Failed Gen-Chem 1

[TheBrownGuy_1598]

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I will most likely end up with a D or C- in Gen Chem 1 and we need a min of a C to go on to Gen Chem 2. I have a 3.2 gpa before this semester and I am currently at a B for Gen Bio 1 which I am hoping to improve by getting better scores on the next test and final, but im 90% sure I failed Gen Chem 1 and it was a real wake up call since to be honest I slacked off and BSed this semester but I accept the consequences and want to pursue medicine. Do I have a shot or is it game over? Please be very blunt and honest; I really don't know what do right now.

 

[radian313]

I will most likely end up with a D or C- in Gen Chem 1 and we need a min of a C to go on to Gen Chem 2. I have a 3.2 gpa before this semester and I am currently at a B for Gen Bio 1 which I am hoping to improve by getting better scores on the next test and final, but im 90% sure I failed Gen Chem 1 and it was a real wake up call since to be honest I slacked off and BSed this semester but I accept the consequences and want to pursue medicine. Do I have a shot or is it game over? Please be very blunt and honest; I really don't know what do right now.

I hope this isnt a troll post.

That said, first you need to reevaluate your interest in medicine? If you are getting a B in Bio 101 and D or C in G. CHem then there are severe deficits in content, study skills, and overall time management it seems. My point is, college is the time to figure all this out in how you see yourself in a few years. Upper level science courses in undergrad are much more difficult.

Considering this is Bio 101, and your GPA is already a 3.2, this tells me there are study skills/time management issues that need to be addressed before even thinking about a career in medicine. Medical school isnt a joke, you are literally going at it 10 hours a day at the least. I have no doubt your interests are genuine but the armament to tackle it simply doesnt seem to be there.

I suggest doing as best you can this semester and seek help from your school counseling services. They will help you create a schedule etc.

Now for a feel good ending....

I was once in your shoes, bad relationship, etc, my GPA was in dumpster, I came back and ended up getting a 3.4 gpa overall. Got a masters with a 3.9 and now I am in medical school. It can be done. But before anything you need to address your deficits. But for that you need help.

 

[TheBrownGuy_1598]

Thank You for your feedback I really appreciate the advice and you are absolutely right about everything. I plan on retaking gen chem and I know I can do better I just need better study habits and whatnot.

 

[Robin-jay]

Ok, ok, ok.

So, I've taught about 1,000+ chemistry students and many of those were gen chem I students.

1. You're going to need to retake the class. No big deal.
2. Once you retake the class, try much harder to earn an A.
3. Many students who told me they tried so their "hardest ever" weren't even close to studying the amount they needed to.

You 100% don't need to reevalaute your desire to go into medicine.

However, you 100% need to reevaluate how much sacrifice you're willing to go through, because a grade lower than "B" screams "I'm not studying enough".

 

[workaholic181]

Thank You for your feedback I really appreciate the advice and you are absolutely right about everything. I plan on retaking gen chem and I know I can do better I just need better study habits and whatnot.

This is a common experience for gen chem 1; IMO it is the first "weed out" course which ends a lot of people's pre med careers as they realize how much work is really required to succeed in this coursework.

I got a C in gen chem 1, learned I needed to revamp my study habits and ultimately was accepted to medical school. You're not cooked OP, but you really need to evaluate the amount of work you're putting in. A lot of people choose to go in a different path after doing poorly in an early pre req. News flash; micro bio, biochem, and orgo are gonna be harder. I can tell you from personal experience that having persistence is totally necessary to pursue medicine.

 

[TheBrownGuy_1598]

Ok, ok, ok.

So, I've taught about 1,000+ chemistry students and many of those were gen chem I students.

1. You're going to need to retake the class. No big deal.
2. Once you retake the class, try much harder to earn an A.
3. Many students who told me they tried so their "hardest ever" weren't even close to studying the amount they needed to.

You 100% don't need to reevalaute your desire to go into medicine.

However, you 100% need to reevaluate how much sacrifice you're willing to go through, because a grade lower than "B" screams "I'm not studying enough".

Now the question is do med schools do or md do grade replacement?

 

[SLU Student]

Now the question is do med schools do or md do grade replacement?

Neither do grade replacement.

My .02: You're going to be completely fine OP. I got C's in both general chemistry I and II, as well as orgo II (managed to squeeze out a B- in orgo I somehow). I never got chemistry, and I never will. I made up for it with straight A's in every single other science class I took, and so far I've been accepted to both MD and DO schools. Just figure out what you need to do from now on.

Good luck.

 

[jg250453]

I will most likely end up with a D or C- in Gen Chem 1 and we need a min of a C to go on to Gen Chem 2. I have a 3.2 gpa before this semester and I am currently at a B for Gen Bio 1 which I am hoping to improve by getting better scores on the next test and final, but im 90% sure I failed Gen Chem 1 and it was a real wake up call since to be honest I slacked off and BSed this semester but I accept the consequences and want to pursue medicine. Do I have a shot or is it game over? Please be very blunt and honest; I really don't know what do right now.

I’m a non-trad student and started the premed pre-reqs with my general chemistry courses. My first exam that ever took I bombed. 59 if I remember correctly. I was so discouraged and upset. I remember thinking that I wasn’t smart enough to continue on. And that my goal of getting into medical school was over. I stuck with it and the next exam I got a 73. Still wasn’t very happy with my scores. At the drop/add deadline I was incredibly close to calling it quits. I even went over to my advisor to drop the class and she talked me out of it. I hadn’t taken any science courses since hs (10 years ago at this point), and had to COMPLETELY relearn my study skills. I’m a history major, so taking timed science exams was totally new to me. Anyhow, I got a tutor and learned how to study for science exams. Pulled off high As on the last two exams and managed a B in the course. To date, gen Chem 1 and 2 are the only premed pre-reqs I got Bs in. I instituted a “no more Bs” policy for myself afterwards and somehow managed it. My final sGPA was a 3.5-3.6, and about a month ago I got my first acceptance to medical school. Funny to look back because after that 2nd gen Chem exam I was ready to quit. Thankfully I stuck with it.

So what’s my point? If you want this (to get into medical school) you’ll need 2 things. 1. A work ethic like no other. But even more importantly, the right attitude. Undergrad science courses are weed out courses for a reason. They test your perseverance and resiliency. It’s a roller coaster ride. While you should be shooting for high grades, the reality is that you will likely not ace every graded assignment that you touch. And that’s ok. Learn where your weak areas are and if you get a poor grade take it as a learning experience to correct the studying habits. Don’t immediately get discouraged and think you aren’t capable. Have confidence...it’s key. 2. You’ll need to do what other students around you aren’t willing to do. Take that for what it is. Not saying you can’t have fun in life or enjoy college but if you want what most people don’t have you better be willing to put in the work that most people won’t. Because if you can’t do it as an undergrad you certainly won’t be able to do it in medical school. Just my $.02

Good luck with everything! 🙂