Calculating Science GPA

Depending on which Health Professions Field you wish to enter, different courses are included in the science GPA.

The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)

- Does NOT include math in its science GPA calculation:

Science GPA= Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Physics, and Physiology

Non- Science GPA= English, Math, Statistics, Humanities, Social Science, Speech/Communications

American Dental Education Association (ADEA AADSAS)

- Calculates two science GPA's:

1- BCP (biology- chemistry- physics)

2- Total Science (BCP + math and other natural sciences)

Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)

- Does not include Math in the Science GPA. You can find more information about the PharmCAS GPAs at pharmcas.org 

The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

- Calculates a science GPA as well as a combined science & math GPA:

Science GPA- all anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics courses

Combined Science & Math GPA- includes all courses in the Science GPA, plus math

The following courses are classified as "OTHER SCIENCE" by PTCAS. These courses are NOT included in the PTCAS Science or Combined Science and Match GPAs. For a complete list of course examples for each PTCAS subject, go to http://www.ptcas.org/Coursework.html

OTHER SCIENCE: Agriculture, Astronomy, Bioethics, Biological Anthropology, Computer Science, Electronics, Engineering, Forestry, Geology, Meteorology, Physical Geography, Physical Anthropology, Teaching Science

PTCAS staff attempt to verify the correct Course Subject was selected based on the course title and department that offered the course. Staff do not review course catalogs or descriptions to make a determination. There are some nuances to the classification process. If an applicant is unsure about what category to use, they should contact PTCAS staff for guidance.

 For more information about PTCAS GPA calculations, please visit http://www.ptcas.org/GPAs.html

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Applciation Service (AACOMAS)

- Does not include math in the science GPA. You will find more information about the AACOMAS GPAs at the PDF version of the 2012 AACOMAS Application Instructions: http://www.aacom.org/Documents/AACOMASInstructions.pdf

Science GPAs- include Biology/Zoology, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Other Science, and Physics.

Non-science GPAs- include Behavioral Science, English, Math, and Other Non-science

Clinical science classes would be classified on case by case basis. Using the examples provided, classes like Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Microbiology would be classified as Chemistry and Biology respectively.

Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptpmCAS)

- Calculates numerous GPAs.The GPAs and hours will be summarized by academic year within undergraduate (freshman through senior year), post baccalaureate, and graduate work as well as summarized by area of study. There will also be a running total GPA for each academic year that will add all coursework together for an overall total GPA. The GPAs that will be calculated are:

• Overall
• Freshman
• Sophomore
• Junior
• Senior
• Post Baccalaureate
• Graduate
• GPAs by course subject:

• Biology/Life Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Physics
• BCP Totals
• Other Sciences
• Math
• English
• Psychology
• Other General

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)  

Applicants are responsible for classifying courses based strictly on the  primary content of the course regardless of the department that the course was taken in.  For a general guide of course classifications please visit: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/181694/data/amcas_course_classification_guide.pdf. 

In the event that an applicant is unable to comfortably classify a course, we suggest that the applicant refer to the description of the course on the school’s Web site.

Keep in mind that applications will never be placed on hold or returned for incorrect course classifications.  Once AMCAS processing is complete, applicants must review their Course Work data including course classification. If an applicant disagrees with any changes made by AMCAS, the applicant is responsible for submitting an Academic Change Request within 10 days of the date AMCAS processing has been completed.  When submitting the Academic Change Request they should be able to provide justification of the classification by providing a link to the course description on the school’s Web site.

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) 

- A complete list of other science courses, as well as courses for all of the various content areas, can be found within the FAQ section on the AACPMAS application page or try this link:  https://portal.aacpmas.org/applicants2012/faq/faq_coursesubjects.html. 

Other science courses include:

Archaeology
Astronomy
Biomechanics
Biotechnology
Chiropractic
Electronics
Engineering
Epidemiology
Exercise Physiology
Geology
Kinesiology
Medical Technology
Meteorology
Natural Science
Nutrition
Pharmacy
Physical Anthropology
Physical Geography
Physical Science
Radiology
Sports Medicine 

* Like AMCAS, AACPMAS also considers course categories based on course content rather than the department offering the course.