Here are the classes that count toward my sGPA and their grades:
Gen Chem (school doesn’t split into 1 and 2): B
Gen bio lab: A-
Statistics: B+
Gen Chem lab: A
Orgo 1: A
Orgo 1 lab: A
Calc 1: B+
My current sGPA is a 3.5, which isn’t horrible but it isn’t the best.
Are these too many B’s already? I’m heading into sophomore year btw.
S ended up with both sGPA and cGPA at end of the first year below 3.2. Although he had to wait until end of senior year to take enough units, especially in UD science courses, he’s an MD. So from my viewpoint, you had a solid first year, though as you seem to know, a 3.5 sGPA still needs to go up.
“Is it too many Bs?” It depends on how many more science courses you are planning to take and how many more grades below A in these courses you get. Suffice it to say that every grade below an A in a science course (especially premed) hurts you. A flat out downward trend would be fatal. Good luck sophmore year.
@Jugulator20 I still have physics, pchem, ochem 2, and a bunch of biology classes left to take.
I think you will be fine, just keep up with those science classes and strive to get As in all classes you take, including your majors.
@vkugal you are at a much better starting point than my S to move your sGPA up. Out of necessity S had to complete senior year before applying to, in part, effect grade repair. With enough units and As you may be able to move the sGPA needle to a more competitive level by end of the third year and apply. However consider that of those who apply, 60% fail to start anywhere. You really only want to apply with strongest app possible. By waiting to apply until end of senior year you may be less stressed to pump out As, less rushed to study and earn a competitive MCAT, get more ECs, have a college life. Yes you’ll have a gap year, but it may make a difference. Just something for you to consider. There’s a saying “getting into med school is a marathon, not a sprint.” Good luck.
@Jugulator20 thanks, but I’d prefer trying to stick to the traditional model unless I find myself in a position where a gap year is preferable.
If I get all A’s (again, big order) in the science classes I have left, should I be worried? I’m mostly worried because I’m done with all the math courses I’ll be taking in college and I got a B in gen chem.
@vkugal I dont know if you should be worried as there’s more to a successful applicant than just GPAs (eg MCAT, ECs, LoRs, PS, interview performance, applying broadly). Deficiencies in any one of those areas could be fatal to your chances.
@Jugulator20 I know I’m getting annoying, but are you saying that this deficiency in GPA could be fatal? Or that if I have strong everything else, I should be good?
IMO you need to raise your sGPA (eg 3.7), I’m not going to get into speculating what “if I have strong everything else, I should be good?” I’m a parent, not an adcom
The traditional path IS taking a gap year.
No worries vkugal. I made a C in physics in my first semester as a freshman. Made it into Cornell Med despite it. The only comment interviewers said to me was “So I see you are not a fan of physics.” I did however have straight A’s in advanced science classes in junior/senior years. Just make sure you keep to an upward trend in grades.
Keep at the pace your at and strive for the best you can be. As long as you keep your gpa where it’s at and do the extra stuff to make you desirable then you are golden.
Btw, when I say extra stuff I mean: get experience in a clinical setting via volunteering at hopitals, work in a lab, etc. (also gotta show that you can be committed so best to be at the same place for a year or more), do something that shows you being in a leadership role like club president, and bonus points if you can show yourself being an educator and/or being a researcher.
i received C in my molecular biology class (that is a course in my college required by medical schools) during my second semester and I am highkey feeling like i shouldn’t consider medical school. @Becky8 what would you say about that? i was considering ivy league medical schools but idk if anything will happen? thanks!
^ i also go to an ivy for context.
oops sorry i meant @LC110 ah!