Got my first D, Need Advice

[soolow]

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It's my first post, so quickly, I'm a 2nd year at UCI as a Bio major.
I've been doing a lot of extracurricular activities, such as shadowing at
a dental clinic, being involved in multicultural clubs and my fraternity.
My GPA is pretty ok too, 3.0.

Just found out that I got my first D this quarter in bio 97 genetics, which brought my grade down significantly IMO.

The counseling offices are closed for winter break, but I have a lot of questions running thru my head right now that need to be answered.

Should I retake this class for a better grade? and Can I? (I'm not sure If I'm able to retake it.)

How will it look on my transcript?

Also, how will my chances of getting into dental school be affected? Should I start thinking about pos-bac/master's programs?

Helpful advice will be good right bout now. Thanks guys! 🙂

 

[sfrice80]

You can re-take it but they will count both grades, that doesnt erase your first grade so keep that in mind. Its not the end of the world that you got a D but if I were you and you currently have a 3.0 gpa and your gpa will be even lower this semester, I would really work on getting that gpa up. Seriously try to pull some high grades here cuz you are getting close to applying and a 3.0 doesnt give you the greatest chances of getting in, even if you knock the DAT out of the park, which is much easier said then done. If you can raise your overall gpa to a 3.3 or higher, it will definitely help your chances, especially your science gpa, which includes math courses. Study like crazy for the DAT!

 

[anonymousername]

It's my first post, so quickly, I'm a 2nd year at UCI as a Bio major.
I've been doing a lot of extracurricular activities, such as shadowing at
a dental clinic, being involved in multicultural clubs and my fraternity.
My GPA is pretty ok too, 3.0.

A 3.0 is not a "pretty ok" GPA, it is below the average accepted (3.5/3.6).

Just found out that I got my first D this quarter in bio 97 genetics, which brought my grade down significantly IMO.

The counseling offices are closed for winter break, but I have a lot of questions running thru my head right now that need to be answered.

Should I retake this class for a better grade? and Can I? (I'm not sure If I'm able to retake it.)

You should if you can, waitlist asap.

How will it look on my transcript?

Bad

Also, how will my chances of getting into dental school be affected?

Negatively, but all hope is not lost.

Should I start thinking about pos-bac/master's programs?

Take the DAT, if you kill it and apply broadly, then you're chances will be higher. You're only a sophomore so keep post-bac in the back of your mind right now and if your GPA and DAT are not up to scratch by middle of junior year (next winter), then consider it. Right now you need to devote your energy into raising your GPA and understanding the material on the DAT.

best of luck

 

[soolow]

Thanks for the comments guys. I know what I need to do now, which is to raise my gpa and study harder.

Also, I won't be able to take the class again until next year because UCI doesn't offer the class every quarter. Will that be a problem for me in the long run because I will fall behind in my bio classes?

 

[peerless218]

Don't worry, I have 2 Fs on my transcipt and I still got in 🙂 Just study hard and pull up your grades. It's a good thing you're only finishing up your 2nd year. You got plenty of time to catch up.

 

[yct87]

!

 

[soolow]

Thanks guys for the motivation! Also, into which schools were you accepted?

 

[Gbrando2]

I had crap grades my Freshman and Sophomore years (see sig). By them time I finished my Sophomore year, I wasn't even at a 2.0, and I got in too (without any post-bac). If you really get the hang of things and start getting better grades, I would recommend doing what I did and waiting an extra year to apply. That way you are applying right after graduation and you'll have and extra year of As on your transcripts to make up for your earlier years. If you apply right after your Junior year, schools won't see any of those awesome Senior year grades.

 

[sindiim]

I think ADCOMs love progressiveness 🙂

 

[Vicviper]

You'll be able to recover, but you're really going to need to take it up a step. I had two D's on my transcript... damn N110!!!!... and I got in just fine, you just need to show good progress and do well on your DAT's.

So, you're clearly part of ASDA at UCI right? Riiiiight? Haha, if not, you should join!

At UCI, you can retake a class when you get a D, even though a D counts as passing for the degree. I'd HIGHLY suggest retaking it during the summer, or net year when it's offered. You should definitely continue on to 98, and do your best to kick ass in that class. Do NOT take Cumsky if you can try.

 

[soolow]

Haha yeah I've been meaning to join ASDA. It'll be one of my priorities next quarter 🙂