Views on amount of retakes in community college

[sherpunjabi]

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I currently have a 3.1 science gpa and I am trying to get it at 3.5 . But the only way possible for that is to retake several of my classes since I am already a junior. I was wondering how many retakes are too many? By the time I apply I might have as much as 6 retakes. Can I take some of these at a community college (I live closer and it is cheaper there)? Also on interviews did they ask about the retakes? Thanks

 

[Haxx]

**Paging @Goro **

From everything I've heard, DO schools are very generous with retakes, whether they are at your undergrad school or a CC. If you can and have the drive to do better, go for it!

 

[mhord]

I am not an advisor-non traditional postbach with degree in business...so a different perspective. Med schools do care about your grades-but it's your drive they are looking for. If your lower science grades are in intro courses (bio/chem/phys), you need to ask yourself would a third party applaud you raising a C to an A or B in a class that you have already taken, or take an upper level course to further your knowledge? Keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of applicants like you in the same boat-are you going to make the common choice to satisfy some predefined number with your GPA, or really show them what you are made of? I think most schools see through this-but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

I am not an advisor-non traditional postbach with degree in business...so a different perspective. Med schools do care about your grades-but it's your drive they are looking for. If your lower science grades are in intro courses (bio/chem/phys), you need to ask yourself would a third party applaud you raising a C to an A or B in a class that you have already taken, or take an upper level course to further your knowledge? Keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of applicants like you in the same boat-are you going to make the common choice to satisfy some predefined number with your GPA, or really show them what you are made of? I think most schools see through this-but maybe I'm wrong.

You are WRONG... I have a 3.2 cGPA and a 3.4 sGPA with no retakes. And I know one person who did some GPA padding with a lot intro classes retakes and easy science classes as well. Our MCAT scores are almost identical and that person has had a more successful cycle than me so far just because his GPAs are 3.6+ IMO. I think most schools look for numbers first. That is my $0.02.

 

[Goro]

Concur to a point. I have colleagues who look down upon CC coursework and others who don't care. I think that if you have a valid economic reason for doing the retakes at a CC, then do so,

However, it might appear that takin CC re-takes while you're still an UG looks like you're trying to weasel out of the difficult weeding courses at your UG school.

I don't know why people looks down upon CC coursework; they can be just as rigorous as any 4 year school.

In all my years of doing interviews, never once has taking CC coursework come up during an interview.

At the worst, you might move from accept to wait list, but still be picked up from the wait list later, especially with a good MCAT score.

**Paging @Goro **

From everything I've heard, DO schools are very generous with retakes, whether they are at your undergrad school or a CC. If you can and have the drive to do better, go for it!

 

[stlrams22]

I am not an advisor-non traditional postbach with degree in business...so a different perspective. Med schools do care about your grades-but it's your drive they are looking for. If your lower science grades are in intro courses (bio/chem/phys), you need to ask yourself would a third party applaud you raising a C to an A or B in a class that you have already taken, or take an upper level course to further your knowledge? Keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of applicants like you in the same boat-are you going to make the common choice to satisfy some predefined number with your GPA, or really show them what you are made of? I think most schools see through this-but maybe I'm wrong.

WRONG WRONG WRONG

Grade replacement will increase the GPA much faster than taking an upper level course. Then if you have the time, you could take an upper level course to impress. The real way to impress is an awesome MCAT.

 

[mhord]

WRONG WRONG WRONG

Grade replacement will increase the GPA much faster than taking an upper level course. Then if you have the time, you could take an upper level course to impress. The real way to impress is an awesome MCAT.

My simple point is that people see through this. If you are going to raise a BIOI and CHEMI from Cs to As, then your GPA may jump but have you benefited? I also think it depends upon the student, where he or she may be running the risk of repeating a low grade or spending time with no significant improvement. There again, it could be useful for mcat prep and if it makes sense within the student's schedule, then by all means go for it.

However, if I had a choice between a student with a lower GPA and continuous improvement in grades contrasted to the one with a higher GPA with multiple repeats, I would be much more intrigued with the former.

 

[mhord]

I currently have a 3.1 science gpa and I am trying to get it at 3.5 . But the only way possible for that is to retake several of my classes since I am already a junior. I was wondering how many retakes are too many? By the time I apply I might have as much as 6 retakes. Can I take some of these at a community college (I live closer and it is cheaper there)? Also on interviews did they ask about the retakes? Thanks

How about more information-what are your poor scores-how about your major-what is your goal for the mcat?

 

[sherpunjabi]

Thanks everyone for the input. I am biology major and have a mix bag of grades on upper level courses. I am studying for the MCAT and planning to take it in June. I expect to get a 27-29 range. My lowest grades have been gen Chem 2. Orgo. cell bio. Each of which I either got a c or c+.

 

[stlrams22]

My simple point is that people see through this. If you are going to raise a BIOI and CHEMI from Cs to As, then your GPA may jump but have you benefited? I also think it depends upon the student, where he or she may be running the risk of repeating a low grade or spending time with no significant improvement. There again, it could be useful for mcat prep and if it makes sense within the student's schedule, then by all means go for it.

However, if I had a choice between a student with a lower GPA and continuous improvement in grades contrasted to the one with a higher GPA with multiple repeats, I would be much more intrigued with the former.

My reasoning is that having a 3.1 sGPA is really low and most schools are likely to overlook this applicant for that reason. It would be best for the applicant to retake the class to improve their sGPA quickly and like you said, it certainly doesn't hurt to hear MCAT topics again. Retaking one course eliminates the previous grade, but without the retake it would require many many courses to bring the average up (and still not as good). Many classes could equal several semesters and many people (like me) don't want to wait a long time. I do see your point and agree it may be more beneficial for other reasons to take an upper level course, but for the purposes of the medical school application and efficiency, grade replacement is the better option.

 

[mhord]

My reasoning is that having a 3.1 sGPA is really low and most schools are likely to overlook this applicant for that reason. It would be best for the applicant to retake the class to improve their sGPA quickly and like you said, it certainly doesn't hurt to hear MCAT topics again. Retaking one course eliminates the previous grade, but without the retake it would require many many courses to bring the average up (and still not as good). Many classes could equal several semesters and many people (like me) don't want to wait a long time. I do see your point and agree it may be more beneficial for other reasons to take an upper level course, but for the purposes of the medical school application and efficiency, grade replacement is the better option.

I'm going to agree with this more, now that I see the original poster's situation. I would also entertain the idea of doing the math-if you were to retake those three courses, would you expect As/Bs and how far would that push your final GPA? Orgo-II is a beast...would it be worth spending countless hours a week to pull a B (A if you feel confident) or taking other courses you could just a easily ace and have more time format prep?

Like I said before, you are amongst many of us who are/were in the same boat. Sometimes, it's easier for the student to stand out by going against the grain.

Last thought...committee letter and letters of recommendation. Do not overlook how beneficial these can be-not just to provide an evaluation, but many times these can provide you a ready defense before you interview (and get you into an interview). Good luck-focus on your drive and you will get there!

 

[Dreamstoo]

I currently have a 3.1 science gpa and I am trying to get it at 3.5 . But the only way possible for that is to retake several of my classes since I am already a junior. I was wondering how many retakes are too many? By the time I apply I might have as much as 6 retakes. Can I take some of these at a community college (I live closer and it is cheaper there)? Also on interviews did they ask about the retakes? Thanks

From what I heard D.O.s for the most part are ok with CC credits. I've heard the opposite from my friends who got into a M.D.
If I was an adcom personally, I would look down on it. I feel it is the easy way out. But once again it depends on the person's location and financial situation as well.

 

[Dreamstoo]

My reasoning is that having a 3.1 sGPA is really low and most schools are likely to overlook this applicant for that reason. It would be best for the applicant to retake the class to improve their sGPA quickly and like you said, it certainly doesn't hurt to hear MCAT topics again. Retaking one course eliminates the previous grade, but without the retake it would require many many courses to bring the average up (and still not as good). Many classes could equal several semesters and many people (like me) don't want to wait a long time. I do see your point and agree it may be more beneficial for other reasons to take an upper level course, but for the purposes of the medical school application and efficiency, grade replacement is the better option.

Are these classes you retaking Cs? If they are like B-/Bs I would not bother.
Also good idea with the 3.1 sgpa. If you can get that to a 3.3-3.4, I think you are set for DO assuming your cumulative is around a 3.4. A strong MCAT can also outweight a low science gpa. I know of a 3.1 who had even a lower cumulative but attained a 35 on the MCAT. The school he eventually matriculated had a 3.6 sgpa average (DO)

 

[sherpunjabi]

Concur to a point. I have colleagues who look down upon CC coursework and others who don't care. I think that if you have a valid economic reason for doing the retakes at a CC, then do so,

However, it might appear that takin CC re-takes while you're still an UG looks like you're trying to weasel out of the difficult weeding courses at your UG school.

I don't know why people looks down upon CC coursework; they can be just as rigorous as any 4 year school.

In all my years of doing interviews, never once has taking CC coursework come up during an interview.

At the worst, you might move from accept to wait list, but still be picked up from the wait list later, especially with a good MCAT score.

The only way I could retake those classes is if I take them somewhere else since they are part 1 classes (Orgo 1) since my school does not offer it in the spring. My current plan for the spring is to go to a local public 4 year college repeat the two science class and continue with Orgo 2. I will still be able to graduate on time from my original college since I am several credits ahead. I will also be able to study better for the MCAT since I will have a lower course load. Will adcoms look down upon on what I'm trying to do? I feel that I was not focused the first time took those classes and better organize myself in terms of understanding the material.

 

[Goro]

Sometimes you have to do what is necessary, and take whatever follows on the chin.

But we also expect you to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time.


I will also be able to study better for the MCAT since I will have a lower course load.

The only way I could retake those classes is if I take them somewhere else since they are part 1 classes (Orgo 1) since my school does not offer it in the spring. My current plan for the spring is to go to a local public 4 year college repeat the two science class and continue with Orgo 2. I will still be able to graduate on time from my original college since I am several credits ahead. I will also be able to study better for the MCAT since I will have a lower course load. Will adcoms look down upon on what I'm trying to do? I feel that I was not focused the first time took those classes and better organize myself in terms of understanding the material.

 

[medickdb]

Concur to a point. I have colleagues who look down upon CC coursework and others who don't care. I think that if you have a valid economic reason for doing the retakes at a CC, then do so,

However, it might appear that takin CC re-takes while you're still an UG looks like you're trying to weasel out of the difficult weeding courses at your UG school.

I don't know why people looks down upon CC coursework; they can be just as rigorous as any 4 year school.

In all my years of doing interviews, never once has taking CC coursework come up during an interview.

At the worst, you might move from accept to wait list, but still be picked up from the wait list later, especially with a good MCAT score.

I agree with the statement that CC coursework can be just as rigorous as the coursework at any four year school. It's all relative. I took courses at two major universities as well as a community college. Some of the courses at the four year schools were easy compared to the CC courses. In fact, I took cell biology at one of the four year schools, had a rough time that semester for reasons outside of school, and actually ended up transferring. The class itself wasn't hard, but I wasn't 'there'. Later on, I retook cell biology at a community college where it had a lab component, something the four year school did not offer. By far, I learned and retained more because the professor actually taught the course rather than reading from a powerpoint. This made the course more difficult, especially as the tests were partially free response, but I also got more out of it. That said, I also took some general education courses at the CC. I had one completely clueless professor for a history course, but he was by far the exception.