Chances of getting???

[Fedeli84]

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Hey everyone! I am a 32 year old non-traditional student. I was looking for some advice and guidance. I am currently a math major in my last year of school. Last semester I was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and underwent surgery after my Fallopian tube ruptured. I had a rough recovery and several complications which made it impossible to complete the class and I was already past the deadline to withdraw so the professor gave me an F (It was a 300 level Real Analysis class). I still have a 3.5 GPA but I'm concerned my opportunity at medical school just went out the window. Has anyone gotten into med school with an F? Also should I include the complications that led to my F in my personal statement?

 

[surgonc2017]

A single F will not prevent you from being admitted to medical school. Your story doesn't really make sense though - so I wouldn't include it in your personal statement. Continue to get the best grades you can (retake the class), kill the MCAT and apply broadly.


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[Fedeli84]

A single F will not prevent you from being admitted to medical school. Your story doesn't really make sense though - so I wouldn't include it in your personal statement. Continue to get the best grades you can (retake the class), kill the MCAT and apply broadly.


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Thank you for the advice! I tried to make a little more sense out of what happened to me, but thank you again for your opinion. I was a wreck when the grades got posted

 

[Fedeli84]

If your story about fallopians is true maybe grovel to professor, depending on who they are and whether likely to have another class w them?

He was kept aware the entire semester but said there was nothing much he could do to help if I couldn't make it to the classes. Unfortunately the grades are in the books but I have registered to take the class again this semester. I need it for my major no matter what. Hopefully now that I'm healthy again, I can really nail this class.

 

[gamieg]

a single grade won't make or break your application.

there are areas on the application to explain anything additional you may feel is necessary, and you could include this if you feel like it warrants an explanation. if it's your only worrisome grade though, I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[Fedeli84]

a single grade won't make or break your application.

there are areas on the application to explain anything additional you may feel is necessary, and you could include this if you feel like it warrants an explanation. if it's your only worrisome grade though, I wouldn't sweat it.

Thank you so much for your reply! I have been extremely worried about it since it happened so I appreciate the advice. I've been working hard at gaining shadowing hours and just started a job with a Down Syndrome organization. So I'm hoping all this helps my chances!

 

[backside_attack]

I got a D- in calculus and no one cared.

 

[Gurby]

A single F will not prevent you from being admitted to medical school. Your story doesn't really make sense though - so I wouldn't include it in your personal statement. Continue to get the best grades you can (retake the class), kill the MCAT and apply broadly.

Agree with not putting it in the personal statement, but in what way does the story not make sense?

 

[Goro]

Agree 100%. Also see if your university has any policies on retroactive withdrawals.

The PS is NOt for explaining a poor grade...they always come off as excuses.

BUT, your app will have prompts like "explain any poor grades" or "Anything else you want to tell us?" That's where the explanation should go.

A single F will not prevent you from being admitted to medical school. Your story doesn't really make sense though - so I wouldn't include it in your personal statement. Continue to get the best grades you can (retake the class), kill the MCAT and apply broadly.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Your grade is not something you should have brought up with just your professor. You need to go to the school administration and have them withdraw you. You have legitimate medical documents. It could be a violation of your rights if your school refuses to withdraw a student in times of medical emergency.

 

[Fedeli84]

Your grade is not something you should have brought up with just your professor. You need to go to the school administration and have them withdraw you. You have legitimate medical documents. It could be a violation of your rights if your school refuses to withdraw a student in times of medical emergency.

Ya, at my school, that's exactly who you go to but even more than that I went to the Chairman of my department who instructed me to speak with my professor. Unfortunately, the only other option given to me was to take an Incomplete but that wouldn't have helped me because I wouldn't have been allowed to re-register for the same course without attempting to complete the first. Those are the only options given to students who are put in emergency circumstances, which kind of stinks but I had to roll with it

 

[Fedeli84]

lolwut? If you have an issue with grading, the first place you go is to the professor. Institutions vary significantly on how they address situations like this - some won't flex period, some will flex with some prodding, some professors have leeway some don't...yes getting swatted down is unpleasant but asking often works. Especially for attractives like OP.

Ya, my school is one who doesn't offer much for options. Unfortunately, the higher level math classes are ones in which you cant really skip class and pass. But hopefully another shot at it will do the trick haha

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Ya, at my school, that's exactly who you go to but even more than that I went to the Chairman of my department who instructed me to speak with my professor. Unfortunately, the only other option given to me was to take an Incomplete but that wouldn't have helped me because I wouldn't have been allowed to re-register for the same course without attempting to complete the first. Those are the only options given to students who are put in emergency circumstances, which kind of stinks but I had to roll with it

All if you can get an incomplete and then sit through the lecture as a way to complete the class? Maybe a bit far fetched but you never know.

 

[futuremdforme]

I would pursue other options to change it, but if that's not possible, just retake it and aim really hard for an A. That way you can easily address it. It's a high level math class, not bio or a pre-req so I doubt it would be concerning if it's the only blemish on your transcript.

I would take your pic out of your avatar for anonymity.

 

[AnotherLawyer]

Ya, at my school, that's exactly who you go to but even more than that I went to the Chairman of my department who instructed me to speak with my professor. Unfortunately, the only other option given to me was to take an Incomplete but that wouldn't have helped me because I wouldn't have been allowed to re-register for the same course without attempting to complete the first. Those are the only options given to students who are put in emergency circumstances, which kind of stinks but I had to roll with it

It sounds like you don't want to be a grade grubber but it's not grade grubbing if you were graded unjustly. I don't know the details of your situation or your school, obviously, but if you have a legit documented medical situation that prevented you from finishing a class, I would not give up so easily on getting a retroactive withdrawal. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.