Non-Traditional Med Student 101: How to Save That Science GPA!

Welcome back to this series! Today I’m sharing how to boost that science GPA in preparation for your med school application. SO, you want to get into med school, but you also want to put your best foot forward with your application…and then there’s that pesky GPA. Three numbers with a great deal of influence. Most medical schools calculate a completely different GPA based on JUST your science courses. There goes that cushion lol. What to do? If your science GPA leaves a bit more to be desired, you may consider a post-bac or Masters…or both! Med school or bust, right?! I never took Physics I and II at my undergraduate institution. I was over the grade deflation and decided I’d make up for the courses elsewhere. I also needed to retake Chem II and Organic Chem II. I completed all of this coursework with a post-bac at a local university (using a very minimal amount of student loans). A post-bac (post-baccalaureate) is an option for students who desire to increase their science GPA without enrolling in a degree program. Perhaps you already completed a degree and just want to take or re-take your prerequisite courses for med school. Post-bacs are a great option in cases such as these. You can enroll in an official program with a set schedule and trajectory for students or you can set your own schedule and enroll in a university as a part-time student; taking only the courses you know you need. I opted for the latter because I was earning my Masters in Public Health at the time. (by any means necessary!!)

A Masters in Science Program is another great option for those who desire to boost that science GPA. This kind of program, in my opinion, provides even more advantages than a post-bac. A Masters typically requires two years to complete which allows medical schools to see a 2 year span of improved performance. Longevity and consistency are key components to any good med school application. A Masters also allows for more opportunities to conduct research AND you walk away with another degree behind your name! As I did not get into medical school the first time I applied, I regrouped and decided a Masters of Science was a great option for me. If you are in the Atlanta area, I highly recommend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – GA Campus . This program allowed me to learn MCAT information in depth and demonstrate 2 years worth of ability to perform well in upper level science courses. It is worthwhile to complete the 2 year program (as opposed to just one year without a degree) for these reasons. A post-bac and (two) Masters. For me, that did the trick! Know yourself and weigh your options. Address the science GPA. Don’t ignore it. And lastly, always remember you are SO MUCH MORE than a few numbers on a piece of paper. The numbers are important, but they are not everything. So many people try to pretend like extracurricular activities, research, publications, and passion don’t weigh. BUT they DO! I’m a living witness. You got this! Feel free to reach out with any questions!

xoxo,

Anya

Photos by Tina Smith