I think I need help...

[SoccergalGK1]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello all, this is my first time posting in pre-osteo. Just a bit of background about myself-

I am a rising Junior in college. My cGPA is a 2.92. I exhibit an upward trend (2.82 Freshman year, 3.0 sophomore year). Although I have received quite a few C's in the past, there is one that stands out:

Biology 122.... C-
I know I need to retake this course and possibly the entirety of the Biology segment. However, I am no longer at my old institution. I withdrew my freshman year after my father had a stroke. I went to community college and just graduated with my Associate's of Science about a week ago. This fall I am attending a new four year institution that is a bit closer to my father. My school does not offer a sequence of "Biology 121 and 122" or even "101 and 102." I did remember that 122 for my old college was focused on plant biology and ecology. I am just wondering how to go about registering for a specific course that caters to this. Should I go ahead and retake the first portion of Biology which I received a C+ in?

My schedule for the Fall is as follows:
Spanish 206
History 949
Chemistry 112 with Lab
Calculus 1 (which I will more than likely be dropping if I get into Physics at a neighboring college-my school has a consortium and our physics is calc based)
Genetics with lab (considering dropping this for the 1st portion of Bio sequence)

Please let me know. I know C's are not very acceptable. I want to be as flexible as I can as well as raise my science GPA as I know it is terrible. I do not mind going the DO route either and was looking at pursuing an SMP the fall following my spring graduation in 2017. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[SoccergalGK1]

Bump? Anyone?

 

[Gordon Gekko]

Bump? Anyone?

What was the course title of the Biol 121 & 122? The retake should have the same course description as the original course.

 

[SoccergalGK1]

Principles of Biology is Bio 121 and 122. However, my new college only has Biology 112 as Principles of Biology and does not offer a second portion of Principles of Biology. I was thinking it was Plant Biology since that is was I learned in Bio 122 at my old college.

 

[TheLeadSeed]

Try matching the course descriptions?

 

[Cawolf]

Without lists of the full biology sequence at each university, no one can guess at what you need.

 

[SoccergalGK1]

My First College's Bio 122 description- "An introduction to evolutionary theory and principles, this course emphasizes plant diversity, structure and function, animal diversity, vertebrate animal structure and function, human structure and function, and an overview of ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology"

College #2's course description for Plant Bio - "This course emphasizes the evolution, morphology, physiology, systematics, and ecology of land plants as well as fungi and algae."

 

[deleted480308]

what you need are As....this middling B stuff won't cut it.

You know what it takes, talk to academic advisors/counselors/etc and start producing. You can do this

 

[Gordon Gekko]

My First College's Bio 122 description- "An introduction to evolutionary theory and principles, this course emphasizes plant diversity, structure and function, animal diversity, vertebrate animal structure and function, human structure and function, and an overview of ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology"

College #2's course description for Plant Bio - "This course emphasizes the evolution, morphology, physiology, systematics, and ecology of land plants as well as fungi and algae."

Eh, that might not fly. Since AACOMAS moved to a new company, they're on a honor system for marking retakes. Of course by the time you apply, they may have it figured out. Maybe you can find an online or CC intro 2 bio course with a more similar description.

 

[Goro]

This is not a rising trend. You need to be acing things.

I am a rising Junior in college. My cGPA is a 2.92. I exhibit an upward trend (2.82 Freshman year, 3.0 sophomore year). Although I have received quite a few C's in the past, there is one that stands out:

Was this a basic biology course? If so, you can retake it anywhere. It doesn't have to be 100% identical.
Biology 122.... C-
I know I need to retake this course and possibly the entirety of the Biology segment. However, I am no longer at my old institution. I withdrew my freshman year after my father had a stroke. I went to community college and just graduated with my Associate's of Science about a week ago. This fall I am attending a new four year institution that is a bit closer to my father. My school does not offer a sequence of "Biology 121 and 122" or even "101 and 102." I did remember that 122 for my old college was focused on plant biology and ecology. I am just wondering how to go about registering for a specific course that caters to this. Should I go ahead and retake the first portion of Biology which I received a C+ in?

 

[kalat]

When I first read your post I thought you weren't very far along, but I see now it says you're a junior. As it currently stands you will most likely not be not competitive for any medical school even if your MCAT was stellar. You will need As not Bs. Do all that you can to improve your situation before graduation because post-bacc and graduate programs are expensive. You can take the MCAT if after graduation you feel your GPA warrants it (keep in mind it will "expire" in three years for most schools).

After that, re-evaluate your competitiveness and decide if medicine is right for you before moving forward with your plan for the next few years. As far as your options I do not recommend SMPs as they, to me, seem overpriced and do not offer any valuable credentials should you choose to work elsewhere. If you find yourself settled on DO, I'd recommend creating your own DIY post-bacc at the cheapest and most respectable institution you can find rather than paying extra for a formal one which offers no benefits (as long as you're choosing between institutions that both offer pre-medical resources).

Medical admissions committees don't place that much emphasis on graduate education, and I feel they'd much rather see you repeat your undergraduate courses. If you decide on graduate education try and find a partially or wholly funded program (though you will still most likely need to take out loans for living expenses) - these kinds of masters programs do exist and are plentiful for doctorates. Like I said though, I'd recommend the post-bacc unless you're having second thoughts on medical school and would like some alternative options. Good luck and keep an open mind.

 

[SoccergalGK1]

So, after being told these options I think I will focus on my major and minor during school these next two years. I am looking to drop my calculus, chemistry, and biology courses in favor of doing a DIY post-bacc at VCU which is in my hometown. I think by focusing on my major classes, I will be able to raise my GPA and also be able to focus on my other courses at a separate time. I may begin courses next summer by retaking the Biology sequence.