Advise for retaking Organic Chem

[ChaunceyGardner]

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Hello everyone,

I know that this question is a popular topic, and I have read through others' posts about it. Nonetheless, I wanted to ask for some advise that is more specific to my situation. Also, I apologize if this question has not been posted in the ideal location.

I am a Junior now and failed OChem I in the Fall semester of my Sophomore year. I had some difficult things going on in my personal life at the time, but thankfully I have gotten past that and my grades have been improving ever since. It remains my only grade below a B. My school will not replace the grade; they will only show both grades if reattempted.

Now, I feel that I am ready to try again. I want to complete both semesters of OChem with lab this upcoming summer. Here is my predicament: I know that it would be best for me to retake OChem I at my school. Although the thought of retaking that class is vaguely terrifying, I am willing to suck it up to take ownership of my mistakes and demonstrate improvement.

However... my school's summer program is extremely expensive. I am on a full scholarship and am fortunate enough to have no student loans so far. Each semester of Organic plus lab at my school would cost about $5,000. That means that I would definitely have to take out a loan to do this -- which, again, I am willing to do.

Does anyone have thoughts on whether or not it would be worth it to spend so much money on this? I have also looked into a state school in the area that would be just over $3,000 for BOTH semesters with lab. I could probably afford that on my own. I am also confident that I would have a much easier time at the state school. Would medical schools frown on me retaking the course elsewhere? If so, how big of a difference do you think it would make? And finally, what if I were to take OChem I at my school and then switch to OChem II at the state school --- could that possibly be a good compromise, or is it best to complete both at the same place?

THANK YOU in advance for your advise.

 

[Jdp00921]

I have no opinion from a financial but only from a difficulty aspect. I took organic chemistry I and II over 10 weeks during the summer (~5 weeks each). Reflecting on that experience, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It's a lot of information to cram in such a short period and it is difficult to do well, even with devoting a lot of time to the subject. Granted, I was a first time taker, and you are not, but I still don't think it's a good idea. If you're extremely confident in your abilities, then go for it I guess. Just realize - you will be doing organic for 4-5 weeks straight with time for little else. At my university, we had 2.5 hours of class M-Th, 4 hours of lab Tu/Th, and an exam every Monday/quiz every Friday. It was truly a nightmare. I only did it because I had no other choices. If you have the option to just take it during the regular semester, do that!

Whatever you choose, good luck!

 

[ChaunceyGardner]

Thank you both for your replies -- they were helpful.

I agree that taking Orgo over the summer would be challenging, and perhaps a mistake. However, there are many drawbacks to taking it during the regular academic year. First, I am completing a combined BS/MS program (in 4 years) and need to get up to a certain number of general university credits in order to complete this. This means that I will have to take about 20-22 credits in the next two semesters (which is what I've been doing for the past two). I was really looking forward to taking classes that interested me next year, including Physiology, Immunology, Comparative Vert Anatomy, and perhaps Medicinal Enzymology. Were I to take Orgo, I think I may have to simplify my schedule a bit, which would be logistically challenging. in

Another complication is that I still need to take Physics as well. I was expecting to take Physics and biochemistry after graduation, since they are not required for my majors. I suppose another option would be to save OChem as well and complete all of these in an informal, rigorous postbach... I don't know. My situation is obviously in the weeds and I know nobody has all the answers. I still really appreciate the advise, though.

 

[chaim123]

Thank you both for your replies -- they were helpful.

I agree that taking Orgo over the summer would be challenging, and perhaps a mistake. However, there are many drawbacks to taking it during the regular academic year. First, I am completing a combined BS/MS program (in 4 years) and need to get up to a certain number of general university credits in order to complete this. This means that I will have to take about 20-22 credits in the next two semesters (which is what I've been doing for the past two). I was really looking forward to taking classes that interested me next year, including Physiology, Immunology, Comparative Vert Anatomy, and perhaps Medicinal Enzymology. Were I to take Orgo, I think I may have to simplify my schedule a bit, which would be logistically challenging. in

Another complication is that I still need to take Physics as well. I was expecting to take Physics and biochemistry after graduation, since they are not required for my majors. I suppose another option would be to save OChem as well and complete all of these in an informal, rigorous postbach... I don't know. My situation is obviously in the weeds and I know nobody has all the answers. I still really appreciate the advise, though.

PM'd you

 

[stickgirl390]

If it takes longer than 4 years for you to finish your degree, that is perfectly okay! Good Grades>>>>> the perfect timeline I agree that taking it during the regular semester is the best option.

 

[medguy24]

Hello everyone,

I know that this question is a popular topic, and I have read through others' posts about it. Nonetheless, I wanted to ask for some advise that is more specific to my situation. Also, I apologize if this question has not been posted in the ideal location.

I am a Junior now and failed OChem I in the Fall semester of my Sophomore year. I had some difficult things going on in my personal life at the time, but thankfully I have gotten past that and my grades have been improving ever since. It remains my only grade below a B. My school will not replace the grade; they will only show both grades if reattempted.

Now, I feel that I am ready to try again. I want to complete both semesters of OChem with lab this upcoming summer. Here is my predicament: I know that it would be best for me to retake OChem I at my school. Although the thought of retaking that class is vaguely terrifying, I am willing to suck it up to take ownership of my mistakes and demonstrate improvement.

However... my school's summer program is extremely expensive. I am on a full scholarship and am fortunate enough to have no student loans so far. Each semester of Organic plus lab at my school would cost about $5,000. That means that I would definitely have to take out a loan to do this -- which, again, I am willing to do.

Does anyone have thoughts on whether or not it would be worth it to spend so much money on this? I have also looked into a state school in the area that would be just over $3,000 for BOTH semesters with lab. I could probably afford that on my own. I am also confident that I would have a much easier time at the state school. Would medical schools frown on me retaking the course elsewhere? If so, how big of a difference do you think it would make? And finally, what if I were to take OChem I at my school and then switch to OChem II at the state school --- could that possibly be a good compromise, or is it best to complete both at the same place?

THANK YOU in advance for your advise.

Find somewhere that is a 4 year institution and where Orgo is an easy A over the summer 😉 take it there.



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