Additional Coursework Question

[farnell]

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Having trouble finding an answer to my specific question. I am currently on the waitlist for a few MD schools but am thinking about taking some additional classes to boost my GPA if I do not end up getting in. In undergrad I received a C in Ochem 1 and a B in Ochem 2. I am wondering if it is acceptable to retake Ochem 1 even if I have already completed Ochem 2?

 

[Catalystik]

Having trouble finding an answer to my specific question. I am currently on the waitlist for a few MD schools but am thinking about taking some additional classes to boost my GPA if I do not end up getting in. In undergrad I received a C in Ochem 1 and a B in Ochem 2. I am wondering if it is acceptable to retake Ochem 1 even if I have already completed Ochem 2?

If you scored well on that part of the MCAT, and don't plan to retake it, there would be little point, considering your decent grade in OChem 2, unless you want to target a school that requires, say, a B grade in all prerequisites. You'd be better advised to take upper-level coursework instead, and get a high grade on the first effort.

If you want to qualify for the grade replacement that AACMAS DO schools offer, then that would be a good reason to retake, if your overall sGPA is low.

 

[farnell]

If you scored well on that part of the MCAT, and don't plan to retake it, there would be little point, considering your decent grade in OChem 2, unless you want to target a school that requires, say, a B grade in all prerequisites. You'd be better advised to take upper-level coursework instead, and get a high grade on the first effort.

If you want to qualify for the grade replacement that AACMAS DO schools offer, then that would be a good reason to retake, if your overall sGPA is low.

This is exactly the info I was looking for. Thank you

 

[gyngyn]

If that is you in the avatar, may I suggest that you protect your anonymity with another image?

 

[Dr Van Helsing]

If that is you in the avatar, may I suggest that you protect your anonymity with another image?

I'll never understand why someone thinks it's normal to use a self-picture in their avatar. When I joined SDN I didn't assume everyone was hideous and timid lol. But that's neither here nor there; you beat me to it this time!

 

[TREDWISE]

I'll never understand why someone thinks it's normal to use a self-picture in their avatar. When I joined SDN I didn't assume everyone was hideous and timid lol. But that's neither here nor there; you beat me to it this time!

What is going on here?

 

[TREDWISE]

http://www.studentdoctor.net/2012/08/20-questions-amber-c-rolfes-aud/

 

[Dr Van Helsing]

http://www.studentdoctor.net/2012/08/20-questions-amber-c-rolfes-aud/

This is going to be funny when you realize what's actually happening.

 

[TREDWISE]

This is going to be funny when you realize what's actually happening.

.

 

[farnell]

If you scored well on that part of the MCAT, and don't plan to retake it, there would be little point, considering your decent grade in OChem 2, unless you want to target a school that requires, say, a B grade in all prerequisites. You'd be better advised to take upper-level coursework instead, and get a high grade on the first effort.

If you want to qualify for the grade replacement that AACMAS DO schools offer, then that would be a good reason to retake, if your overall sGPA is low.

Hi Catalystik, this was very helpful. Could you clarify one thing? When you mean upper-level coursework, do you mean classes that will increase my undergrad GPA, or graduate classes? I am assuming you mean additional undergraduate work. I have a ~3,4 GPA and a ~3.3 sGPA.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi Catalystik, this was very helpful. Could you clarify one thing? When you mean upper-level coursework, do you mean classes that will increase my undergrad GPA, or graduate classes? I am assuming you mean additional undergraduate work. I have a ~3,4 GPA and a ~3.3 sGPA.

Undergrad! Like Stats, Bio (ideally, med-school related coursework), and Biochem that will boost both cGPA and BCPM GPA.

 

[farnell]

Undergrad! Like Stats, Bio (ideally, med-school related coursework), and Biochem that will boost both cGPA and BCPM GPA.

Great. And final question - I am trying to schedule my two retakes in case MD does not work out for me, but since i work full time my only option might be community college. How would it look to MD and DO if I retook my 2 C's from a 4 year school at a community college and received A's?

 

[Catalystik]

Great. And final question - I am trying to schedule my two retakes in case MD does not work out for me, but since i work full time my only option might be community college. How would it look to MD and DO if I retook my 2 C's from a 4 year school at a community college and received A's?

No DO school will look down on you for taking CC coursework (and keep in mind that for grade replacement, the credits must be the same or greater with the course description being largely similar). Only a few MD schools have any suggestion on their website that CC classes are discouraged.