How to make up for C's/ a bad semester

[DocFSUGrl]

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This semester has been my most strenuous and my grades definitely reflect that. How do I recover from a C in an important prereq? Also, am I completely screwed if this is my second C in a class? What kind of explanation is acceptable when schools address and ask questions about subpar grades?

 

[efle]

This semester has been my most strenuous and my grades definitely reflect that. How do I recover from a C in an important prereq? Also, am I completely screwed if this is my second C in a class? What kind of explanation is acceptable when schools address and ask questions about subpar grades?

People usually say the best way to prove those C's don't reflect your true abilities is to take a few related upper division classes and succeed in those - a C in bio followed next semester by an A in biochem shows that the former is an anomaly. Usually you can just be honest if asked in interviews about why that semester was more difficult, with the caveat that it may not be wise to declare mental health issues if those were a cause.

 

[NYCdude]

People usually say the best way to prove those C's don't reflect your true abilities is to take a few related upper division classes and succeed in those - a C in bio followed next semester by an A in biochem shows that the former is an anomaly. Usually you can just be honest if asked in interviews about why that semester was more difficult, with the caveat that it may not be wise to declare mental health issues if those were a cause.

This. Got a C in bio but an A in biochem and A's in upper level bio courses. Also got a poor grade in Orgo 1. I have a substantial upward trend so I think that might have helped me out as no one has brought up my previous poor performance at any interviews I've had.

 

[Holmwood]

This semester has been my most strenuous and my grades definitely reflect that. How do I recover from a C in an important prereq? Also, am I completely screwed if this is my second C in a class? What kind of explanation is acceptable when schools address and ask questions about subpar grades?

If it's a science course, an A in a upper division coursework within the same field should suffice to show that you can handle upper division science coursework. Do know that some schools highly recommend taking certain upper division coursework for better preparation in MCAT (ex. physiology and biochemistry). So you'll be taking down two whales with one harpoon.

You should really evaluate your study methods though so you do not fall into the same situation.

 

[ProudMD]

This semester has been my most strenuous and my grades definitely reflect that. How do I recover from a C in an important prereq? Also, am I completely screwed if this is my second C in a class? What kind of explanation is acceptable when schools address and ask questions about subpar grades?

You are not screwed in any meaningful way even if you end up with multiple C's on your transcripts. Your overall GPAs and MCAT score are far far far far more important that your individual grades.

Most likely, schools will not bother to ask something as minor as a few C's. Also, even when secondary prompts ask for "academic challenges" or "any other things you like to point out to us", do NOT mention anything about your C's. Those questions are designed for individuals with many D's and F's.

And finally, the best way to recover from a C is to forget about it and never mention it anywhere on your application.

 

[Lysinee]

You recover by getting better grades in the next semester, the semester after that, etc.

 

[Osteoth]

What is your cGPA and sGPA? Just to assess the damage.

Only way to improve the situation is at @Lysinee said, work harder and do better from now on.