Tough decision to make regarding retakes...Any help appreciated

[Michander125]

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Im hoping someone has been/is in a similar situation and can shed some light on what the best option for me would be. I am debating on applying either on June first with the below stats on in July after my I retake 1-2 classes and the grade post.

Current stats

• sGPA~3.25
• cGPA-3.13
• MCAT 9,8,9
• 3000 hours as clinical scribe
• 2500 hours as phlebotomist
• 5000 hours as emergency room scribe
• 300ish hours volunteering for church and in ER
• 150 hours volunteer EMT
• Texas resident
• My AACOMAS is totally filled out as of today

I did the calulations and my cGPA 3.13 would bump up to 3.16 with one retake and 3.21 with two retakes. (sGPA wouldnt move)

Obviously my GPA is my weak point in my application, I addressed it somewhat in my personal statement (brother had traumatic brain injury sophmore year and I commuted back home every week)

My overall question is, if in my situation...Would you apply with current stats? or would you retake the classes and apply in July with new GPAs.

Obviously im a graduate and any post bacc work would be out of pocket....so ..08 bump in GPA worth the extra ~$1000 for my retakes??

 

[IslandStyle808]

In this case, it might be for schools like CUSOM (3.2 GPA minimum). I would say go for it, because July is still early in the cycle. Just make sure to have everything ready when grades come out. Also, don't mention your bad grades in your personal statement. The statement is meant for "why medicine?" "why a doctor?". You want to show the positives during the whole process as much as possible.

 

[Michander125]

In this case, it might be for schools like CUSOM (3.2 GPA minimum). I would say go for it, because July is still early in the cycle. Just make sure to have everything ready when grades come out. Also, don't mention your bad grades in your personal statement. The statement is meant for "why medicine?" "why a doctor?". You want to show the positives during the whole process as much as possible.

In your opinion, would it be a good idea to submit with current stats on June 1st so I can get verified asap and then retake classes in summer II and have AACOMAS update GPA in September?

Thanks again,

 

[spenguin]

In your opinion, would it be a good idea to submit with current stats on June 1st so I can get verified asap and then retake classes in summer II and have AACOMAS update GPA in September?

Thanks again,

I'm not sure that they update the gpa.
What I believe happens is that you can send your new transcripts to the schools you apply to. But again, I don't think they recalculate either.
The only reason to submit early for verification is if you are waiting on an MCAT score.

Again, this is what I'm pretty sure happens. Someone else might want to confirm

 

[GrapesofRath]

You have enough if you're applying to DO schools to have a competitive shot. But the 3.2/26 combination is probably too much to overcome even being in texas.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321518/data/factstable25-4.pdf

This AAMC data puts your odds at about 7%. Yes you live in Texas but these charts are also usually inflated with their percent chances for several reasons so all in all your odds of getting in aren't looking too great.

To answer your question; applying in July when you have low stats to begin with is a terrible idea. Retaking poor grades can help for DO purposes; for MD purposes retaking a class you got a C or better in won't do anything to impress ADCOMs. If you can't take more classes to boost your GPA that you haven't already taken, and you can't take the MCAT again and are dead set on applying, it's in your best interest to get those applications in ASAP.

 

[Stephanopolous]

7% sucks. I'm in a similar boat as OP. Yay for early applications !

 

[Zaphod42]

Im hoping someone has been/is in a similar situation and can shed some light on what the best option for me would be. I am debating on applying either on June first with the below stats on in July after my I retake 1-2 classes and the grade post.

Current stats

• sGPA~3.25
• cGPA-3.13
• MCAT 9,8,9
• 3000 hours as clinical scribe
• 2500 hours as phlebotomist
• 5000 hours as emergency room scribe
• 300ish hours volunteering for church and in ER
• 150 hours volunteer EMT
• Texas resident
• My AACOMAS is totally filled out as of today

I did the calulations and my cGPA 3.13 would bump up to 3.16 with one retake and 3.21 with two retakes. (sGPA wouldnt move)

Obviously my GPA is my weak point in my application, I addressed it somewhat in my personal statement (brother had traumatic brain injury sophmore year and I commuted back home every week)

My overall question is, if in my situation...Would you apply with current stats? or would you retake the classes and apply in July with new GPAs.

Obviously im a graduate and any post bacc work would be out of pocket....so ..08 bump in GPA worth the extra ~$1000 for my retakes??

What was your GPA in each of the last 2 years?

 

[Michander125]

Oh

You have enough if you're applying to DO schools to have a competitive shot. But the 3.2/26 combination is probably too much to overcome even being in texas.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321518/data/factstable25-4.pdf

This AAMC data puts your odds at about 7%. Yes you live in Texas but these charts are also usually inflated with their percent chances for several reasons so all in all your odds of getting in aren't looking too great.

To answer your question; applying in July when you have low stats to begin with is a terrible idea. Retaking poor grades can help for DO purposes; for MD purposes retaking a class you got a C or better in won't do anything to impress ADCOMs. If you can't take more classes to boost your GPA that you haven't already taken, and you can't take the MCAT again and are dead set on applying, it's in your best interest to get those applications in ASAP.

Believe me, I am not delusional enough to think I could apply successfully as an MD with my current stats. I have a full time job at a rural clinic right now so its hard to find classes I can retake because im limited in my schedule. I am 100% commited to applying this year so I guess June 1st my app will be in!

 

[Michander125]

What was your GPA in each of the last 2 years?

by my calculation......

I have 4.0 post bacc classes (10 credits)

Y1. 2.8
Y2 2.9
Y3 3.2
Y4 3.3

 

[GrapesofRath]

Oh



Believe me, I am not delusional enough to think I could apply successfully as an MD with my current stats. I have a full time job at a rural clinic right now so its hard to find classes I can retake because im limited in my schedule. I am 100% commited to applying this year so I guess June 1st my app will be in!

You can get into a DO school with your stats if you apply broadly. If you can re take the MCAT again it would be worthwhile. Otherwise good luck

 

[IslandStyle808]

In your opinion, would it be a good idea to submit with current stats on June 1st so I can get verified asap and then retake classes in summer II and have AACOMAS update GPA in September?

Thanks again,

You should be okay if you send out in June and then update grades in September. When the people are at the 3.0-3.3 mark in their GPA, any increases would still help. This is true for someone with a 24-25 MCAT. With you application as is, you should still be fine though (CUSOM is the only school that may auto screen you, not sure if they will wait for grades). However, don't retake that MCAT. A 26 with that break down is still a decent score that passes the threshold of KCUMB, ACOM (I missed an interview because I had a 25), Touro-NV, PCOM's minimums. With the new MCAT, there will come uncertainties and you can't guarantee an increase in score. As long as you are fine with applying broadly and getting in anywhere, you should be okay this coming cycle.

 

[Laito]

We have very similar stats and situation. I was wondering the samething about the retake. Good luck with your application cycle. I hope we will be on the other side next year!