C's in General Chemistry--Retake?

[AidanE]

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Hi all,

I received a C, C+, and C+ in gen chem and A, B-, and B in o-chem. Though my o-chem grades aren't spectacular, do they make up for my gen chem grades in any way?

I just graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 and a BCPM GPA of 3.53 (with an upward trend--cumulative GPA of 3.87 and BCPM GPA of 3.84 in the last 2 years).

Do the C's hurt my chances enough for me to retake gen chem?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[eldoctor]

No.

 

[CurrySpice]

No.

But if you think that you can succeed in an upper level chemistry class, I would take it. Biochemistry will be particularly useful in demonstrating to the adcoms that you understood the basic concepts of chemistry and can apply them in med school.

 

[Catalystik]

There are some med schools that specify no lower than a B in the prerequisites, but you can avoid them. The only reason to retake Gen Chem is if you didn't understand it well enough to excel on that part of the MCAT, and find that teaching it to yourself isn't going well.

It would probably be very reassuring to adcomms to see an A in a postbac Biochem class on your transcript.

 

[unhappytnt]

The only reason to retake Gen Chem is if you didn't understand it well enough to excel on that part of the MCAT, and find that teaching it to yourself isn't going well.

OP, you and I are in the same boat. I am retaking a C+ and C in Gen Chem precisely for the reason above. So I would say yes, retake it if you didn't understand the material well enough.

 

[AidanE]

I've been reviewing my old chem textbook, and I do understand the material. My poor grades are more a reflection of my early immaturity and unwillingness to study.

I will definitely take an advanced biochemistry class. Hopefully I can get an A and make up for the ugliness on my transcript.

Thank you all again for your advice 🙂

 

[Danlee07]

Which schools is that cat???

 

[TarHeelEMT]

No. Kick ass on the MCAT or in upper level courses, and it will be forgiven. The ratio of effort to benefit for retaking a general level course just isn't that great. You're better off really applying yourself to something more advanced.

 

[TarHeelEMT]

I've been reviewing my old chem textbook, and I do understand the material. My poor grades are more a reflection of my early immaturity and unwillingness to study.

I will definitely take an advanced biochemistry class. Hopefully I can get an A and make up for the ugliness on my transcript.

Thank you all again for your advice 🙂

That's a perfectly fine thing to say if asked about it in an interview. Just do well from here on out and don't make up any BS excuses.