Help me!! What should I do?

[Bobcatz]

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Trying to apply to Texas dental schools next year, and I am stuck in this horrible situation.

In the past I took Microbiology and had to withdraw from it and take a "W". This semester I took it once again, and am doing horrible. I will most likely end up with a C with the best effort, and maybe a C- at worst. I have the option of choosing to pass/fail this class by next week, and I don't know if I should take the risk of getting a C or even a C- by choosing NOT to pass/fail. I understand that if I do pass/fail it, I will have to take it again for the third time.

So what would you do if you were in my place? Put in all the effort to get a C (maybe even a C- if the final is horrible), or just Pass/Fail this class and have to take it again for the third time?

I am a Computer Science major graduating May 2014 from University of Houston. And this is what my GPA would look like after taking a C in microbiology:
Overall GPA: 3.69
Science GPA: 3.50

This is what it would look like if I choose to Pass/Fail it:
Overall GPA: 3.74
Science GPA: 3.60

 

[Glimmer1991]

So... I'm guessing that Texas schools require micro?

If so, you're in a bit of a sticky situation. From the looks of your GPA, it appears that you have done very well in your other science classes. I normally wouldn't recommend this, but if you are in a place where you just seriously can't do well in this class at your current university, is there another school where you could possibly take it over the summer and perform more satisfactorily? It might be a little bit sketchy and I normally wouldn't recommend it, but if it's an option, I'd look into it. Just don't make a habit of it, obviously, and I doubt it will be too much of a hindrance. Your GPA is great otherwise.

If you can take it elsewhere... P/F it now, then take it over the summer. And be working on a good reason why you had to go about completing this class in a roundabout way. 🙂 If you don't make too big of a deal of it, though, I doubt that they will. Just keep your grades up and it will be a small hiccup.

 

[Bobcatz]

Thank you Glimmer.
Yes, well, at least Houston has made Microbiology a requirement for 2014 applicants.
I might just hang on in there and take that hit with a C (hopefully a C).

Does anyone else have any advice, or been in a similar situation?

 

[hopefuldentist1]

I would take the pass/fail option to be honest. Your GPA is very high and one class won't hurt you that bad. Now, on the other hand, if you take the class and get a C-, that'll hurt your GPA a lot. I know that some dental schools are very particular about not having any C- in any prereq classes. If I were you, I'd go for the pass/fail option.

 

[sjv]

Agreed, P/F seems the way to go and retake.

 

[bobcostas01]

Bobcatz, take the P/F and retake it in the spring at HCC - central campus with Dr. Walton McWhinney. He is an awesome guy, and you shouldn't have any problem with the class.