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.
i need a ride!
