Science gpa vs. prerequisite gpa?

[tgm1814]

Hello everyone,

I’m applying to PA programs in the upcoming cycle and was wondering if anyone could provide any information about how heavily science gpa weighs on the overall application versus the gpa of prerequisite courses. Unfortunately, my science gpa is not as high as I would like for it to be (around 3.4). I earned Cs in 3 of my undergraduate upper level science courses, 2 during my sophomore year and one one during my senior year. Only one of these courses was a prerequisite (biochem). My gpa for prerequisite courses, however, is much higher (around a 3.8). I feel that the rest of my application is fairly decent (3.6 gpa, good GRE, a few hundred patient care hours, and tons of community service). Also, I don’t know if it matters much, but I am a former teach for amarica corps member. Is it likely that my subpar science gpa will hinder me from gaining acceptance? If so, is there anything that I should do to strengthen my application?

Edited April 30, 2018 by tgm1814

[emily1016]

I can tell you that I applied last year with a sGPA of 3.14 and cGPA of 3.48 and got multiple interview offers, so I think you should be fine as long as your experiences, personal statement, and letters of recommendation are good 

[bocc54]

To my knowledge the sGPA is usually what they first look at, but your GPA seems fine so I would not be too worried. 

[fishbum]

for sGPA vs prerequisite GPA, it depends on the program. Some weigh the prerequisite GPA more heavily and others might not even calculate it. 

[mooredc]

It is so variable like @fishbum said. My program calculated their own prerequisite GPA and that was the GPA they used in the interview selection process.