C in second semester biology

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luv2sd

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alright so I got a C in second semester biology...
should I retake the course? how will this C affect me when I apply to...
let's say, top tier medical schools? I'm worried because it's one of the prereq courses lol

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I don't know... I'm taking Bio II in the fall and for my school, it covers the things I enjoy the least... genetics, population ecology, and evolution.
 
alright so I got a C in second semester biology...
should I retake the course? how will this C affect me when I apply to...
let's say, top tier medical schools? I'm worried because it's one of the prereq courses lol

One C in an otherwise stellar application won't kill you. One C of many will. Retake won't make it go away for AMCAS purposes. Foolish to think about "top tier medical schools" until you finish all the prereqs and take the MCAT. At this point you need to simply worry about doing well and once all the cards are on the table you can realistically assess what calliber med school you have a shot at, if any.
 
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Getting a C in biology probably isn't the best start to getting into Med School...

Biology is one of the easier subjects that you'll encounter on your road. I'd say retake it, and make sure you take some more biology to show you can handle something that covers such a wide variety.
 
alright so I got a C in second semester biology...
should I retake the course? how will this C affect me when I apply to...
let's say, top tier medical schools? I'm worried because it's one of the prereq courses lol

As someone said earlier, I would advise against re-taking it with a C. Move on and be ready to do well in other science courses, esp. upper level biology. Also, invest some time studying for MCAT Bio section so you can make up for the bad grade in intro bio. A bad grade or two is not going to affect your candidacy, except for perhaps your GPA.
 
:thumbup: i need a ride!

what are the chances (in and out of the home state of california) for an applicant with 8 10 11 Q, 3.7 with the first C in some kind of biology a few months ago, good EC's, no research and so so LORs?

thanks
 
I too got a C in 2nd semester biology (i can give you tons of excuses and reasons why I did bad but that doesn't do anyone any good).

I think, 3 years ago when I did get that grade, I reflected on my study habits and also looked at the as a learning experience. everything you do, is an experience good or bad. Getting a C can be a good thing! (not being cynical) it opened my eyes on what I was able to do, and most importantly, I knew my personal limit. I had hit it. I knew where to go from there.

What's important is to have that experience be meaningful from you, that you let it transform you and that you change. You can't let this drag you down. Instead, this should fuel your resolve even further! Maybe you'll end up becoming a great student after this, and a great student for the rest of your life!

I think if you demostrate competency and great ability in upper division biology, it'll be in a way to redeem yourself (not to mention it'd be more interesting, f**k plants, I'll take my cancer anyday).

But yeah, good luck and don't let it drag you down! be empowered!

alright so I got a C in second semester biology...
should I retake the course? how will this C affect me when I apply to...
let's say, top tier medical schools? I'm worried because it's one of the prereq courses lol
 
This last semester I got these grades

Biology I: A
College Algebra: A
Trigonometry: A
Chemistry I: C


The C really upset me, I had a 75 percent without any curve, but when the teacher added the "curve" my grade was still a C. He said the curve mainly just helped people who had 65 or so to get a C. It sucks cause everyone else I know who took it previous semesters said their grade usually got a 10 percent boost with the curve.

Will this C in chem I look real bad since it is a core pre-req? I am already studying for Chem II next fall since it is the same book, I got a chem tutor also and we are almost halfway through the material for the class. If I get an A in Chem II, I am hoping the C won't look too bad then.
 
alright so I got a C in second semester biology...
should I retake the course? how will this C affect me when I apply to...
let's say, top tier medical schools? I'm worried because it's one of the prereq courses lol

Does your college even let you retake C's? I know mine doesn't.
 
In general, I think people need to stop freaking out about one or two low grades. It's not going to kill you. The important thing, as someone else already pointed out, is to take advantage of the situation and learn from it. Personally, my first semester freshman year wasn't so hot, grade-wise (C+ second semester Advanced Gen Chem, B- Calc II) but I learned how to deal with pressure and to accept the fact that everyone screws up occasionally. Furthermore, this gave me fodder for my personal statement, both to address some of my lower grades and to show how I dealt with a difficult situation (my grades pretty steadily improved over my four years). In my opinion, since AMCAS doesn't ignore retaken classes, adcoms are not likely to be impressed by a slight increase in a retake grade, unless the original was like a D-/F. Personally, I had fairly average stats/research with little volunteer experience and I got into my top choice school my first time applying (granted, off the wait-list, but in is in). I think my strength as an applicant came from being forthright about my weaknesses and demonstrating that I was mature enough to learn from my mistakes and move on.
 
thanks guys for the advice
so how many people actually get into top tier schools with a few C's?
a few C's with stellar application
 
thanks guys for the advice
so how many people actually get into top tier schools with a few C's?
a few C's with stellar application

Describe said "stellar application."

Describe said "top tier schools."

A few specifics makes it easier for everyone to give their opinion.

As for MY opinion- a C or two seems less important than the overall BCPM. Especially if you ace some higher-level courses in the same discipline. A stellar applicant will frame that stellar application by announcing his/her high GPA and high MCAT, but will then go on to REALLY define their stellar-ness in clinical experience, research, strength of character. In that case, your C's pretty much disappear in the shadow of your GPA and MCAT (because both of those show that you are not deficient in your "C" subject).

However, most stellar applicants I know avoid C's.
 
I agree with Law2Doc. One C won't kill you, but you have to learn from your mistakes and work harder. Getting into a "top-tier" school is an admirable goal, but right now you should focus on doing well in your classes. Think about where you'll go to school AFTER you take the MCAT.
 
hi

ok i've spent at least two hours searching through SDN for an adequate answer to my concern but I am still in very strong doubt.

My gpa is subpar ~3.4 and I have C/C+ for my gen bio I & II and their labs (so 4 Cs). I keep reading people's cases where they shouldn't retake a course b/c it was just 1 C but mine is both semesters. Retake both semesters with labs or do well on an advanced bio course?

thanks!
 
I don't think retaking is doing anyone any good. In the end the grade stands and it still shows. You will probably be forced to explain it when it sticks out like a sore thumb. My friend had that experience along with similar stories with any weaknesses. They're not looking for an excuse, but should they be afraid that you got that score. If you have solid proof you can handle medical school information beyond "I'll try harder when I get in," then you should be fine. Whether or not you can demonstrate this on your applications without the interview is what you should be considering.
 
hi

ok i've spent at least two hours searching through SDN for an adequate answer to my concern but I am still in very strong doubt.

My gpa is subpar ~3.4 and I have C/C+ for my gen bio I & II and their labs (so 4 Cs). I keep reading people's cases where they shouldn't retake a course b/c it was just 1 C but mine is both semesters. Retake both semesters with labs or do well on an advanced bio course?

thanks!
Im not sure, since i have the same problem as you guys. I got a c in chem both lec and lab. So 5 units. However, i think that you should just take a advanced bio class.
 
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