Repeating a Prerequisite Course

[Robio]

Hi, I had a problem-- Im a McGill student-- and I had a problem with one of my pre-requisites. I didnt do so well in freshman year and ended up with a b- in one of the biology courses, and I was wondering if it would be to my benefit to repeat this course if I know I can get an A since UBC averages repeated pre-requisites ?-- Or would this be frowned upon and be held against me by say other universities ? Thanks-

[knucklehead]

save your money and time, 85% average at ubc = 25/25 for AQ (roughly).

[The Ace of Spades]

Wouldn't be 'held against you', but you don't get any credits for repeated courses. With a B-, I would definitely consider repeating it.

[iwh333]

contact UBC admission to make sure but from what I remember, UBC will not take the marks from the course you retake if you DID NOT end up failing it the first time.

[The Ace of Spades]

Just looked it up, and iwh333 hit the nail on the head: http://www.med.ubc.ca/education/md_ugrad/MD_Undergraduate_Admissions/Frequently_Asked_Questions.htm#Evaluation-A5.

 

I guess you have to ace those pre-reqs the first time around!

[LeX-]

Even if you have poor prerequisites, I don't think it has a very large impact at all on your overall application.

 

An overall average of 85% (of all courses) is around 25/25 for the academic score pre interview, and if your last 60 are still on that level, it's even better.

 

You have to consider that your prereqs are not even taken into account until after your interview, and if you managed to obtain 75% on your prereqs and now your average is 85% after a few years of bringing it up, you would think that this shows you are improving your work ethic.

 

I wouldn't worry about a lower prereq score at all.

[supafield]

ubc has an interesting way of considering these things... do OOP's get graded on the same scale for AQ as BC residents?

[rburgundy]

Generally, we do not recommend repeating grades to improve your overall GPA. Students who enroll in unclassified, non-degree programs for the sole purpose of improving their academic qualifications are advised that only a small proportion of such candidates gain admission.

 

WTF?!? Was working full-time and took a bunch of courses after my MSc. I am facking screwed.

[Robio]

That's Great news !! thank you very much

I actually fall in the category of ruined first year, improving from second year --- my 1st year gpa: 3.3; 2nd year gpa 3.97

 

but I also had another question:

 

"The grade point average of the last 60 credits, or equivalent, refers to courses completed closest to the application deadline and counting backwards until 60 credits are accumulated. A minimum of 60 credits are required, but sometimes more will be included, depending on the number of credits or courses available. Second term courses are used, then full year courses and if required, the better grade(s) from Term 1."

 

Does this mean if I apply traditionally in 4th year, my 2nd & 3rd year gpa will be included? or 1st term of 4th year and counting back ? and if I apply after graduating and taking a year off, my 4th year+3rd year ?

[LeX-]

Your academic score is composed of:

 

Your overall average of ALL of your courses AND your last 60 credits.