Another concerned student..

[SBTF2008]

---

Members do not see this ad.

My case is not unusual from those posted on this site.
I am only in the third semester of undergrad, and I had an iffy freshman year. My cGPA is currently a 3.39, and I anticipate it will raise to a 3.6 after finals next month. My science GPA, however, suffers. I got a B- in Chem 101 and a C+ in Chem 102. Also, I got a B in Biology 101 and a B- in Biology 200.
I noticed some people on here mentioned unique circumstances, and I don't know if I will have the opportunity to explain my less than outstanding grades, but last year my fiance (he's now my husband) spent a frequent amount of time in the hospital undergoing tests for unexplained motor impairment and ended up having neurosurgery to remove a cyst that was blocking normal cerebrospinal fluid flow...during finals week 🙁
I anticipate I will do well in my remaining semesters of undergrad..so my ultimate question is
To retake, or not to retake?
Thanks!

 

[HeatherMD]

Just take higher levels. Problem solved.

 

[Mobius1985]

If you don't understand the Chem II material well enough to excell on MCAT questions covering that material, then retake it. Taking a higher level class building on the same material is certainly an option instead, as HeatherMD suggests. In my opinion that means Physical Chemistry. Opinions may vary, but IMO it would be easier to just retake the class to redeem the C+.

 

[Quasar]

my fiance (he's now my husband) spent a frequent amount of time in the hospital undergoing tests for unexplained motor impairment and ended up having neurosurgery to remove a cyst that was blocking normal cerebrospinal fluid flow...during finals week


If you use this in your personal statement and talk about how it solidified your desire to be a MD- it could add to your profile and not hurt as much.