GPA & Ochem Struggle

[Biomajor22]

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I just transferred to a university from community college as a Biology major. My last semester of community college brought my GPA from 3.5 to 3.3 overall. I'm not doing so well in ochem at my university, despite my hard work. I'm premed and I truly am frustrated and saddened because I want my GPA to be back up to at least a 3.5. I'm thinking of retaking gen chem 2 and possibly getting an A to average out to a B from the C I originally received.I also received Cs in physics 1&2. The remainder of my grades are As and Bs. Besides taking GEs and getting As in them, how can I survive the potential hit of getting a C/D/F in ochem 1 and trying to raise my GPA up to a 3.5 again? I'm Premed interested in MD/DO. Thank you.

 

[Smurfette]

Moving to preallo where this is more appropriate

 

[deleted799625]

I’m only a second year and I am taking my first ochem class this quarter but I already have taken a midterm and I got an A on it and I think that ochem is much easier ham gen chem.. what I’m trying to say is that many students try to memorize stuff in ochem but in reality it’s all about understanding. Do not try to memorize all the reactions but try to understand it and once you get it it’s easy peasy. Do as many practice problems as possible and try to familiarize yourself with it.


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[Lardy Boy]

determine the cause of your low grade in ochem and address it quick. ochem only gets harder. Like above, practice and do the assigned hw. Form study groups with like minded classmates. study hard and push through. you got this

 

[goilers]

Just my thoughts; You've got to consider your sGPA as well as your cGPA in this, taking more GE courses may help bump your cGPA, but that science GPA is sometimes more difficult to get moving, and takes a lot of work.

To echo the above, "ochem only gets harder" -- it also (generally) moves very quickly. I initially had difficulties in ochem 1, but was able to turn it around and get solid grades by taking my graded exams to my professor and asking for advice with the gaps in knowledge. Don't be too proud to go to your professor, form study groups like those above said, and seek access to academic help/tutors which are likely offered free of charge through your university. One thing my ochem professor used to say is "REMEMBER, chemistry is cumulative, so build a solid foundation with your base knowledge!", so really going back and understanding what you didn't grasp the first time around could be useful.

 

[Stephenmerchant]

I just exchanged to a college from junior college as a Biology major. My last semester of junior college brought my GPA from 3.5 to 3.3 by and large. I'm not doing as such well in ochem at my college, notwithstanding my diligent work. I'm premed and I genuinely am baffled and disheartened on the grounds that I need my GPA to be go down to no less than a 3.5. I'm considering retaking gen chem 2 and conceivably getting an A to normal out to a B from the C I initially received.I likewise got Cs in material science 1&2. The rest of my evaluations is As and Bs. Other than taking GEs and getting As in them, how might I survive the potential hit of getting a C/D/F in ochem 1 and endeavoring to raise my GPA up to a 3.5 once more? I'm Premed keen on MD/DO. Much thanks to you.

 

[Blanky]

Cs in prereqs and As in American lit arent going to get you far.

 

[Nucleophile1]

Try using Organic Chemistry as a Second Language (book), Master Organic Chemistry Blog, Leah4sci

When it comes to mechanisms and reactions, do not try to memorize them. Instead, try to understand why each step happens. When you are able to understand why each step happens, then you will be able to predict the next steps in almost any reaction your teacher gives you.

I would also encourage you to seek out academic counseling at your school. They likely have resources available to help you improve your study skills and better manage your time.

 

[libertyyne]

Multiple C's in classes are problematic, Multiple C's in prereqs are even more problematic. You need to figure out what works for you. Go to office hours, go to school learning center, use anki, do some research for study methods. I do not think what you are doing right now will set you up to get into medical school. Community college on average is easier compared to 4 year universities. So if your gpa is 3.3 from a community college it displays some underlying problem in the way you are approaching school. You NEED to get a 3.8 from here on outwards and mostly A's.