First of all I apologize for the long read here. Hoping I can get some good advice- I have several advising appointments coming up, but I’m currently doing a little research and would appreciate some extra input. I am going to be applying to graduate school soon for MS studies in biology, and here is what my history looks like- I started undergrad with a BS in biology at one school, where I got mostly A’s and B’s but transferred to another school with the same major. Due to moving away combined with personal illness issues (which I plan to address once I apply to grad schools) my grades over the next few semesters took a serious hit, I have some F’s and D’s. I have since been replacing/retaking every grade I can and trying to bring things up. I am currently a senior but I have decided that it’s best to just stay a bit longer and fix my GPA. My biology GPA is low, cumulative not great either, but I sat down and made a plan with advisors and with my retakes and extra electives over the next year or so, I am aiming to bring everything to at least a 3.0. I have started taking a new medication which in just this semester already has significantly improved my grades. Also, I have been working at an animal hospital for close to 2 years now (originally I wanted to go to vet school- that’s since changed) and am hoping some work experience will help me out. Seeing as I’m not doing veterinary anymore, I’m going to be looking for different types of jobs in the biology field to help diversify my application. Now, I do have an alternative idea. I had moved away when I transferred to my 2nd school, and after a few years the cost of living here has shot up a ridiculous amount since it’s become a huge tourist city. I could transfer back home, replace everything at a community college or wherever I can get in, and try to get the highest GPA possible. I’ve yet to discuss this plan with an advisor so I’m really not sure if this will look bad or not.
My question is this- when you apply to graduate school, do they only see the GPA from your last undergrad school or do they see a combination of all of them? I understand my student “portfolio” or whatever you can call it is really less than perfect, but after trying to fix up my life and grades I am on the track to fixing this as much as I possibly can. I also plan on taking some grad level courses as a non-degree seeking student and working for a bit before I even apply to grad school. I’m hoping that between a trend of ending with better grades, work experience, non-degree grad level courses, good GRE scores, letter of explanation, etc. that I will be able to be accepted somewhere and continue my studies. Any advice for a slightly overwhelmed but well-meaning undergrad student is very much appreciated.