Navigating the PA school application process can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, especially when it comes to understanding the different types of GPAs that schools might consider. Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! Let’s break down the various GPAs that PA schools look at and what each one means. By the end of this, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to present your academic achievements in the best light.
Overall GPA
What It Is: Your Overall GPA is exactly what it sounds like – it’s the average of all the grades you’ve received in all your college courses, regardless of the subject or when you took them. If you have a transcript for it, it counts.
CASPA Description: CASPA calculates your Overall GPA by taking the total grade points you’ve earned and dividing it by the total number of credits you’ve attempted. This includes every class you’ve taken, even if they’re not related to science or healthcare.
CASPA Overall Science GPA
What It Is: The Overall Science GPA includes all the science courses you’ve taken during your college career.
CASPA Description: CASPA compiles this GPA by including courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and other health science-related classes. It’s calculated by dividing the total grade points earned in these science courses by the total number of science credits attempted. It includes retakes – both the initial course grade AND the retake grade (see more on this below).
BCP GPA
What It Is: The BCP GPA focuses specifically on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses.
Difference Between BCP and Overall Science GPA: While the Overall Science GPA includes all science courses, the BCP GPA is more specific and only includes courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. This means if you took courses in other scientific disciplines, like environmental science or kinesiology, those would count towards your Overall Science GPA but not your BCP GPA.
CASPA Description: Similar to the other GPAs, CASPA calculates the BCP GPA by taking the total grade points earned in biology, chemistry, and physics courses and dividing it by the total number of credits attempted in these subjects.
Last 60 or 30 Credit Hour GPA
What It Is: Some PA schools look at the GPA for your most recent 60 or 30 credit hours of coursework. This can be a great way to showcase improvement over time, especially if your grades have significantly improved during your later years in college.
CASPA Description: CASPA doesn’t calculate this GPA for you. Instead, you’ll need to manually calculate it by averaging the grades of your most recent 60 or 30 credit hours of courses.
How CASPA Calculates GPAs
Understanding how CASPA calculates GPAs is crucial because it may differ from how your college calculates them. Here are the key points:
- All Courses Count: CASPA includes every course you’ve taken at the college level, even if you repeated a course.
- Retakes: If you retake a course, CASPA includes both the original grade and the retake grade in their calculations. This means that even if you improved significantly on the second attempt, the first attempt will still affect your GPA.
- Grade Points: CASPA converts your grades into a standard grade point scale. For example, an A is typically worth 4 points, a B is 3 points, and so on.
- Credits Attempted: Every course’s grade points are multiplied by the number of credits the course is worth. These are then totaled and divided by the total number of credits attempted to calculate your GPA.
Why Different GPAs Matter
Each PA school has its own set of GPA requirements and may prioritize different types of GPAs. However, the vast majority of schools will look closely at your Overall GPA and Overall Science GPA as calculated by CASPA. It’s important to know how each type of GPA is calculated and what they represent so you can accurately assess your academic standing and identify areas where you might need improvement.
Tips for Pre-PAs
- Know the Requirements: Research the specific GPA requirements of the PA programs you’re interested in. Some might place more emphasis on your Overall Science GPA, while others might look closely at your BCP GPA or your last 60 credit hours. Remember, you MUST meet or exceed the school’s minimum prerequisites to receive an interview or acceptance.
- Strategize Your Coursework: If you’re still in school, focus on excelling in your science courses, particularly those in biology, chemistry, and physics. Also, aim to finish strong, as some schools consider the GPA of your most recent coursework.
- Retakes and Improvements: If you need to retake a course, be aware that CASPA will factor in both grades. However, improving your grade can still positively impact your Overall and Science GPAs.
Understanding the different types of GPAs and how CASPA calculates them can help you strategically prepare your PA school application. Remember, each school may have its unique focus, but knowing your strengths and weaknesses in each GPA category will allow you to present the best possible application. Stay focused, keep striving for excellence, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming a PA.