Confusing AACOMAS grade replacement question

[slyfox]

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So I'm in decent shape to get into a DO school next cycle (applying summer 2012) but I would like to shape up my GPA a little to expand my options so I can potentially have a better shot at more DO schools. My major weaknesses are the two general (inorganic) chemistry classes I took. I got a C+ in the first, and a C- in the second (yes, i know I MUST retake the C- to even have a chance). The course #'s I took were C117 ( Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I) and N330 (Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry). I now realize I could have taken C118 (Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry II) instead of N330. Most people at my campus however, take N330, as IU's medical school has an agreement that IU undergrads must take N330 instead to gain admission into the school. I am not applying to IU's med school, as I am set on going to an osteopathic school, where C118 would have been sufficient. However, I found this out too late to get out of N330.
My actual question is this: I want to retake both these classes this summer to get rid of these C's, I know I am better capable of better. However, due to time conflicts, I would have to retake at a satellite campus of IU's (IUPUI), where the course numbers are even more screwy. Given the information I have given you guys, do you think I could replace C117 at IU with C105+C125 at IUPUI, and N330 at IU with C106+c126 at IUPUI. These courses at IUPUI are the only comparable classes offered at the campus, and am sure they would be fulfill the prereqs of general chemistry for medical school. I just am not sure if they will replace the actual courses I originally took. I will most likely contact AACOMAS to make sure, but wanted to ask here first, as I have gotten great feedback from sdn in the past.

To help, here is the link for C117, C118, and N330 at IU- http://ugrad.chem.indiana.edu/coursedesc.asp

And here is the link for C105+C125 and C106+C126 at IUPUI- http://chem.iupui.edu/courses/undergraduate

Thanks for the help 👍

 

[footNankle]

Unfortunately AACOMAS won't issue any guarantees about whether or not a class will replace another class. If the course numbers aren't the same, all that matters is how similar the two course descriptions are.

 

[slyfox]

Unfortunately AACOMAS won't issue any guarantees about whether or not a class will replace another class. If the course numbers aren't the same, all that matters is how similar the two course descriptions are.

hmmm, thats unfortunate that there are no guarantees. Based on what I've said and the course descriptions, do you think the classes would replace one another? I honestly don't know what to think

 

[Zoopeda]

I emailed two course descriptions to AACOMAS to seek preapproval for a re-take, and they told me directly that they do not pre-approve courses. They did remind me that whatever the retake, pay attention to the type of academic calendar used. 4-quarter-credits cannot replace 4-semester-credits since a quarter is shorter than a semester. Semesters can replace quarters, however, and obviously quarters for quarters and sems for sems. Anyway, here's what they wrote to me:

"The rule of thumb when picking a course that will be used as a repeat is that both courses need to be on the same level (undergraduate/graduate), the credit hours for the repeat course needs to be equal or greater than that of the initial course and the content needs to be the same or similar. This is all of the guidance that we can offer to applicants. For specific questions you need to meet with your advisor." -AACOMAS

They also mentioned that in some cases, a course description signed and mailed directly from the teacher to AACOMAS is another way to help them determine a replacement. I re-took a class as an independents study, and the professor sent a letter explaining course content, etc, to allow for an accepted grade replacement. Hope that helps some...

 

[slyfox]

I emailed two course descriptions to AACOMAS to seek preapproval for a re-take, and they told me directly that they do not pre-approve courses. They did remind me that whatever the retake, pay attention to the type of academic calendar used. 4-quarter-credits cannot replace 4-semester-credits since a quarter is shorter than a semester. Semesters can replace quarters, however, and obviously quarters for quarters and sems for sems. Anyway, here's what they wrote to me:

"The rule of thumb when picking a course that will be used as a repeat is that both courses need to be on the same level (undergraduate/graduate), the credit hours for the repeat course needs to be equal or greater than that of the initial course and the content needs to be the same or similar. This is all of the guidance that we can offer to applicants. For specific questions you need to meet with your advisor." -AACOMAS

They also mentioned that in some cases, a course description signed and mailed directly from the teacher to AACOMAS is another way to help them determine a replacement. I re-took a class as an independents study, and the professor sent a letter explaining course content, etc, to allow for an accepted grade replacement. Hope that helps some...

thanks, this does help. I just wish they could tell me (and maybe they can if i mail them the course descriptions) before I drop $1500 on a class that may or may not even replace my grade that absolutely needs replaced one way or another.

 

[Zoopeda]

I know, it's ridiculous. There's a poor premed on another thread who re-took two full years of pre-reqs at a school on a quarter calendar, only to find out at the end that they won't replace her original coursework taken on a semester calendar. I can't imagine... On the other hand, we're pretty lucky to be getting grade replacement at all!

 

[slyfox]

I know, it's ridiculous. There's a poor premed on another thread who re-took two full years of pre-reqs at a school on a quarter calendar, only to find out at the end that they won't replace her original coursework taken on a semester calendar. I can't imagine... On the other hand, we're pretty lucky to be getting grade replacement at all!

wow..that is..unfortunate. That is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I emailed aacomas this morning, haven't hear back yet. Crossing my fingers. Does anyone else have an opinion on whether they think these classes will replace one another? Any help would still be appreciated

 

[MidwestPhD]

IU gives credit for only one of the following: N330, C118, or C106-126, but I don't know what that means. If you took one of those and then took a different one, what happened to your transcript? Did IU let you do that? If so, did the first grade become an X grade or a NC?

 

[depamr]

Unfortunately AACOMAS won't issue any guarantees about whether or not a class will replace another class. If the course numbers aren't the same, all that matters is how similar the two course descriptions are.

If the course numbers are the same, is there a replacement guarantee?

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

If the course numbers are the same, is there a replacement guarantee?

This thread is old dude. The answer to your question is no.

 

[impervious0ne]

It looks like there is NO MORE grade replacement policy for the upcoming cycle.

 

[depamr]

It looks like there is NO MORE grade replacement policy for the upcoming cycle.

... are you serious?

 

[Dochopeful13]

... are you serious?

Ya the mother$$&@&@ took it away without even giving a fair warning. I literally just wasted the last five years of my life.

 

[impervious0ne]

... are you serious?

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it has been confirmed by @Goro in the DO threads.