science GPA?

<p>I know that the typical science GPA is composed of BCPM. However, I read that approximately 12% of schools require a math. With this, it seems that math shouldn't go into their calculation of the science GPA if they don't require it. (What do they do for applicants without a math?)</p>

<p>My question is...do some medical schools just use BCP to calculate a science GPA...and for schools that dont require a math, how much weight would a sub-par grade received in the class have?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>Med schools don't calculate GPA's. That's left up to AMCAS. And they include math.</p>

<p>thats what i thought...although it seems slightly misleading since math isnt even required by many of the schools...and what happens to those students that dont have any math?</p>

<p>Don't most med schools require some math? In addition, don't most undergraduate colleges require some math for their own university/general ed requirements? And finally, shouldn't any prospective pre-med take some math to be able to apply to the broadest range of med schools?</p>

<p>well, perhaps they were exempt from High school...and if you look at many of the medical school applicant requirements, they dont mention math at all...some explicitly state math isnt required.</p>

<p>but if AMCAS calculates the science GPA, then what happens to students that dont have a math? They exist, can't ignore them.</p>

<p>basically, where im getting at is: if I apply to all schools that don't require a math, then is it considered falsifying my app if I dont put down my math grade on the primary?</p>

<p>nevermind, stupid question...of course it would be</p>

<p>I don't understand your question. If you don't have any math, then you get zero grade points for zero units, and it doesn't get calculated into your GPA. If you have a B average in BCP, and no math classes, then you get a B average.</p>

<p>And AMCAS will check your transcript anyway. So it will do you no good to omit a course. AMCAS will put it on there with a gigantic red X to mark that you've made a mistake on your application.</p>

<p>OP: I don't get what your point is. It'll be on your transcript and you'll get an X from AMCAS since they'll have to correct you.</p>

<p>I also don't see how it's fair/unfair to include math as part of the science GPA. If someone didn't take any math courses, then their GPA will simply be composed of their bio, physics, and chem courses. If someone does take math courses, then their GPA will composed of their B, P, C, and M courses. Depending on how they did in their math courses, it may or may not help their science GPA.</p>

<p>what im saying is: science GPA seems to be your medical school prereqs (BCP). Why should math be included if not all medical schools even consider math. </p>

<p>So if you do poorly in a math, it gets reflected on the BCPM which sort of hurts you because your overall GPA is lower. It seems to be that medical schools should readjust it to not include math if its not their requirement.</p>

<p>The BPCM GPA has never purported to include just your prereqs. Physical chemistry is not a prereq of any med school. Evolutionary biology is not a prereq of any med school. A 400-level physics course is not a prereq of any med school. Yet, they are all included in your BPCM GPA. Why is math any different?</p>

<p>The whole point of the science GPA is to measure how well you perform in science courses, not how well you perform in med school prereqs.</p>

<p>I guess the OP is exempt from taking Calculus at his school likely due to having completed APs in HS. Therefore, the dilemma of completing requirements for Med Schools.</p>

<p>Doogie311, Why not simply retake Math in College? If you did well in HS, chances are you will do well again.</p>

<p>that would depend if the college will let him/her retake for credit</p>

<p>^^
Yes, I know that my son who got credit for two semesters of calc was told he could not retake for credit. I'm surprised that any (I know they do though) schools allow it as those students are really just padding their grades and messing up any curve for those students who have never had the class.</p>

<p>The argument is that the AP's are grossly inadequate to make sure the students are prepared for higher level work.</p>

<p>so that's why some colleges allow "retakes" for full credit?</p>

<p>That very well may be true BDM and most probably is. My question is then why have the AP's? Or are the tests too easy? Personally, showing my age here, I kinda like the "old" way when college level classes were taken at college, lol.</p>

<p>Well, it's game theory. While (some) colleges want their kids to retake the courses, the idea is that they use AP courses to determine which kids are taking the hardest courses their school offers, and I suppose you can also use the scores to evaluate how well they're learning relative to the other students there.</p>

<p>In other words -- they love the AP's as sources of academic information. But not so much for training their eventual students.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I'm surprised that any (I know they do though) schools allow it as those students are really just padding their grades and messing up any curve for those students who have never had the class.

[/quote]
Say what? LOL. Some schools strongly suggest retaking for students majoring in the field, even with a 5 . Isn't it at least possible that the Intro courses at those schools cover material that is different and/or in greater depth than that covered by the schools who do not even allow a retake? "Really just padding". Sheesh. That's a bit harsh when you don't know the course, isn't it?</p>