I ended up retaking both bios, gen chem 1, organic chemistry 1 (4 times), and organic chemistry 2. I have a decent sgpa of 3.5, but will adcoms destroy me in interviews (if I receive them). 3.5 gpa 500 MCAT
Do Number of Course Retakes (Same Course) Matter?
- Thread starter Two Sides
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Thanks. The reason why I worried is I got waitlisted at ARCOM. I'm wondering if this is the reason, or if my interview is? If my interview skills are the issue, then I can work on them.
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Think of it this way. Would you prefer an applicant who can get an "A" in a class the first time or the second time?
That being said, own up to the grades and show them that the "current you" is a different person from the "then you".
Best of luck!
That being said, own up to the grades and show them that the "current you" is a different person from the "then you".
Best of luck!
I totally get that, but with that logic, not a single school would want me.
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you also got a think if a school would want an applicant who took a class a 3rd and 4th time...personally I think it shows determination and perseverance!
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If you had trouble with one class more than once, that could be overlooked. However, 4 times takes someone really special. Since you've basically had to retake every single premed course, that is bad. It makes me wonder if you'd fail a class if you'd be able to successfully remediate. Without some mitigating factor such as "bad grades were several years ago. I have an upward trend of X years and just retook them recently," I'd be skeptical of ability to succeed.
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Determination and perseverance are positive qualities, but there's also a line crossed where you're simply not a student equipped to succeed.
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Sure, but adcoms would also wonder why it takes 4 attempts for one to succeed in a class. Med school classes are far more difficult than UG courses.
See:
To be honest with you OP, having a stellar MCAT would help the adcoms see over the number of retakes.
If you want hope, there's a DO here with multiple retakes like yours but also keep in mind that she's an exception, not the rule.
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I doubt having a stellar MCAT would overcome FOUR RETAKES of MULTIPLE, INDIVIDUAL premed courses...OP would have to be the exception to the rule
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Damn. I had an ii at ARCOM and got waitlisted. I have ii's at bcom and lucom. As far as my grades go, I was stupid, had no idea what I wanted to do, and didn't work hard. No excuses. I know others got it right the first time. I wanna be responsible for my actions, and not find excuses.
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If you're talking about CabinBuilder, remember she went to DO school in the 90s when it was more forgiving due to less competition.
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Two Sides to every story. Two sides to every adcom's decision.
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Honestly, good luck. That's the right kind of attitude to have. If it doesn't happen, work out a new plan.
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Naw, I did same as you and got admitted. Message me if you'd like more info
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Hey twosides,
Just to be clear, it is not impossible for you to get into a med school. It's an uphill battle for sure, but there's still a chance. Best of luck going forward.
Just to be clear, it is not impossible for you to get into a med school. It's an uphill battle for sure, but there's still a chance. Best of luck going forward.
I don't understand how it's extremely bad. I have received ii's from arcom, bcom, and lucom. I submitted in November and I was missing a DO with a coverhead, so it's taking a while. I've called schools and they stated "It may be an area of concern, but you have a good gpa. So don't worry too much about it". I'm not rationalizing my mistake, I'm just saying that it's not the end of the world. I could see a couple of schools bringing it up in interviews. That being said, I never applied to the top dawgz. I don't view this situation as "I'm screwed; I have no chance to get anywhere". I view it as an area of concern that may need explaining.
I'm not quite sure where you're going with this. Most people in this thread were positive and encouraging. Don't dwell on the negative, take it all with a grain of salt. It's not a great look but your GPA is fine.
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I retook anatomy twice and got asked about it at the majority of my interviews.
I'm going to say:
I was young, stupid, had no idea what I wanted to do, and had poor studying habits. I eventually got my act together, and I can proudly say I have a 3.5 sgpa and a respectable MCAT score. Furthermore, my recent grades represent who I truly am. Looking back at my undergraduate career, I view these repeats as obstacles that required perseverance and hard work. These challenges showed me different study skills, the value of dedication, and the fruits of labor. With these lessons learned, I will go into medical school with a realistic yet confident manner. I know that I won't have opportunities to retake courses, so I'll use the pressure that I had on the final retakes to succeed.
I was young, stupid, had no idea what I wanted to do, and had poor studying habits. I eventually got my act together, and I can proudly say I have a 3.5 sgpa and a respectable MCAT score. Furthermore, my recent grades represent who I truly am. Looking back at my undergraduate career, I view these repeats as obstacles that required perseverance and hard work. These challenges showed me different study skills, the value of dedication, and the fruits of labor. With these lessons learned, I will go into medical school with a realistic yet confident manner. I know that I won't have opportunities to retake courses, so I'll use the pressure that I had on the final retakes to succeed.
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as long as you honestly learn from your mistakes, and use it to drive you forward, I don't think it matters honestly. I have a huge number of retakes on my transcripts, and I've taken my MCAT more times than anyone you've heard of. I still got 4 DO II's and one acceptance so far.
I even entered a pretty difficult masters program bc I was told by everyone on this website that my transcript showed no academic strength. And I did pretty well for the first semester. I updated some schools and immediately got a II from LECOM-B. So I think with enough dedication, some honest real introspection on how bad you actually want it, and some great letters, it's definitely possible.
I even entered a pretty difficult masters program bc I was told by everyone on this website that my transcript showed no academic strength. And I did pretty well for the first semester. I updated some schools and immediately got a II from LECOM-B. So I think with enough dedication, some honest real introspection on how bad you actually want it, and some great letters, it's definitely possible.
Thanks. I didn't enroll in a masters program. I instead took courses at a cc and through UNE for retakes.
