Taking BCPM Courses at Another College/University

BCPM GPA

Did you know that for medical school consideration, both your overall and BCPM GPA will be taken into account? Your BCPM GPA includes all biology, chemistry, physics, and math classes that you take as an undergraduate. A list of those courses is here. The reason these courses are evaluated separately is because medical school, particularly the first 2 years, is very “hard science” heavy and one (perceived) way to determine which folks will or won’t be able to handle those 2 years is to review how they did in science courses in college. Your overall GPA isn’t the only thing that counts. Meaning you can make all the A’s in the world in sociology, history, language, and basket-weaving classes, and while those will help to even out any poor science grades in your overall GPA, they won’t do anything for your BCPM GPA. So, this BCPM GPA is nothing to play with! Just like with the overall GPA, most schools have a BCPM GPA range that you need to meet in order to be considered. As you know, it’s sooooo much easier for a GPA to drop than it is to bring it up. This is no different. You need to rock these classes. 

Taking BCPM Classes Elsewhere

I went to Duke for undergrad but I took Physics I and II at UNC-Chapel Hill. Now, if you know anything about college basketball, you understand there is a rivalry between Duke and Carolina that goes far beyond the court. And I take it seriously. So, as much as it pained me to go to that campus twice a week for 2 semesters, I did it. Why? Because it made the most sense for my schedule and I had to get those classes in at that time and it wasn’t available for me at Duke. And, there was a collegial affiliation between Duke and UNC, so there was no change in the tuition or hassle with registration or anything like that. There was even a bus that went between campuses, making it even more convenient.

There are a couple reasons people take BCPM classes at another campus. 

It fits better in your schedule…

The most common, like for me, is that it makes sense for your schedule. There are only so many hours in a day and you can only take one class during a certain time block. If you need another class just as badly as one of the BCPM classes, sometimes you have to make the decision to take the BCPM course elsewhere. It works out nicely if there is already an arranged relationship between the schools like there was for me at Duke/UNC.

You’re home for the Summer…

You may choose to take a BCPM class in the Summer instead of during the school year. I personally recommend this if you can do it, especially if it’s a tough course, because you’ll likely have a lighter load and can focus only on that class without some of the academic and social disturbances that creep up during the school year. While taking it at your main campus is usually the first option, if you don’t choose to stay in your college town for the Summer, you may have to take one of these courses elsewhere, like closer to home. 

It’s easier…

Listen, those classes are going to be tough regardless of where you take them. But let’s be honest, the goal is an A and to learn. An A because we need that BCPM GPA to stay up and you need to learn something because much of it will come back at you on the MCAT and the first few months of medical school. You need a good foundation, so don’t get carried away with the “it’s easier somewhere else” option. 

Everyone tells you to…

I write this one with some hesitation, because it’s not a good excuse when someone asks you why you took a BCPM course somewhere else. Neither is “because it was easier,” in case I need to spell that out. Advice from upperclassmen and those ahead of you in your same course of study can be a big advantage. Especially when it comes to information about courses and professors. If multiple people are telling you that the course is awful or that the professor is bad (for significant reasons), and that under no circumstances should you take that course at that college…that may be a sign. One or two people telling you a class is bad is one thing; but when multiple (credible) people tell you the same thing, you may want to think about taking it with another professor at another time or taking it somewhere else. Now, you may be told to avoid a certain course or professor but you have no other options and you’ve gotta suck it up and walk into a class knowing it will be tough but that you have to get through it. But sometimes, life gives you options.

IF you choose to take a BCPM course elsewhere, be smart about it. 

In your application, you have to include every college/university you’ve attended and the transcript. So taking classes somewhere else shows up plain and clear for reviewers to see when looking at your application. So, you need to be careful about taking classes elsewhere so as to not make red flags. For example, if you take biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and cell biology all somewhere other than your primary institution…that’s a red flag. If you attend a 4-year college but take multiple (some people would say, any) BCPM classes at a local junior college in the same town as your main college during the year when it’s offered at your school…also a red flag. Bottom line, be sure that if you take a BCPM course somewhere else, it’s an equally rigorous institution as your own. Also know that you may be asked why you took a course somewhere else, and you need to have a good answer for that! 

There’s a lot to consider when thinking about taking a BCPM course at another school but, in some circumstances, it makes sense to do so. Don’t think that this is an automatic red flag to your application. Do you have questions about this? Are you planning to take a BCPM course elsewhere and are not sure if it’s a good idea? Feel free to leave comments below or send me an email!

The next post will be titled, What if I bomb a BCPM class? Heads up, the moral of the story is that if you do, it’s not the end of the world. I’m living proof of that. (uggggh organic chemistry!!) But the goal, of course, is to not bomb the class in the first place! I’m planning to write it while sitting on the beach this week…hellllllo vacation! [Just in case you don’t see the post this week, blame it on the sun and Mai Tais!] I’ve earned a break and you have too! Remember to take some time this Summer to do something nice for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a trip to Miami or Hawaii or anything big at all. It can be a staycation or even just a day away from studying, working, and adulting. Don’t go crazy or ball out above your means and, of course, do meaningful pre-med things this summer as well…but be sure to get a break too. Balance is important!