Drop or Not?

[13132]

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So I am taking an Inorganic chemistry class this semester that is killing me. It is 5 credit hours and has a lab portion. Basically, my school apparently likes students to take general chemistry and then a 300 level class which uses a graduate level text book. The first inorganic class (general chemistry) is a 100 level class and it is such a huge jump to make. My first question is: how did you complete your inorganic requirements? Was it just two simultaneous semester of general chemistry or was it like this?

The second part of my question is the serious one. I have a 3.92 GPA right now even after the barrage of organic chemistry. So clearly I know how to study and am not an idiot but I am failing this advanced inorganic class. The time commitment is outrageous (the lab/repots are ridiculous) and he gives pop quizzes. Not the type of pop quiz where you have an idea that one is probably coming. I mean like a pop quiz soon after an exam on material that he knows you haven't been studying since you have been focusing on the exam. Is withdrawing from this class while its too late going to be a deal breaker? A "W" in a 5 credit hour prerequisite is not something I want, but it might be necessary.

 

[Geneticist]

F or W? W.
D or W? W.
C or W? W.
B or W? B.

If you can manage a B, it won't kill you.

 

[circulus vitios]

I don't understand. You're taking a 300 level inorganic class as an equivalent to 100 level general chemistry? Are you sure that's how it works at your school? There's a HUGE difference between inorganic and general chemistry 2.

 

[Long Way to Go]

So I am taking an Inorganic chemistry class this semester that is killing me. It is 5 credit hours and has a lab portion. Basically, my school apparently likes students to take general chemistry and then a 300 level class which uses a graduate level text book. The first inorganic class (general chemistry) is a 100 level class and it is such a huge jump to make. My first question is: how did you complete your inorganic requirements? Was it just two simultaneous semester of general chemistry or was it like this?

Most places that I have looked into have a full year (8 semester/12 quarter hours) 100-level general chemistry sequence that all pre-meds, natural science, and engineering majors have to take. Did you not take that?

 

[13132]

Tell me about it. It is overwhelming, the advising office hides the fact that you can also take a 100 level class for the second part of the inorganic requirement. They never even discuss it, and when I brought it up they acted like I was silly for wanting to take it and that it would look bad. Its a big secret that you can take an easier class until you literally read the fine print.

http://www.hpplc.indiana.edu/medicine/med-cw.shtml

Even after you read it, they clearly indicate it is an inferior option during advising meetings. A jump from a 100 to 300 level class is huge.

 

[13132]

F or W? W.
D or W? W.
C or W? W.
B or W? B.

If you can manage a B, it won't kill you.

I think it all depends on curving, which I am going to office hours to discuss whether he does that before I make a rash decision. I totally agree with you, I can take a B especially with my current GPA and considering its a 300 level class.

 

[Iapyx]

So I am taking an Inorganic chemistry class this semester that is killing me. It is 5 credit hours and has a lab portion. Basically, my school apparently likes students to take general chemistry and then a 300 level class which uses a graduate level text book. The first inorganic class (general chemistry) is a 100 level class and it is such a huge jump to make. My first question is: how did you complete your inorganic requirements? Was it just two simultaneous semester of general chemistry or was it like this?

The second part of my question is the serious one. I have a 3.92 GPA right now even after the barrage of organic chemistry. So clearly I know how to study and am not an idiot but I am failing this advanced inorganic class. The time commitment is outrageous (the lab/repots are ridiculous) and he gives pop quizzes. Not the type of pop quiz where you have an idea that one is probably coming. I mean like a pop quiz soon after an exam on material that he knows you haven't been studying since you have been focusing on the exam. Is withdrawing from this class while its too late going to be a deal breaker? A "W" in a 5 credit hour prerequisite is not something I want, but it might be necessary.

Hey, fellow IUB premed here. The fact you have a 3.92 and are struggling with this class is scary. I am taking it soon. I can't tell you anything you don't already know, but here is my opinion. I think this class is quite important. Furthermore, I think a withdraw would not be good at all. I imagine it would delay applying by a year. Keep this in mind, the last time Zaleski taught only 13 people in the whole class got worse than a C. Based on your GPA, this probably won't be you. I think you need to stick with it. It is a difficult class, and has little medical relevance, so even a B/C shouldn't keep you out of IUSOM. Good luck!

 

[13132]

Hey, fellow IUB premed here. The fact you have a 3.92 and are struggling with this class is scary. I am taking it soon. I can't tell you anything you don't already know, but here is my opinion. I think this class is quite important. Furthermore, I think a withdraw would not be good at all. I imagine it would delay applying by a year. Keep this in mind, the last time Zaleski taught only 13 people in the whole class got worse than a C. Based on your GPA, this probably won't be you. I think you need to stick with it. It is a difficult class, and has little medical relevance, so even a B/C shouldn't keep you out of IUSOM. Good luck!

Mindiola is teaching (Zaleski does lab). It is only his second year and he is very new to it. I am a sophomore right now so I can afford to not take this right now. If I were a junior this would be a different situation.

 

[Iapyx]

Mindiola is teaching (Zaleski does lab). It is only his second year and he is very new to it. I am a sophomore right now so I can afford to not take this right now. If I were a junior this would be a different situation.

That gives a bit of leniency, but the class is, as you know, quite important, and while holding out for a better professor might pay off, it might not. I'm sure you've seen this, but in case not

http://gradedistribution.registrar....&report_selection=gradedist&search_process=go

as you can see very few people do poorly in this class usually. I bet that you will end up with at least a B. Are you currently taking 343 as well?

 

[13132]

I finished all of my orgo last semester thankfully. I mean...while that distribution is good I still am worried. I think my professor will be pressured to stick to what the distribution usually is for the class, but as you know different profs have different distributions.

 

[Swagster]

F or W? W.
D or W? W.
C or W? W.
B or W? B.

If you can manage a B, it won't kill you.

That sounds like a good plan for any class.

 

[Iapyx]

I finished all of my orgo last semester thankfully. I mean...while that distribution is good I still am worried. I think my professor will be pressured to stick to what the distribution usually is for the class, but as you know different profs have different distributions.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I think you will be fine. And if the distribution is low, it will be low for everyone else who applies. I imagine that IUB fills a majority of the medical school class, so if its low for everyone it hurts no one. (to an extent)

Also, Unless you are at 17 hours or more, you would have to fill your schedule with a 2nd 8 weeks course which are generally lame. Professors know why everyone is in them(withdraws) so no one tends to do well.

Also, I sent you an unrelated PM

 

[Geneticist]

That sounds like a good plan for any class.

Too many B's => Not good