Failed a Class...am I screwed?

[wheatnbarley]

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Hi- I'm currently a transfer student to Northeastern University. I was originally a pharmacy student for two years at MCPHS and had a really good GPA (3.8). Last semester was my first semester at NU, and I became a Biology Major/Pre-health student.

My academic advisor told me I had to take Biostatistics as part of my major, which is one of the toughest classes taught at NU. Yes I ended up flunking it, and my teacher would not let me take it as an incomplete. I was dumb enough to think that I would be able to do well, and did not bother dropping the class beforehand. I will retake the class next semester and will work with the teacher to ensure I get an A. I also will try and get As in all other class (alright I got 1 B+ last semester too in Genetics, but refuse to get anymore). The school policy is that my GPA will be recalculated with the newest grade, but the F will still show up. This worries me to no end, and I also read somewhere that Med Schools recalculate your grade with the previous grade included...

Is this all true? Should I just give up on Med School, even if I end up with a good MCAT score? :/ This is really worrying me...

 

[LuluLovesMe]

You're fine. Just retake it and do well.

 

[MrLogan13]

You're fine, one F isn't going to kill you. Chill out.

 

[Goro]

Concur!

You're fine. Just retake it and do well.

 

[cactus8910]

Yes, MD schools include all grades in their GPA calculation. DO schools will only count the second grade if you retake. It's way too soon for you to be considering giving up on med school. Failing one class won't keep you out. However, I'm not sure how you can "refuse to get anymore" B+. You can work your a** off and not guarantee getting an A. And that's okay too. That 3.8 GPA you're starting with will help balance out any classes you don't do perfectly in.

 

[wheatnbarley]

Yes, MD schools include all grades in their GPA calculation. DO schools will only count the second grade if you retake. It's way too soon for you to be considering giving up on med school. Failing one class won't keep you out. However, I'm not sure how you can "refuse to get anymore" B+. You can work your a** off and not guarantee getting an A. And that's okay too. That 3.8 GPA you're starting with will help balance out any classes you don't do perfectly in.

Well I guess it's a good thing that I'm more interested in DO schools anyways...

Well I'm not 100% sure about that. The rule for transfers at NU is that your former GP (that 3.8) is separate from your Northeastern one. So currently, I have a 1.something due to that Biostats class, but it will certainly go up if I retake and do well. My problem is the schools seeing my transcript with the F and/or recalculating the grade to include the previous F.

 

[JuanPabloCastel]

Your GPA is recalculated by med schools when you apply. It includes all coursework

 

[cactus8910]

Well I guess it's a good thing that I'm more interested in DO schools anyways...

Well I'm not 100% sure about that. The rule for transfers at NU is that your former GP (that 3.8) is separate from your Northeastern one. So currently, I have a 1.something due to that Biostats class, but it will certainly go up if I retake and do well. My problem is the schools seeing my transcript with the F and/or recalculating the grade to include the previous F.

Your school may not count your previous GPA, but med schools include all undergrad coursework in their calculation. If you're more interested in DO anyway, you'll be fine! Just retake the class when you're sure you'll do well in it.

 

[medic86]

Relax, OP.

I've racked up 2 Fs, a slew of Bs, and a few Cs before I decided I wanted to become a doctor.

My overall will be a little under 3.6 and my science will be a little under 3.9.

 

[ski89]

Hi- I'm currently a transfer student to Northeastern University. I was originally a pharmacy student for two years at MCPHS and had a really good GPA (3.8). Last semester was my first semester at NU, and I became a Biology Major/Pre-health student.

My academic advisor told me I had to take Biostatistics as part of my major, which is one of the toughest classes taught at NU. Yes I ended up flunking it, and my teacher would not let me take it as an incomplete. I was dumb enough to think that I would be able to do well, and did not bother dropping the class beforehand. I will retake the class next semester and will work with the teacher to ensure I get an A. I also will try and get As in all other class (alright I got 1 B+ last semester too in Genetics, but refuse to get anymore). The school policy is that my GPA will be recalculated with the newest grade, but the F will still show up. This worries me to no end, and I also read somewhere that Med Schools recalculate your grade with the previous grade included...

Is this all true? Should I just give up on Med School, even if I end up with a good MCAT score? :/ This is really worrying me...

I have 3 Fs. I've been accepted to an MD school and have 5 interviews overall. You can bet I have a lot of As too. It's time for you to step up your game, but no, don't even think about giving up if this is your dream.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[wheatnbarley]

Your school may not count your precious GPA, but med schools include all undergrad coursework in their calculation. If you're more interested in DO anyway, you'll be fine! Just retake the class when you're sure you'll do well in it.

Well that does make me feel better. 🙂

 

[wheatnbarley]

I have 3 Fs. I've been accepted to an MD school and have 5 interviews overall. You can bet I have a lot of As too. It's time for you to step up your game, but no, don't even think about giving up if this is your dream.


Sent from my iPhone

Wow! Was it your MCAT score or other things which helped you out, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[ski89]

Just look at my MD apps. My MCAT is a solid 32, nothing crazy.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[darkeon]

Just look at my MD apps. My MCAT is a solid 32, nothing crazy.


Sent from my iPhone

Congrats!! Quite inspirational!

 

[Ost3oclast]

Don't worry OP. Before med school I flunked 1 class and got 1 D as well. Accepted on my first attempt to my top choice MD school and I'm doing fine. Just work hard!

 

[Eppur Si Muove]

I'm with a few of the others here I have an F on my transcript in a pre-req and I am interviewing at Case in two weeks. Op you will be fine if you bounce back strong don't let that road bump throw you off course from your goals

 

[wheatnbarley]

Just look at my MD apps. My MCAT is a solid 32, nothing crazy.


Sent from my iPhone

I agree, quite inspirational indeed 😀 these replies did bring my morale up quiet a bit. Thanks a lot!