Explaining low grades/ AACOMAS replacement

[GUH]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So I've seen a few threads on this topic (yes, I used search), although haven't seen one that is Pre-DO specific.

I have a a few low grades: a C- in Intro Bio 1, C in Orgo 1 and C+ in that lab. I really don't have a standard reason- no deaths in the family, no financial/job/family difficulties. A friend (but not a close friend) passed away while I was enrolled in Intro Bio 1, but I honestly don't think it affected my academics too much. Sure, the courses were tough and taken at a tough school, but the fact is that I'm simply not as good at those subjects as some of my peers.

I am considering retaking them. Since I'll be an MPH student at a UC school, I might be able to take them there. However, given the cut-throat competition at UC's, I think that's something I want to avoid since retaking the class and doing poorly isn't going to look good. As a result, I'm considering taking them over the summer at a JC or state school, although it might not be as impressive.

My questions are as follows:

1. How should I present this to an interviewer if I'm asked?
2. If I retake them and do better, will they ask at all?
3. Should I try to explain them before being asked?
4. Would it be better to retake them at a UC school and risk getting a lower grade or at a less-impressive JC or state school where I'm more likely to get an A/A-?

Thank you all for your input.

 

[DbDan]

So I've seen a few threads on this topic (yes, I used search), although haven't seen one that is Pre-DO specific.

I have a a few low grades: a C- in Intro Bio 1, C in Orgo 1 and C+ in that lab. I really don't have a standard reason- no deaths in the family, no financial/job/family difficulties. A friend (but not a close friend) passed away while I was enrolled in Intro Bio 1, but I honestly don't think it affected my academics too much. Sure, the courses were tough and taken at a tough school, but the fact is that I'm simply not as good at those subjects as some of my peers.

I am considering retaking them. Since I'll be an MPH student at a UC school, I might be able to take them there. However, given the cut-throat competition at UC's, I think that's something I want to avoid since retaking the class and doing poorly isn't going to look good. As a result, I'm considering taking them over the summer at a JC or state school, although it might not be as impressive.

My questions are as follows:

1. How should I present this to an interviewer if I'm asked?
2. If I retake them and do better, will they ask at all?
3. Should I try to explain them before being asked?
4. Would it be better to retake them at a UC school and risk getting a lower grade or at a less-impressive JC or state school where I'm more likely to get an A/A-?

Thank you all for your input.

Only I problem I see is that UCs (unless you are going to cal) are on the quarter system and whatever school it sounds like you went to is on semesters. So our Bio 1/2/3 is your Bio 1/2. Makes it much more confusing trying to retake courses (especially because the units won't match up)

Honestly though, you should be able to get As in UC coursework. I went to UCLA and when I actually applied myself and didn't go out drinking 5x a week I got As

 

[dozitgetchahi]

I'd say that retaking these classes at another state college wouldn't raise eyebrows (provided the credits matched up, that is). The adcoms apparently really don't like to see people taking/retaking prereqs at a JC, however.

 

[DbDan]

I'd say that retaking these classes at another state college wouldn't raise eyebrows (provided the credits matched up, that is). The adcoms apparently really don't like to see people taking/retaking prereqs at a JC, however.

I'd say if there is a good reason for taking them at a JC/CC that its not a problem. Money can be a major issue trying to take courses at a state school. In that case its completely legit and if thats the explanation in the interview most schools will see it as fine. CCs also offer night courses which for someone working full time makes it much easier.

 

[UpwardTrend]

Do not say that you are not as good as your peers at those science classes. Take ownership and say that you just didn't put enough effort into the courses.
Definitely retake the Bio. UC or no UC you need an A. Seriously, it's Biology 101 and you are a graduate student that will one day be a doctor. If the rest of the pre-reqs are A's then the one C in Organic isn't that big of a deal - especially if your C in Orgo 1 turned into an A in Orgo 2.
Congratulations on getting into the MPH program. How did you get in with a non-passing Bio 1 grade?

 

[GUH]

Do not say that you are not as good as your peers at those science classes. Take ownership and say that you just didn't put enough effort into the courses.
Definitely retake the Bio. UC or no UC you need an A. Seriously, it's Biology 101 and you are a graduate student that will one day be a doctor. If the rest of the pre-reqs are A's then the one C in Organic isn't that big of a deal - especially if your C in Orgo 1 turned into an A in Orgo 2.
Congratulations on getting into the MPH program. How did you get in with a non-passing Bio 1 grade?

A C- is passing; it just doesn't cut it for the AACOMAS. It's unfortunate that my lack of understanding of photosynthesis and the animal kingdom are proving to be an obstacle to becoming a FP doc some day. BUT I WILL OVERCOME!

My GRE score was 800Q, 720V, and 5.0A, which probably helped with grad school.
While not stellar, my overall GPA is certainly better than my performance in that one class.

I do appreciate the advice, though, on this post and on the others. It sounds like I should try to shoot for at least a state school to retake that course, unless there's some particularly good reason to go with the CC.

Thank you for the responses so far!