I got a C- in Physics, cannot retake course - What do I do?

[joker937]

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Hello, all!

I have a really big problem, and I have no idea what to do. I've made appointments with counselors, the works, but those appointments are not for another few weeks. Basically, I am on the quarter system, and my university forbids you from retaking a course that you got a C- in. So, winter quarter I got a C- in physics; however, they let me go on to the next part this spring quarter. But, most dental schools won't let you in with a C- in general physics. So now, what do I do? These are some of my questions:

1. How many dental schools accept a C- in a pre-req course like physics?
2. Can I take a different physics class at my school?
3. If I take physics at a local community college, would it even count? Or, would my university not allow it?
4. What about going to a dental school in a foreign country, then? How does that work?

I'm really interested in how many dental schools accept a C-.... because the information is really difficult to find online. They either say "C or better" or don't say anything at all. So far I've only found one university that accepts the C-. I'm really hoping someone who has been in a similar situation will read this and have some insight. Thanks in advance.

 

[customx]

You're probably going to have to retake it. I can't think of any school that I researched that accepts a grade lower than a C, especially as a pre-req. It's not the end of the world, so don't worry too much. Plenty of people on here have either failed courses or received below a C, only to retake and earn an A. Be forewarned though, if you are retaking a class, don't earn anything less than an A-, otherwise it will look equally as bad.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

You're probably going to have to retake it. I can't think of any school that I researched that accepts a grade lower than a C, especially as a pre-req. It's not the end of the world, so don't worry too much. Plenty of people on here have either failed courses or received below a C, only to retake and earn an A. Be forewarned though, if you are retaking a class, don't earn anything less than an A-, otherwise it will look equally as bad.

TX schools don't use +/-

 

[strep mutans]

TX schools don't use +/-

TMDSAS calculates GPA without +/- but that doesn't mean TX schools will accept C- prereqs. UTSD website states "A grade of at least C must be earned in each of the required courses."

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

TMDSAS calculates GPA without +/- but that doesn't mean TX schools will accept C- prereqs. UTSD website states "A grade of at least C must be earned in each of the required courses."

True. However, I called the schools specifically and asked them about my c- in physics 2 and lab and they said that it was okay since physics was the least of their worries. Also, most schools in TX do not use +/- so they standardized everything. A C- is a 70-73. A C at a school without +/- is 70-79.

 

[strep mutans]

True. However, I called the schools specifically and asked them about my c- in physics 2 and lab and they said that it was okay since physics was the least of their worries. Also, most schools in TX do not use +/- so they standardized everything. A C- is a 70-73. A C at a school without +/- is 70-79.

Good to know. I wonder why they don't state "A grade of at least C- must be earned in each of the required courses" for those who go to schools who use +/-. (Not arguing with you, just genuinely curious.)

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Good to know. I wonder why they don't state "A grade of at least C- must be earned in each of the required courses." (Not arguing with you, just genuinely curious.)

It's probably because the majority of public TX schools use only letter grades and my alma mater just had to be the one to use +/- for the last 5 years...lol

 

[distressstudent]

Retaking the course is your best option.
When your university says you "can't" retake the course, it likely means that you will not receive additional units for it and your new grade will not be reflected on your university GPA. However, it will still appear on your transcript and that's what matter to AADSAS/dental schools. When you enroll through your school system, you will likely be required to receive special permission depending on how registration works at your school. You'll be okay OP

 

[joker937]

Thanks, guys! I have yet to hear back from my advisors. I wish I could talk to them sooner, but with this holiday, I haven't been able to reach out to anyone today.

 

[doc toothache]

You are making a simple problem into a very complicated one.

 

[Incis0r]

Thanks, guys! I have yet to hear back from my advisors. I wish I could talk to them sooner, but with this holiday, I haven't been able to reach out to anyone today.

Why don't you take Physics at a different four-year university over the summer if your school won't let you retake with them? Just go around them.

 

[joker937]

@doc toothache - Respectfully, I think this is a very complicated problem, and I'm really worried about it. And @Incis0r, can't I just take physics at a community college? Also, really need your guys answer for this question: Can I take a different physics class and have that count towards my "1 year" for dental school? Or does it need to be the 3 classes in a year-long series? Thanks, everyone!

 

[distressstudent]

@doc toothache - Respectfully, I think this is a very complicated problem, and I'm really worried about it. And @Incis0r, can't I just take physics at a community college? Also, really need your guys answer for this question: Can I take a different physics class and have that count towards my "1 year" for dental school? Or does it need to be the 3 classes in a year-long series? Thanks, everyone!

Doc is right. You'll have options to fix this issue. This will not keep you out of dental school.

Yes, you can take it a a CC. But there are schools that would highly encourage you to take it at an university. Also, there are schools that explicitly states that they want their applicants to take their requirements in a series if there is a series. However, there are exceptions to everything. If you want to take a different physics course to satisfy your requirement you can. It is up to you to find out which schools will allow you to do so. Some will have it written out on their website, many you will likely have to contact the schools via e-mail or phone.

 

[Incis0r]

Doc is right. You'll have options to fix this issue. This will not keep you out of dental school.

Yes, you can take it a a CC. But there are schools that would highly encourage you to take it at an university. Also, there are schools that explicitly states that they want their applicants to take their requirements in a series if there is a series. However, there are exceptions to everything. If you want to take a different physics course to satisfy your requirement you can. It is up to you to find out which schools will allow you to do so. Some will have it written out on their website, many you will likely have to contact the schools via e-mail or phone.

Well said. Some schools (like Tufts dental) do not accept any CC credits. Others may. It all depends on which schools you are interested in.

 

[Loyoladentalman15]

For AADSAS - Retake
TMDSAS - No need since TMDSAS doesn't calculate +/- (I guess to eliminate bias?) The dean from Baylor even told us that they can care less about physics.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

For AADSAS - Retake
TMDSAS - No need since TMDSAS doesn't calculate +/- (I guess to eliminate bias?) The dean from Baylor even told us that they can care less about physics.

Thanks for confirming. It would suck so much to get accepted then have it rescinded because of a silly physics class

 

[joker937]

Thank you all so much for your input.

 

[Loyoladentalman15]

Thanks for confirming. It would suck so much to get accepted then have it rescinded because of a silly physics class

You know... now that you mentioned it, I'm honestly not too sure for some reason lol

 

[Loyoladentalman15]

Thanks for confirming. It would suck so much to get accepted then have it rescinded because of a silly physics class

I asked on the TMDSAS 16 thread Longhorn

 

[doc toothache]

For AADSAS - Retake
TMDSAS - No need since TMDSAS doesn't calculate +/- (I guess to eliminate bias?) The dean from Baylor even told us that they can care less about physics.

We are confusing how TMDSAS calculates GPA with what ds consider a passing grade for prereqs.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

I asked on the TMDSAS 16 thread Longhorn

Thank you