Weird sGPA question

[bluepeach9]

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Hi everyone! I just had a weird question about calculating an undergraduate GPA. I am planning to graduate UG in three years with a B.S. in Neuroscience and take a gap year after, during which I might do research and add more volunteering/clinical activities. I also wish to take some classes during this year at a different university, specifically some upper division bio. classes (like Human Anatomy and Physiology, Immunology, etc.)

My question is: Would these class grades be calculated into my undergrad GPA and hence, help to increase my sGPA? Or would it be of no use since I would have graduated UG by then? How do adcoms factor in such class grades?

 

[tmn]

All undergrad course work, both pre-graduation and post-bac, counts toward undergrad gpa. Same goes for science classes. All ug science classes, whether graduated or not, count toward undergrad sGPA.

 

[bluepeach9]

All undergrad course work, both pre-graduation and post-bac, counts toward undergrad gpa. Same goes for science classes. All ug science classes, whether graduated or not, count toward undergrad sGPA.

So even if these science classes were taken at a different university than the one I graduated from, they would still be factored into sGPA? Also, they are not part of a post-bacc; I guess you could say I would just be taking them for fun and to familiarize myself with higher biology concepts. The classes would not be part of any additional degree...

 

[kevinus]

So even if these science classes were taken at a different university than the one I graduated from, they would still be factored into sGPA? Also, they are not part of a post-bacc; I guess you could say I would just be taking them for fun and to familiarize myself with higher biology concepts. The classes would not be part of any additional degree...

Yes, you send additional transcripts to AMCAS.

 

[tmn]

So even if these science classes were taken at a different university than the one I graduated from, they would still be factored into sGPA? Also, they are not part of a post-bacc; I guess you could say I would just be taking them for fun and to familiarize myself with higher biology concepts. The classes would not be part of any additional degree...

I was not saying formal post-bac program. I was using post-bac as an adjective mean post-baccalaureate or after graduation.

 

[sat0ri]

You seem like you'd prefer if these grades weren't/wouldn't be part of your sGPA, which if that's the case, you can "audit" the classes. That is, take them, have them show up on your transcript but without a grade. (Also, I don't think you're allowed to take the test in such a case for whatever reason, and you have to pay full price).

 

[bluepeach9]

Yes, you send additional transcripts to AMCAS.

Okay, also I am planning on the applying the same cycle as my gap year (will not be taking two gap years). So are you saying that I can send in grade update letters and transcripts to the schools in say, December after the fall semester? Or will this not be considered since I will have already sent in my application materials?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Why take a year off if you want to take classes anyway? It would probably be cheaper to stay at your home institution.

 

[bluepeach9]

You seem like you'd prefer if these grades weren't/wouldn't be part of your sGPA, which if that's the case, you can "audit" the classes. That is, take them, have them show up on your transcript but without a grade. (Also, I don't think you're allowed to take the test in such a case for whatever reason, and you have to pay full price).

Oh no I would prefer that these classes get factored into my sGPA, so that I can increase it further if I need to (I have a 3.45 right now and am a sophomore). If I did take classes, I would take them with the grade.

 

[bluepeach9]

Why take a year off if you want to take classes anyway? It would probably be cheaper to stay at your home institution.

Right now, I go to a relatively unknown state school. During my gap year, I am planning to do research at a prestigious institution and at most, might take one or two classes while I'm there. I know it is cheaper to stay at my home institution, but I would really like to experience something else during my gap year. The "taking classes" part is not a major part of my year off and is just an idea I had in case I have more time on my hands.

 

[tmn]

Okay, also I am planning on the applying the same cycle as my gap year (will not be taking two gap years). So are you saying that I can send in grade update letters and transcripts to the schools in say, December after the fall semester? Or will this not be considered since I will have already sent in my application materials?

You apply with whatever your gpa will be at the time of application. You then send final transcripts prior to matriculation.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Right now, I go to a relatively unknown state school. During my gap year, I am planning to do research at a prestigious institution and at most, might take one or two classes while I'm there. I know it is cheaper to stay at my home institution, but I would really like to experience something else during my gap year. The "taking classes" part is not a major part of my year off and is just an idea I had in case I have more time on my hands.

The prestige of the new institution is not going to give you an advantage if that's what you're thinking. I would argue that working at a small state school is better because you'll have more chances of having your own project than just helping a post-doc or grad student then hoping for 5th author.