HELP! Retake or not to retake? Schools giving mixed messages...

[bambam987654]

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Hey everyone,

Really hoping for some input:

Two years ago, I received a C- in intro cell bio (yes, a blemish on my transcript). Last semester, I took advanced cell bio and received an A. I've been contacting schools on my list to ask whether I need to retake the intro course.

• 8 schools said no, I don't need to retake the course
• 2 schools (Case Western and Harvard) gave ambiguous answers like "maybe" and "check with pre-health advisor" (not helpful since it was my advisor who told me to contact schools individually)
• I've yet to hear from the remaining 6

Should I retake the course since schools haven't unanimously excused me from doing so?

I have other intro bio, chem, orgo, physics as well as advanced courses (biochem, microbio, physio, advanced cell bio) under my belt. I'm not falling short of admissions requirements if this particular course isn't counted. I don't want to waste money/time. At the same time, I don't want to risk my chances of admission or "look bad" for taking an intro class in lieu of taking another advanced class.

ADVICE PLEASE? Going crazy here.

Thanks so much in advance.

P.S. Not sure if this matters, but the intro cell bio had a lab component; advanced cell bio didn't.

 

[rryn]

Can you give a little more information - maybe oGPA/sGPA/DAT?

Since 8 schools said no, I think you will be fine without retaking it unless Harvard is like your only dream school.

Your sGPA, grades for upper Bio classes and TS will also matter in this case I think.

 

[user101]

never retake unless you have failed a course

it does not look good even if you were to go back and get an A..bc obviously you would have to be a complete idiot to get a worse grade than the first time around. Basically, whatever improved grade you may receive would nvr be equal to/as good as a person who got that grade the first try

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME

 

[dental24]

never retake unless you have failed a course

it does not look good even if you were to go back and get an A..bc obviously you would have to be a complete idiot to get a worse grade than the first time around. Basically, whatever improved grade you may receive would nvr be equal to/as good as a person who got that grade the first try

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME

AGREED! Perfectly put 😀

Total waste of time, take more upper levels and work on the DAT if you havent taken it already.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

Hey everyone,

Really hoping for some input:

Two years ago, I received a C- in intro cell bio (yes, a blemish on my transcript). Last semester, I took advanced cell bio and received an A. I've been contacting schools on my list to ask whether I need to retake the intro course.

• 8 schools said no, I don't need to retake the course
• 2 schools (Case Western and Harvard) gave ambiguous answers like "maybe" and "check with pre-health advisor" (not helpful since it was my advisor who told me to contact schools individually)
• I've yet to hear from the remaining 6

Should I retake the course since schools haven't unanimously excused me from doing so?

I have other intro bio, chem, orgo, physics as well as advanced courses (biochem, microbio, physio, advanced cell bio) under my belt. I'm not falling short of admissions requirements if this particular course isn't counted. I don't want to waste money/time. At the same time, I don't want to risk my chances of admission or "look bad" for taking an intro class in lieu of taking another advanced class.

ADVICE PLEASE? Going crazy here.

Thanks so much in advance.

P.S. Not sure if this matters, but the intro cell bio had a lab component; advanced cell bio didn't.

why would you retake? clearly, you've shown that you're competent in cell bio since you got an A in an advanced level course.

not to mention, the majority of the schools said it isn't necessary. and the one's that did were harvard and case....i mean...enough said. just employ logic in this situation

 

[emorypredent]

Only retake required pre requisites. For electives/recommended courses, just take more upper levels and do well.