HELP! UNIQUE SITUATION. Should I retake classes?

[Art25]

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Hey, please help me out!

I have A's in all of my non-science classes. Because I find them so easy, when I was political science major, I was also able to do many extra curricular activities that gave me an impressive background.

Now that I'm a science major and on the pre-med path... my GPA went from a 4.0 to an embarrassing 3.2... (My science GPA is unspeakably low) Also, because of a certain unfortunate and unique situation, I transferred schools twice so my incomplete classes from my previous schools turned into unchangeable F marks. I believe I have a total of 5 F marks now.

Also, because I was so set on keeping a 4.0 GPA, I withdrew from Chem1 two times and Precalculus once.... resulting in three W marks before realizing I wouldn't be able to pass either of the classes with an A. My final grade for Chem 1 turned out to be a disappointing C.

Info so far:

Number of non-science classes with A marks: 14
Number of withdrawals from earlier schools that became unchangeable F marks: 4

Bio1: B
Bio2 - C-
Chem1 - B-
Chem1 - W
PreCal - W
PreCal - W

How should I approach my situation? Should I retake all of the classes I did poorly in? or should I continue... I doubt I can get an A in any of my science classes considering how much work and time I put in to get a B in just a Biology class.
Will I be able to get into Medical school?
What do I do from here?

 

[NickNaylor]

I don't have an answer to your question, but keep in mind that your calculated AMCAS GPA will utilize the original grade that you received in a course even if you retake it. In other words, the net effect of retaking a course is having the course count twice at the average grade for the two grades you received, if that makes sense.

You can get into medical school if it's important to you. It may take longer and require more work, but I don't think that simply getting in is something you should be concerned about as long as you're realistic about your situation and are willing to apply broadly.

 

[organdonor]

I doubt I can get an A in any of my science classes considering how much work and time I put in to get a B in just a Biology class.

This is the line that concerns me. If you don't think you can get an A an ANY science class it is going to be difficult to get into medical schools, DO included. I would refer you to the pre osteo forums as it seems that retaking with grade replacement (which DO schools do but MD schools do not) would be your best option. I don't know how retaking classes works once you have transferred from the institution you got your original F in or how retaking affects your W's.

Are you sure that you truly want to be a science major and go to medical school? I mean you performed so well in the non science portion of your curriculum that maybe you should look at why. Usually people do well in subjects they enjoy and if something non science interests you it could lead to a much more enjoyable career than grinding through several years of work that you do not enjoy and do poorly in.

 

[TooBright]

What did your "impressive background" of extracurriculars consist of? I'm interested, you can PM me please if you'd prefer.


As far as your situation, it is a difficult situation. Since you are new to studying for science, I think it is very likely that you are just not yet learned the proper methods to study for this different type of material than you have become accustomed to.

A lot of folks on here will probably give you the impression that you are just not smart enough to do well in these courses - I don't believe that based on the little bit you posted. What you have posted is enough for me to assume you are capable to get As in your courses (I get all As).

If you want, you can tell me how you study and I can tell you how I might study slightly differently than you. PM me.