to your application, for the better, to garner a possible acceptance as a reapplicant.

Does this same theory not apply to DO programs? You mentioned that applying twice in a row is not seen as "bad".

Another question. Say you are taking classes in the Fall, re-takes on 2 pre-reqs, wouldn't schools need to see your grades from those classes to make a determination as to whether move forward in the process with you?

Question. I know when re-applying to MD schools, they expect you to have made some significant changes to your application, for the better, to garner a possible acceptance as a reapplicant.

Does this same theory not apply to DO programs? You mentioned that applying twice in a row is not seen as "bad".

Another question. Say you are taking classes in the Fall, re-takes on 2 pre-reqs, wouldn't schools need to see your grades from those classes to make a determination as to whether move forward in the process with you?

Clarify question 1 and question 2, I don't believe so, they just use your original pre-req score

 

[adrian710]

A 26 isn't too bad (assuming an even-ish split) but I understand your desire to re-take. I think your list is really good.

*If you wanted to expand your list* I'd add KCOM and KCUMB, they have taken a decent number of applicants from MI and your not too far from their averages. To balance you could add any/all VCOMs. But note that KCUMB is the only school that has a strict GPA cut-off at about 3.25 (?) -- and Idk if that's for both cumulative and science.. so basically on second thought maybe not KCUMB lol or at the very least seek another opinion. @Goro

VCOM GPA seems as if they want higher. Added KCOM. That puts me at 14 schools, good?

 

[Chubaka31]

But assuming that original pre-req score is no good, such as a C-, you'd have to have that transcript in before the fall, correct?

I've been told that if you apply to MD programs, and get rejected, if you reapply to those same school programs, the admissions committee's understand you are a re-applicant, as you answer that question on your application, and compare your application from the first time, when they rejected you, to the second time that you would be applying. From what I've been told, since they compare your 2 apps, it's expected that the 2nd one has significantly improved to garner a more serious look at an acceptance.

 

[adrian710]

But assuming that original pre-req score is no good, such as a C-, you'd have to have that transcript in before the fall, correct?

I've been told that if you apply to MD programs, and get rejected, if you reapply to those same school programs, the admissions committee's understand you are a re-applicant, as you answer that question on your application, and compare your application from the first time, when they rejected you, to the second time that you would be applying. From what I've been told, since they compare your 2 apps, it's expected that the 2nd one has significantly improved to garner a more serious look at an acceptance.

I'd assume so, yes. And no I don't believe that to be the case for DO schools.

 

[Chubaka31]

Where is your belief stemming from, if you don't mind me asking.

 

[adrian710]

Where is your belief stemming from, if you don't mind me asking.

Been around these forums for awhile now and that has never been mentioned plus it goes hand in hand with grade replacement DO vs MD

 

[Goro]

I think OP will be in very decent shape. I advise against the retake, unless s/he's boning for the Touros, AZOM Western and CCOM.

A 26 isn't too bad (assuming an even-ish split) but I understand your desire to re-take. I think your list is really good.

*If you wanted to expand your list* I'd add KCOM and KCUMB, they have taken a decent number of applicants from MI and your not too far from their averages. To balance you could add any/all VCOMs. But note that KCUMB is the only school that has a strict GPA cut-off at about 3.25 (?) -- and Idk if that's for both cumulative and science.. so basically on second thought maybe not KCUMB lol or at the very least seek another opinion. @Goro

With re-applicants, we specifically ask at the 2nd interview "how have you improved since last app cycle?"

I've been told that if you apply to MD programs, and get rejected, if you reapply to those same school programs, the admissions committee's understand you are a re-applicant, as you answer that question on your application, and compare your application from the first time, when they rejected you, to the second time that you would be applying. From what I've been told, since they compare your 2 apps, it's expected that the 2nd one has significantly improved to garner a more serious look at an acceptance.

 

[MedNation907]

VCOM GPA seems as if they want higher. Added KCOM. That puts me at 14 schools, good?

That's a fair assessment. I think that makes a good list. Good luck

 

[adrian710]

I think OP will be in very decent shape. I advise against the retake, unless s/he's boning for the Touros, AZOM Western and CCOM.

You don't think I need retakes? My sGPA is just barely at a 3.0?!



With re-applicants, we specifically ask at the 2nd interview "how have you improved since last app cycle?"

I've been told that if you apply to MD programs, and get rejected, if you reapply to those same school programs, the admissions committee's understand you are a re-applicant, as you answer that question on your application, and compare your application from the first time, when they rejected you, to the second time that you would be applying. From what I've been told, since they compare your 2 apps, it's expected that the 2nd one has significantly improved to garner a more serious look at an acceptance.