C- in Prerequisite for DO

[GUH]

So, the AACOMAS web site indicates that

"AACOMAS only verifies grades of C (not C-) or better to meet prerequisites. Some colleges will accept
C- grades to meet prerequisities – please check with the individual college."

Unfortunately, I pulled a C- (C minus) in my first semester of General Biology.
However, I did better during the second semester course (4 credits/semester with lab). I also have credit for an AP Biology exam (5), taken back in 2005; the course is reflected as "Principles of Biology" with 4 credits on my college transcript.

My science GPA is overall not very high and I will have completed the basic premed curriculum (2 semesters of Bio, Chem, Orgo, Physics, Math, English) by the end of the summer, which is also when I am scheduled to graduate.

As of right now, I'm slated to pick up an MPH full-time starting this fall and am deciding if I should do that part-time for a quarter or two while making up that class- I'll still be able to finish in two years if I take this route.

It's just kind of confusing since a lot of the Osteo schools I've looked at have varying prerequisite standards- some do not indicate a minimum grade, others say it's a "C", others take AP credit, others don't. Some schools allow a semester of Zoology or other Life Science in lieu of one semester of Bio; some require general bio.

It looks like I have a few options:

1. Let it be.
2. Retake a first-semester undergraduate Intro Bio class while doing my MPH.
3. Take some other undergraduate Bio class while doing my MPH.

What should I do?

Thank you so much for your help!

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[mechanictodr]

I think you'll have to retake that course. I am unaware of any DO school that accepts a C- grade. I guess you could call each one you plan to apply with and ask them about their policy on C- grades, but do it before you submit your expensive AACOMAS app.

Good Luck

 

[GUH]

I think you'll have to retake that course. I am unaware of any DO school that accepts a C- grade. I guess you could call each one you plan to apply with and ask them about their policy on C- grades, but do it before you submit your expensive AACOMAS app.

Good Luck

Thanks for the input!

If I take an undergraduate Bio course at the same school where I'll be doing my MPH, will that still be applicable towards my prerequisites?

 

[mechanictodr]

Thanks for the input!

If I take an undergraduate Bio course at the same school where I'll be doing my MPH, will that still be applicable towards my prerequisites?

Well if you're looking for grade replacement then it has to be an equivalent level course, covering the same topic, and worth the same amount of credits to qualify. Otherwise, from what I gather it will just be counted as another course and though it may fill the requirement it will not replace your grade.

I only retook courses from the same institution so there was no problem getting the grades replaced. Just make sure to read the AACOMAS instructions carefully and call them up or email them if you have questions. They are very helpful.

 

[Daedra22]

I would call individual schools that you're applying to. I had a C- in O chem I, and the schools either accepted biochem in its place or recognized a C- as a C. Since it was my only "bad" grade, it wasn't really worth my time to retake the class (especially since I did well in O chem II and biochem). Just my input; if you feel that you need to retake, by all means, do so.

 

[wudabum]

i called CCOM about a similar situation about a year ago. they said as long as you have passing grades in enough bio courses to meet the prereqs. in my case i had many bio courses so they said my one C- was fine.

 

[DbDan]

i called CCOM about a similar situation about a year ago. they said as long as you have passing grades in enough bio courses to meet the prereqs. in my case i had many bio courses so they said my one C- was fine.

This. I applied last year with a C- in a gen bio course but I have about 50 bio units so no schools even cared.

 

[ManUnderFire]

This. I applied last year with a C- in a gen bio course but I have about 50 bio units so no schools even cared.

...so does that translate to ~16 courses @ 3 credits a piece? I have at least that many bio courses. Thing is, I got a 'C' in Bio I and am dreading having to retake a lousy year-1 introductory undergrad course with a bunch of whipper-snappers

 

[GUH]

...so does that translate to ~16 courses @ 3 credits a piece? I have at least that many bio courses. Thing is, I got a 'C' in Bio I and am dreading having to retake a lousy year-1 introductory undergrad course with a bunch of whipper-snappers

...while it still may be good for you to retake the course, you're not in quite the same predicament since the AACOMAS certifies C's but not C-'s.

So at least you have a leg up on me! 😀