A D in organic chem

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quee123

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  1. Medical Student
i got a D in OC-I and B- in OC-II, how bad does this look? Additionally, NYCOM said that students need a minimum of C in all prerequisites, but I got a secondary from them, so should I send it or not?
 
i got a D in OC-I and B- in OC-II, how bad does this look? Additionally, NYCOM said that students need a minimum of C in all prerequisites, but I got a secondary from them, so should I send it or not?
Send it. Just make clear that you did BETTER in O.Chem 2 AND you plan to retake O.Chem 1.
 
I graduated though, so i cannot take it. my end science GPA was 3.5 with that D and overall was 3.7, but I am also finishing up grad school with a 3.3
 
I graduated though, so i cannot take it. my end science GPA was 3.5 with that D and overall was 3.7, but I am also finishing up grad school with a 3.3
You have to retake or forget it. Even doing it a community college is better than not doing it. If you don't do it, you won't get into any medical school.
 
Then enroll in a community college and retake it, you need to state intent on retaking and pass it with a C or higher or no medical school in the country will accept you. This is a non-negotiable policy of both application services.
 
So how does an couple f's look on the transcript? I plan on retaking the courses. I really want to apply to a d.o program. If I ace the classes this time would it matter much?
 
i got a D in OC-I and B- in OC-II, how bad does this look? Additionally, NYCOM said that students need a minimum of C in all prerequisites, but I got a secondary from them, so should I send it or not?

Send it in, but know you're going to have to retake it somehow. Things like this slip through all the time, that's why they have file reviews at the interview at a lot of places. It's mainly to ensure that you either have all the classes required, or that you have a plan in place to take all the required classes before matriculation.

All pre-requisites have to be passed with a C or higher, O Chem 1 is a prerequisite, end of story. They didn't send you a secondary because they plan on exempting you from the policy, they sent you a secondary because your GPA and MCAT meet their minimum cutoff for a secondary application. If you don't retake, you can't matriculate even if they accept you. And they won't accept you in the first place without knowing of your plan to retake the course.
 
So how does an couple f's look on the transcript? I plan on retaking the courses. I really want to apply to a d.o program. If I ace the classes this time would it matter much?
Yes, it would matter A LOT. Better a retake A than an F.
 
I think he was asking if the F's would matter much if he replaces them with A's.
And that's what I was answering. It does matter a lot. One could retake and get a C or a B. Retaking matters a lot for your GPA, and the higher your final grade, the more it matters to show command of the subject.
 
I had a D in Organic II - I retook it and got an A-. Both times were at my university. How will osteopathic schools look at this?
 
I had a D in Organic II - I retook it and got an A-. Both times were at my university. How will osteopathic schools look at this?
AACOMAS will only count the A- in your GPA.
 
Not always 😉

I know you're little winkey-eye is meant for sarcasm, but just for clarity's sake:

http://www.nyit.edu/nycom/admissions/frequently_asked_questions

Applicants must have completed an acceptable academic year sequence, with a grade of "C" or better, in the following pre-requisite courses:
• English: 6 semester hours
• Biology, including a basic course in general biology or general zoology
(lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours
• General Chemistry (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours
• Organic Chemistry (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours (NYCOM will
not substitute biochemistry for the second semester of organic chemistry)
• Physics (lecture and laboratory): 8 semester hours

I don't think there's a school out there that doesn't require at least O-chem 1. Some places will let you substitute O-chem 2 for Biochem but not at NYCOM.
 
I had a D in Organic II - I retook it and got an A-. Both times were at my university. How will osteopathic schools look at this?

As said above, only the A- goes into your GPA, but they'll have your transcripts so they'll know both grades. Unless this has been a pattern for you it probably won't matter much at all though.
 
O...I wasn't being sarcastic.

In certain circumstances, some schools accept C- for a prereq. Not a D though; I think that's universally understood to be failing.
This is correct, but you must file a petition to the school. Sometimes they also say "no."
 
omg, i didn' know this. Can i take it at my grad school, but guys I am doing masters in biochem. I took bioorganic chem and got a B
 
i am just freaking out at this point. I took biochem I and II, bioorganic and biophysical chem...none of these classes matter?
 
i am just freaking out at this point. I took biochem I and II, bioorganic and biophysical chem...none of these classes matter?

I believe the answer is always going to be the same: you need to retake the D.

I cannot think of a med school that accepts D's in prereq classes. Your other option is to petition the school because you have higher level chemistries with higher grades. I don't know that you would get that far, though - I'd say most schools will screen before offering an interview and not offer them to anyone with a grade below a C in a prereq.
 
ok, but I have submitted my primary application at this point. How do I show them that I am retaking it? I can retake the class at my grad school
 
I wish I had known sooner,I feel so stupid 🙁 I am really worried at this point
 
guys please help. I have worked too hard to get to this point. i will take the class, but how do i inform the schools about this status
 
so you submitted your primary now? I would say save the money and forget about it. Really. Unless you can get into an ochem class this semester and complete it, which is likely impossible because it is almost february. Plus, you are applying in january anyways. You are way late. And being that you can't get in without retaking it, and you can't retake it this semester or summer (as most schools require final transcripts by the middle of June, so there is no way a summer class would work), apply first thing for the class of 2017 application.

you don't have a chance for this season. if you did, I would still tell you that you don't because it is incredibly late. just chalk it up as a learning experience and do it right next time.

and don't send the secondaries. most schools will automatically send you a secondary. they just want your money. and i have repeated that it is super late so you get the point. sorry that this isn't what you want to hear.
 
If I can get into the class this semester and take it. Do you think its possible? I do want your honest opinion, even if it is not what i want to hear. My college starts on the 30th.
 
Wow. That's late. If you can get into it, you should definitely take it. Then you need to e-mail every school you applied to and tell them that you forgot to indicate that you are retaking ochem this semester (if you get in of course). If it was earlier, I would say just update your aacomas app, but it is too late for that. you don't want anything that could be a hindrance.
 
Have you taken 2 semesters of general chemistry (undergrad)?

Have you taken 1 semester of biochemistry (undergrad)?

If you answered "yes" to both, some schools may allow you to substitute that biochemistry for the organic chemistry 1. You will need to contact each school individually to find out. Be sure to give them all the details.
 
Have you taken 2 semesters of general chemistry (undergrad)?

Have you taken 1 semester of biochemistry (undergrad)?

If you answered "yes" to both, some schools may allow you to substitute that biochemistry for the organic chemistry 1. You will need to contact each school individually to find out. Be sure to give them all the details.


My ug school does its chem sequencing in a weird way so I ended up being .6 units deficient in inorganic chem..I contacted every school and most said that they were okay with substituting chem or just looking at the overall chem units (they know that my UG school usually has this problem though)...I would contact the school...usually they'll tell you what to do. To be on the safe side, I'm enrolled in an inorganic chem class starting Monday.

good luck!
 
I disagree with everyone who said you should retake this course. Clearly, it was an anomaly in your record. There's no point, if you're going to have a graduate degree in chemistry, to step back and take that. You have already proven yourself and your undergrad science gpa and overall gpa are fine.

You are not the first and certainly not the last to make a D in organic chemistry. Move on!

[Edit]: The above assumes you contact the schools and they will accept the D in the course - otherwise, yeah, you're going to have to retake it or reconsider the schools to which you apply. Plead your case to them if they refuse to accept it - masters, etc.
 
Actually, the bio-organic chem may function as a substitute. The requirement isn't inflexible, you can always substitute upper level advanced organic chem.
 
Thanks Guys. I take complete responsibility for overlooking this critical requirement and I feel absolutely foolish. I won't make excuses, but I will try to enroll in the organic Chem-I and contact the schools on Monday the latest. I took General chem -I and II, biochem as an undergrad. Biochem I and II, bio organic and biophysical in grad school. I appreciate each and everyone's input. Thank you for taking the time and answering my question.
 
I have applied to NYCOM,UMDNJ, touro college and lake Erie based on their deadlines. I realize I'm applying late in the cycle. I already submitted the primary, so not much I can do, but just not send the secondary. I will call the schools and see what they say
 
I have applied to NYCOM,UMDNJ, touro college and lake Erie based on their deadlines. I realize I'm applying late in the cycle. I already submitted the primary, so not much I can do, but just not send the secondary. I will call the schools and see what they say

There ya go! That's all you had to say! Explain your situation like you explained it to us, and hopefully the dean of admissions will understand!
 
I disagree with everyone who said you should retake this course. Clearly, it was an anomaly in your record. There's no point, if you're going to have a graduate degree in chemistry, to step back and take that. You have already proven yourself and your undergrad science gpa and overall gpa are fine.

You are not the first and certainly not the last to make a D in organic chemistry. Move on!

[Edit]: The above assumes you contact the schools and they will accept the D in the course - otherwise, yeah, you're going to have to retake it or reconsider the schools to which you apply. Plead your case to them if they refuse to accept it - masters, etc.
Good thing you edited because that's the reason everyone is telling him to retake.
 
Good thing you edited because that's the reason everyone is telling him to retake.

I mean I agree if his hands are tied but for competitive reasons there's certainly no reason to retake.

And, honestly, any school who doesn't overlook the D is doing it wrong.
 
Maybe he can knock out Ochem I in the first half of the summer? I think it's doable, so long as the school OP wants to attend will accept this. Might have to think about 2013 cycle and submitting apps asap.
 
I took General chem -I and II, biochem as an undergrad. Biochem I and II, bio organic and biophysical in grad school. I appreciate each and everyone's input. Thank you for taking the time and answering my question.

If you passed General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry II, and Biochemistry in undergrad, then almost all DO schools will allow you to substitute that Biochemistry for Organic Chemistry. Some won't, but most will. Of course, you should directly ask the schools yourself to make sure.

But, if you want a boost in your GPA, then replacing a D is a pretty big *potential* boost.
 
I just realized that ochem -I was not included in the Aacomas verified transcript. They show def-3 hrs in ochem🙁 if I call a school, I should explain that too.
That is the only one grade that is going to cause any issue! I was under the impression that my schOol didnt allow to retake the class unless I failed it, but I guess I was wrong. I spoke to my advisor in grad school to give me permission for an undergrad class, I hope she agrees. I am so stupid🙁 I'm done with the masters finally, but I guess I will have to retake the class. Thanks one and all.
 
I just realized that ochem -I was not included in the Aacomas verified transcript. They show def-3 hrs in ochem🙁 if I call a school, I should explain that too.
That is the only one grade that is going to cause any issue! I was under the impression that my schOol didnt allow to retake the class unless I failed it, but I guess I was wrong. I spoke to my advisor in grad school to give me permission for an undergrad class, I hope she agrees. I am so stupid🙁 I'm done with the masters finally, but I guess I will have to retake the class. Thanks one and all.

Just call the schools--you can still get interviews without the requirement. They will just want it completed (if they even do) before matriculation.
 
Sounds good. I will call them. Thank you
 
I called NYCOM, they need O-CHEM
Touro said they cannot access until they get my MCAT scores
I emailed UMDNJ and LECOM.

I cannot enroll in the class, since the class is full and my advisor said that it is not a requirement for my degree, so she cant reserve the seat.
Bottom Line- I am screwed.

Can I take the O-Chem online to fulfill this requirement. I am just so upset at this point 🙁
 
I am maintaining matriculation at Hunter College this semester, since I have to give a comprehensive exam before I get my degree. I was wondering whether I can enroll at some school while I am enrolled/maintain marticulation at Hunter. I am open to all ideas Thank You guys
 
Absolutely, as far as I'm aware you can take your O-Chem class anywhere. See if there's one offered at your local Community College or something.

Even better, walk in to the O-Chem class at your current school on the first day and ask to speak with the professor. I'll bet he/she can make room for you. I've never had a problem doing that, tons of people don't make it in and are dropped in the first week or so of the course anyway.
 
I called NYCOM, they need O-CHEM
Touro said they cannot access until they get my MCAT scores
I emailed UMDNJ and LECOM.(

NYCOM doesn't allow the Biochem substitution, but I'm pretty sure the other schools you listed do...since I did the substitution myself. Did you tell them you passed 2 semesters of Genchem and 1 semester of Ochem already and just want to substitute 1 semester of Biochem for 1 semester of Ochem?

Don't give them the impression you want to substitute both semesters of Ochem.
 
Check on the substitution. Take a 5 week summer o-chem course, unless they have a deadline for taking it before that? Online is probably a no-go due to the lab, but it's worth checking around. Do a search on here.
 
I called the professor. Today is the first day of the class and he said he cannot give me permission because the classes are full and he does have the authority. I was wondering whether I can take the class at another college,despite being enrolled at Hunter as continuing Matriculation. I will go and see him again on Thursday and speak with him. I need to take a damn day off from work. Such a nervous wreck at this point 🙁

On the other note, I did specify O-CHEM I only and listed that I took Gen Chem I and II, Biochem as an undergrad and BioChem I and II and Bioorganic Chem as a graduate student. I am waiting to hear from them.

Touro said they wont look at my application until they get my MCAT scores which will be by Feb End.

Do you guys know of any other school?

I don't mind retaking the class, but if I cannot take it this semester, I will pretty much waste a whole year.
 
What is your cgpa and sgpa? What are your ECs? No offense, but you might be wasting a whole year anyways. So you have to retake ochem and you can't take it this year,. Forgetting that fact, you are applying and won't be complete anywhere until february. Unless you have ridiculously awesome stats, you may not get an interview at all, and if you do, the earliest you would interview is march or april and based on the past, these dates are usually interviews for waitlist spots. So instead of freaking out, just understand that you likely won't get in this year anyway. Again, not to be a dick, you are just applying very very late. The schools that generally accept january mcats tend to reserve their interview spots for people who have an awesome app, but bad mcat, so they are retaking in jan. This isn't a hard rule, but come the end of february, it could be likely that your app hasn't even been looked at.

My opinion is to stop freaking out, save your money, and have an awesome application for next cycle.
 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/member.php?u=76083FrykBgStok pretty much summarized it best.

If you had started applications earlier with a much better plan, I would've suggested taking one of the three week summer crash courses, since you don't need prereqs done before matriculation.

But, the chances of acceptance is not good enough to quit your job so early. You should probably start planning for next application cycle.

You should still go to any interviews if you have them. On the very small chance that you get accepted somewhere, your acceptance letter would say "You need to finish the following classes: Organic Chemistry I, by this date".
 
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