Hi. You have a lot of questions. I'll try to address them one by one:
I know that you can retake a course in which you did poorly on, and the most recent grade will replace the first one. 1) Does this apply to ALL courses: Science and non?
Yes.
2) When the admissions committees see the grades, do they also see the old scores and the old GPAs before the grade substitions, or do they just see the substituted grades/GPAs? Does the application substitute the course grades itself?
Since I've never seen an adcom copy of an AACOMAS application, I can't say for sure. However, my impression is that all course/grades will appear on your application, but your GPA will be calculated using only the latest repeats.
3) Can I figure my "new" GPA on the application, even without sending it?
AACOM used to have directions on how to calculate your GPA by hand, if you want to get some idea of what it will look like. You can find those instruction on the website. However, AACOM will not calculate your GPA unless you submit your completed application.
4) Can I retake courses in a formal post-bacc program to replace my poor grades from undergrad (or do I have to retake courses during undergrad to replace poor grades from undergrad)?
Yes, as long the courses are the same, or equivalent, you can consider it a repeat/retake.
5) Is there a time limit in retaking a course? Say, if I took my sophomore courses in 2004/2005 and if I retake them several years later in 2008-2010 during the post-bacc program, will those grades replace grades made in 2004/2005?
There is no time limit. You can retake the class whenever.
6) Also, what is everyone's thoughts on taking courses at a local community college? Is it possible to retake a course such as "personal finance" which I failed. What about retaking a couple of basic science courses there?
If that's the best choice for you, then there isn't anything you can do. My personal preference is to retake a class at a 4-yr institution just because it leaves no doubt whatsoever. However, if you have to take it at a community college, then it'll probably be fine. Do the best you can with the choices you have in front of you.
7) Also, I took a course twice during my sophomore year and first failed it, and then got a D the second time around (dont ask please
). Can I still retake this course and will the new grade replace both the older grades or just one?
The newest retake will be used to calculate your GPA, but my understanding is that all course/grades will appear in your application.
8) (Thanks for reading this far!) Do you know anyone who has retaken most of their C/D/F courses, and how much did it elevate their GPA?
It's often worth retaking courses in which you don't perform well. I would definitely retake any courses that received a D, or lower. In addition, it is also good to take more advanced classes in the same, or similar subject, for the home run.
9) Is there a resource or somewhere on the AACOMAS application where I can play around with my GPA and figure out ahead of time how many courses I need to retake in order to achieve a certain GPA?
Refer to question 3.
My current GPA (according to *AMCAS): TOTAL 2.66/ BCMP 2.14
Before applying, I would definitely recommend retaking prerequisites in which you performed poorly, or failed, and then on top of that take several fulltime semesters of advanced science classes in which you get straight A's. That's going to do a lot to help you, in my opinion.
Thanks for your time!! I apologize for the multiple questions!
Hopefully I answered your questions. Good luck.