I have only one retake left...

[DH1987]

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So I just found out that my school doesn't accept students who have five or more repeated pre-pharmacy courses. FML...

I'm already at three, which means that I can only retake one more Pre-Pharmacy class...and I have plenty of C classes to retake.

I think it's pretty obvious that I should do a math or science class, so I'm going to lay out the math & science classes that I got a C in...

General Chemistry I
Principles of Economics I
Calculus I
Principles of Biology II
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Introduction to Psychology

So, which should I retake? It's safe to assume that whatever course I take, I'll have an A in it. I am a far stronger and determined student than I was a few years ago. I personally think it should be a decision between General Chemistry I and Calculus I, but I don't really know. On one hand, I can demonstrate a better capability of general problem-solving through scoring an A in Calculus, or on the other, I can display a better aptitude for Chemistry by re-taking Chem I, though I believe neither qualities are mutually exclusive. But maybe you guys have a totally different opinion. Which do you guys think I should focus on? I'm leaning towards Calculus I...

 

[Niosh]

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

If it were me. My reason is that it is typically a more advanced class than the others.

My order of importance would be Psych < Econ < Calc < Chem I < Bio II < A/P

 

[DH1987]

Really? In my experience, A/P was not all that advanced. The only reason I got a C in the class was because I did not study enough, and I also forgot about a few online quizzes. I took A/P II last semester and found it was extremely easy compared to Physics and Biology. I scored an A very easily. It may simply be how the classes were structured...and I guess it's also important to note that these were done at a community college.

 

[armorking]

Personally, I would retake chemistry. Pharmacy school is heavily chem-based so improvement in that area will have the most impact IMO.

 

[Notecard]

Hard to say. Do you have good grades in any upper level sciences? Sometimes those can help mask a C or make it less of a problem.

 

[DH1987]

Hard to say. Do you have good grades in any upper level sciences? Sometimes those can help mask a C or make it less of a problem.

Well, I've done pretty good in these last two semesters.

Biology I = A
A/P II = A
Org Chem I = B (very close to an A)
Physics I and II = A
General Chemistry II = B

Still have to take Org Chem II.

Gen. Chem II was also a 16 week class which was condensed to a 4 week class over the summer. The class was 8AM to 2:20PM Mon-Thurs, and I also worked for about 30 hours per week during that time.

I've established the stability and mindset that I need to get an A in just about any class that I choose, even while working so much. I hope whoever looks at my application can see that.

Personally, I would retake chemistry. Pharmacy school is heavily chem-based so improvement in that area will have the most impact IMO.

My thoughts on that: I could demonstrate my proficiency in Chemistry in the PCAT. What I really want to demonstrate is my ability to handle rigorous schedules and problem-solving abilities, so I think I should just re-take Calc I. Chem I is more about learning theoretical concepts than problem-solving, IMO. But then again, Calc I is probably similar, but I have the impression that it's overall more rigorous than Chem I.

 

[armorking]

My thoughts on that: I could demonstrate my proficiency in Chemistry in the PCAT. What I really want to demonstrate is my ability to handle rigorous schedules and problem-solving abilities, so I think I should just re-take Calc I. Chem I is more about learning theoretical concepts than problem-solving, IMO. But then again, Calc I is probably similar, but I have the impression that it's overall more rigorous than Chem I.

It all balances in the end. Calc I will definitely help with the PCAT and as long as you ace the chem section, you'll be in good shape.

 

[Teva]

.

 

[SVB99]

Personally, I would retake chemistry. Pharmacy school is heavily chem-based so improvement in that area will have the most impact IMO.

Ditto. Retake chem if you must. Organic is of higher priority than gen chem.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Retake Chemistry. A&P I isn't considered advanced isn't it? I actually thought Biology I was harder, but maybe it was my professor.

 

[DH1987]

Apparently, my school is not offering Chem I over the summer. I could take it in the fall, but then it won't be on my transcript in time for my Fall 2012 Pharmacy School application. 🙁

In fact, it appears that I only have an option between Calc I, A/P I, and Psychology.

I'm currently registered for Calc I. The way I see it, it's do-or-die with this one. If I don't get accepted in Fall 2012, then I'm just going to look elsewhere. So I really want to get my transcript looking as good as possible before my application's due.

 

[WhiteSnows]

I will take Biology II since it only requires memorization. You should take class that you can pass.

 

[ttopping]

Personally, I would retake chemistry. Pharmacy school is heavily chem-based so improvement in that area will have the most impact IMO.

I would have to highly disagree. I barely used chemistry beside medchem (which was all orgo knowledge, not gen chem) and I suppose some other basic classes in p1 year. Honestly out of all of those A+P would be the most useful (possibly bio II depending on what the course focused on).

 

[armorking]

I would have to highly disagree. I barely used chemistry beside medchem (which was all orgo knowledge, not gen chem) and I suppose some other basic classes in p1 year. Honestly out of all of those A+P would be the most useful (possibly bio II depending on what the course focused on).

How about biochemistry in pharm school? If you don't have a solid foundation in gen/organic chem, then that course will probably be of some trouble. To say A&P is more useful than chem is like saying that apples are better than oranges. Both are of equal importance and taking chemistry, A&P, Calculus, etc. is to ultimately make you a better thinker for the tougher stuff that pharm school will expose you to. Those are my two cents.

To the OP: take a course that you know you will excel in and that you feel will give you the most benefit. That's what really matters.