Which GPA to use? (non-trad)

[newolduser]

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Hi everyone!

I'm trying to build a good list of schools for applying next cycle, but I'm not sure which GPA to use. I'm a non-trad who attempted a post-bacc right after graduating, decided against medicine, got my MPH, then decided medicine was actually where my heart is, so I'm doing another post-bacc (different classes this time, though I did retake physics for my own reasons).

I know my school list will also depend on my MCAT (a 506 from Sept 2020 - COVID really sucked my ability to study out of me), but I'm retaking that in April, so really just focused on GPA at the moment.

Here are the stats:

Undergrad (2007-2011): cGPA - 3.46 // sGPA - 3.43

• Relevant classes taken (12 credits): Calc 1, A&P 1, Intro to Chem

Post-Bacc #1 (2012-2013): cGPA - 3.47 // sGPA - 3.44

• Relevant classes taken (31 credits): Gen Bio 1&2, Gen Chem 1&2, Gen Physics 1&2, Calc 1 retake (C+ -> A)

Post Bacc #2 (2020-2022): cGPA - 4.00 // sGPA - 4.00

• Relevant classes taken (51 credits): A&P 2, Gen. Biochem, O.Chem 1&2 (and labs), Animal Phys., Calc 2&3, Cell & Molecular Bio, Stats, Genetics, Microbio, Univ. Physics 1, P.Chem, Biochem for Biochem Majors 1 (not counting this as a retake because I'm currently in a degree program and the previous Biochem class didn't transfer and the school offers a lower-level all encompassing Biochem, but Biochem Majors have a 2-class Biochem requirement).

Post-Bacc combined: cGPA - 3.81 // sGPA - 3.80

All undergrad classes combined: cGPA - 3.59 // sGPA - 3.75

If it matters, my graduate GPA is a 3.94.

I'm currently enrolled in Biochem for Biochem Majors 2 (3 units), and plan on taking Advanced O.Chem, Biochem Lab, Biophysical Chem, and a Neuroscience class in the Spring (so another ~12 units).

Any and all advice on which GPA to use when trying to build a school list would be very appreciated. I'm aiming for 515+ on my MCAT in April, and I do plan on applying to schools that reward reinvention, though I'd be super happy to just get into my state school at this point. I applied (late) last year and didn't get any interview invites, but I've got great ECs and am signed up to shadow in the Spring as well.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[stinkycheeseperson]

killer ecs but no research or shadowing?

split the difference go with a 3.65 and do the same with your mcat

 

[GreenDuck12]

I agree with the above and would split the difference. You have an upward trend and your grades from 07-11 don’t define you but can’t be completely ignored. With that GPA, you should clear the initial screen at most if not all programs. The bigger question mark is your MCAT. having already taken it once, pending a retake, I would think it prudent to apply to a wide range of programs including some DO schools (State of residence is also huge here).

 

[newolduser]

killer ecs but no research or shadowing?

split the difference go with a 3.65 and do the same with your mcat

I've been doing research since March (this summer I was stuck in PCR hell - could not get any primers to work). Also did Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA, both health focused. Volunteer doula for low-income women. Can't shadow right now because I'm extremely pregnant, but that's why I'm signed up to do it in the Spring through my post-bacc school.

 

[Goro]

Hi everyone!

I'm trying to build a good list of schools for applying next cycle, but I'm not sure which GPA to use. I'm a non-trad who attempted a post-bacc right after graduating, decided against medicine, got my MPH, then decided medicine was actually where my heart is, so I'm doing another post-bacc (different classes this time, though I did retake physics for my own reasons).

I know my school list will also depend on my MCAT (a 506 from Sept 2020 - COVID really sucked my ability to study out of me), but I'm retaking that in April, so really just focused on GPA at the moment.

Here are the stats:

Undergrad (2007-2011): cGPA - 3.46 // sGPA - 3.43

• Relevant classes taken (12 credits): Calc 1, A&P 1, Intro to Chem

Post-Bacc #1 (2012-2013): cGPA - 3.47 // sGPA - 3.44

• Relevant classes taken (31 credits): Gen Bio 1&2, Gen Chem 1&2, Gen Physics 1&2, Calc 1 retake (C+ -> A)

Post Bacc #2 (2020-2022): cGPA - 4.00 // sGPA - 4.00

• Relevant classes taken (51 credits): A&P 2, Gen. Biochem, O.Chem 1&2 (and labs), Animal Phys., Calc 2&3, Cell & Molecular Bio, Stats, Genetics, Microbio, Univ. Physics 1, P.Chem, Biochem for Biochem Majors 1 (not counting this as a retake because I'm currently in a degree program and the previous Biochem class didn't transfer and the school offers a lower-level all encompassing Biochem, but Biochem Majors have a 2-class Biochem requirement).

Post-Bacc combined: cGPA - 3.81 // sGPA - 3.80

All undergrad classes combined: cGPA - 3.59 // sGPA - 3.75

If it matters, my graduate GPA is a 3.94.

I'm currently enrolled in Biochem for Biochem Majors 2 (3 units), and plan on taking Advanced O.Chem, Biochem Lab, Biophysical Chem, and a Neuroscience class in the Spring (so another ~12 units).

Any and all advice on which GPA to use when trying to build a school list would be very appreciated. I'm aiming for 515+ on my MCAT in April, and I do plan on applying to schools that reward reinvention, though I'd be super happy to just get into my state school at this point. I applied (late) last year and didn't get any interview invites, but I've got great ECs and am signed up to shadow in the Spring as well.

Thanks in advance!!

It's a waste of time to think about school lists with an MCAT score. Come back when you have a score and we'll be happy to advise.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

As a super non-trad applicant myself when I applied, with a 3.4 undergrad and 4.0 postbacc, my advice is to use your overall gpa. My overall gpa was a 3.6, so my stats were very similar to what yours are, and I had a 519 MCAT. I also had extensive and impressive ECs.

I got snubbed from schools I thought I had a great shot at and snagged IIs seemingly random from all tiers. You want to throw some higher ranked schools up there cause you never know, but definitely make sure you are applying broadly. If you just go by a 3.8+ and apply like that, you might shoot yourself in the foot.