How to Retake Prerequisite Courses Strategically

A low grade in a prerequisite course does not have to define your application. Many successful DPT students retook one or more courses before applying. The key is knowing when a retake makes sense, how it will affect your GPA, and how to approach the course differently the second time around.

When Does Retaking Make Sense?

Retaking a course is worth considering if you earned a C or below in a core prerequisite, especially in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, or physics. Many programs have minimum grade requirements for prerequisites, often a C+ or B-. If your grade falls below a program's threshold, retaking is not optional. Even if you technically meet the minimum, a low grade in a foundational science can weaken your application. Programs want confidence that you can handle doctoral-level coursework, and your prerequisite grades are the most direct evidence of that.

However, retaking a course where you earned a B may not be the best use of your time. The improvement from a B to an A has a smaller impact on your GPA than moving from a D to a B. Be strategic about where your effort will make the biggest difference.

How Retakes Affect Your PTCAS GPA

According to the PTCAS GPA calculation policy, you must report all attempts of every course, and all grades factor into your cumulative GPA. PTCAS does not honor institutional grade forgiveness, academic renewal, or grade replacement policies. This is different from how many universities handle retakes on their own transcripts, where the original grade may be replaced.

For your prerequisite GPA, the calculation works differently. You designate which attempt of each prerequisite course should count toward your prerequisite GPA, so PTCAS uses only that designated attempt for the prerequisite calculation. However, individual programs can still review your full transcript and calculate prerequisite GPAs using their own methods.

Because all attempts appear on your PTCAS transcript and count toward your cumulative GPA, a retake will improve your overall numbers but will not erase the original grade entirely. Research each program's specific policies for evaluating retakes before making your plan.

Choosing Where to Retake

You can retake courses at a community college, a four-year university, or through a post-baccalaureate program. Community colleges are often the most affordable and accessible option, and most DPT programs accept prerequisite coursework from accredited community colleges without any issue. That said, check the specific requirements of your target programs. A small number of schools prefer or require that upper-level sciences be taken at a four-year institution.

Post-baccalaureate programs designed for pre-health students can be a strong choice if you need to retake several courses. These programs often provide advising, structured schedules, and a cohort of students with similar goals.

Tips for Success the Second Time

If you are retaking a course, treat it as a fresh start. Identify what went wrong the first time. Was it time management, study habits, or difficulty with the material? Consider working with a tutor, forming a study group, or adjusting your course load so you can dedicate more time to the subject. Attend office hours regularly and engage actively with the material rather than passively reviewing notes.

Going into a retake with the same approach that led to the original grade is unlikely to produce a different result. Be honest with yourself about what needs to change.

Alternative Ways to Strengthen Your Academic Profile

Retaking courses is not the only path forward. If your prerequisite GPA is borderline, you can also strengthen your academic profile by performing well in additional upper-level science courses. A strong grade in exercise physiology, biomechanics, or neuroscience demonstrates your ability to handle challenging material. Some applicants also pursue graduate-level coursework or certifications to show continued academic growth.

Programs value an upward trend. If your early college grades were weak but your recent coursework is strong, that trajectory tells a compelling story about your development as a student.

Retaking a course takes time and money, so plan carefully. With the right strategy, a retake can transform a weakness in your application into evidence of determination and growth.