UVM for postbacc work?

[Paws]

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I have been considering taking some extra postbacc courses at UVM during my application year to raise my (oveall ugrad) gpa and get more experience in case I have to take the MCAT again. I took it in April and am definitely applying but just in case, I don't want to have to rush and hope I can boost my score (if I have to ) by August.

Anyone do the UVM course work? They seemed pretty decent on the phone and since I've already done the basics it would be Biochem/Micro/Quantitative Chem. I know, three labs ... 😱

I could just finish up the chemistry reqs. and get a BS in Chemistry ... My postbacc sciences/math is 3.64 but my earlier gpa is lower (and older).

Any input would be appreciated ...

 

[Penguin Poptart]

You seem intent on applyig now, so maybe this will be unwelcome advice, but the application process is really draining and something better to avoid unless it will work out for you.
I don't know anything about UVM's paritcular program but my .02 is maybe you should do take the classes to raise your gpa and hold off on applying this year(unles maybe you o/w have an outrageously good application.

Once you submit to amcas, your gpa does not get recalculated and so courses taken in the fall will only be seen by the school in the course of "updates" which they may or may not even really look at.

A 3.65 science gpa I think wouldl be ok if it weren't a post-bacc gpa. I think you're expected to perform amazingly well as a post-bacc to "Undo your past sins" and I'm not sure that 3.65 science will be considered good enough,especially if your overall science and regular gpas are significanly lower.

I know it's a pain carrying around the deadweight of old bad grades. But the schools inherit that deadweight (for their own statistics), and my impression is they don't take kindly to it, unless you've really distanced yourself from it with perfect (or near perfect) recent performance.

 

[TexasGuy41]

A 3.65 post-bacc science GPA is fine. I think you should go ahead and apply, if nothing else it will allow you to see how the process works and then if you don't get in, you can reapply with your new course work and you'll already know the ropes of the application scene. Go for it!

 

[Penguin Poptart]

Ok, I want to modify my .02. Maybe Texaxguy is right that maybe you don't have anything (much?) to lose by applying in the meanwhile.

But I still don't think a 3.65 science post-bacc undoes a weak GPA and I do think your application will be much stronger if you can bring up the gpa's.

 

[TexasGuy41]

I agree, I'd try to bring up the 3.65 at UVM, but in the meantime learning the application cycle is a very valuable process. Plus if you don't get in, you can reapply with your new grades and demonstrate a continued dedication to enhancing your creds.

 

[green plastic]

Is UVM University of Vermont? Do they have a formal post-bacc or are ya'll just taking random classes?

 

[Paws]

Ok, thanks Texas for your ideas. Pengiun - you're kind of scaring me! My first degree was a while ago so I like to think I have matured, I don't know about the "deadweight" analogy though ... I'm 3.64 because I got a B- in Calculus.

Sorry to confuse anyone with shorthand - University of Vermont.

It has an excellent science program and their postbacc program seems very small and intimate, supportive. I was just going to take some courses and finish my second degree in Chemistry.

Thanks for the comments guys !