A couple of C's...bad??

[Sushingreentea]

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What should i do?! I got a couple of C's in some of my classes...and I may just end up with another one this quarter...ekkk. I got a C in 3rd quarter gchem, 1st quarter ochem...i'm into my 2nd quarter but its tough. ochem just doens't click for me. The concepts aren't really hard but applying them to all sorts of problems is a difficulty. Should i retake it those classes at a JC to improve my admissions GPA? Do well on the OAT o-chem and gchem? Both?What should I do?! Help me out here. Has anyone been in this kinda of situation and still got in?

 

[IDoctor]

I was in the same situation. I did not do well in my zoology/botany class, 1st semester gen chem, and o chem.
I decided to repeat them at the local JC to improve my grades, but also to show the effort.
There have been people who posted and said they did bad in the course twice, in that case the advisors usually suggest doing well in the OAT section of the material to prove you understand the material.

 

[IDr10]

The Admissions advisor I spoke with discouraged retaking a course with a C unless you genuinely do not understand the material. She said it looks MUCH better if you take a higher level course and do well. The OAT for that section can also help balance the "average" grade. I do not think retaking at a JC is wise, its actually stepping "down" a level and basically, its a waste of money and admissions won't be impressed. I also got several "Cs" even in basic psych and I was offered an interview.

 

[alferec]

What should i do?! I got a couple of C's in some of my classes...and I may just end up with another one this quarter...ekkk. I got a C in 3rd quarter gchem, 1st quarter ochem...i'm into my 2nd quarter but its tough. ochem just doens't click for me. The concepts aren't really hard but applying them to all sorts of problems is a difficulty. Should i retake it those classes at a JC to improve my admissions GPA? Do well on the OAT o-chem and gchem? Both?What should I do?! Help me out here. Has anyone been in this kinda of situation and still got in?

Don't worry; I got into Berkeley, SCCO, and SUNY with a couple of C's too (Genetics, and two O-chem classes). But keep in mind that the admissions committees will look at not only your GPA, but your total package overall (OAT, letter of rec, extracurriculars, etc.) so don't be too worried about your C's unless you are under a 3.0 GPA (and under a 3.0 science GPA too).

 

[swtangelize]

I am also in the same position and have rec'd a couple of C's in classes. I decided to take Organic II over for a better grade, and also because it will be refresher for my OATs. If this is of any help, last semester at school we were required to do mock interviews given by alumni at my college. I was lucky enough to get an O.D who graduated from my top choice school and was also on the admissions commitee. I was honest about my not so perfect grades, but told him about my experience working 2 jobs as a technician for a private ophthalmology practice and corporate optometry practice for the past 3 and 6 years. He said grades are not the determining factor. There are tons of people out there who can get an excellent GPA, but what sets people apart is the desire and passion they show in wanting to be an O.D. It is the overall package you present. So my point is, I wouldnt worry too much about your C!! 🙂

 

[pienfoo]

yup totally agree. Although grades are important, almost anyone could get a decent GPA if they spend most of their time studying at home. I think schools would rather see someone with a decent gpa/oat, but have shown commitment in making a difference in his/ her community through chairty, leadership, and work. The latter also demonstrates their level of responsibility and maturity which can't be learned from textbooks. so if you are determined, there are many ways to show them that you'll be a valuable member to the profession which would definitely outweight a couple of Cs. g'luck to u. and me