just got a C on my biochem midterm - should i P/F or withdraw?

[sundays24]

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the course isn't required for my major, but i'm taking it because it's a large portion of the MCAT and some medical schools recommend it. there's a lot of overlap in material with the molec cell course i took last year (yet i still managed to do poorly on this exam), and i'm really struggling with the rest of my course load, so i think it'd be best if i just put this course aside. i do not think i'm going to be able to save my grade. should i p/f this course or withdraw and re-take it next semester? which one looks worse to admissions officers? i'm strongly leaning toward p/f right now because if i withdraw there's a chance my financial aid will be revoked, but ultimately i want to go with whichever doesn't look as bad.

 

[amazing tekkers]

If it's not required for you degree, I would p/f and try to absorb as much as I can for MCAT prep.

 

[ivorypearls]

Have you talked with your professor already about your grade? Biochem is a hard course and your grade in the class may be relative to the class distribution. For instance, I was pretty sure I had flunked Biochem but surprisingly left the class with an A after the curve. Unless you are taking a ridiculously difficult courseload this semester, I wouldn't recommend withdrawing. The class isn't going to get easier. I would do either p/f or sticking through with it, under the assumption that Biochem isn't required for your major.

 

[SnakeDoc9497]

the course isn't required for my major, but i'm taking it because it's a large portion of the MCAT and some medical schools recommend it. there's a lot of overlap in material with the molec cell course i took last year (yet i still managed to do poorly on this exam), and i'm really struggling with the rest of my course load, so i think it'd be best if i just put this course aside. i do not think i'm going to be able to save my grade. should i p/f this course or withdraw and re-take it next semester? which one looks worse to admissions officers? i'm strongly leaning toward p/f right now because if i withdraw there's a chance my financial aid will be revoked, but ultimately i want to go with whichever doesn't look as bad.

I can't comment on what looks better/worse to an adcom, because I don't know.

I know in my case when I've hovered around C's at mid-term, I was always able to pull things up to a B or B+ by the end, which depending on the class is not a big deal (a lot of SDNer's will say otherwise). I don't particularly think there is anything wrong with a B or higher, that is assuming they don't out number or near outnumbering the A's A-'s.

If it were me, I would stick it out till the end. This is coming from a guy with zero W's or even contemplated W's, though. Everyone is different though, but I can for certain say there is always time and room to recover both within each class and on your transcript overall. Keep at it

 

[sundays24]

Have you talked with your professor already about your grade? Biochem is a hard course and your grade in the class may be relative to the class distribution. For instance, I was pretty sure I had flunked Biochem but surprisingly left the class with an A after the curve. Unless you are taking a ridiculously difficult courseload this semester, I wouldn't recommend withdrawing. The class isn't going to get easier. I would do either p/f or sticking through with it, under the assumption that Biochem isn't required for your major.

i scored about 15 points below the median. that's like a C/C-, right? there are only two exams left in the semester. i'd have to do pretty well on the next exams to salvage a B/B+, and i don't think i can pull myself up that much from this point 🙁

 

[ivorypearls]

i scored about 15 points below the median. that's like a C/C-, right? there are only two exams left in the semester. i'd have to do pretty well on the next exams to salvage a B/B+, and i don't think i can pull myself up that much from this point 🙁

How are the rest of your classes going? One B/B+ isn't going to sink you, especially in Biochem. A C/C- might not either (granted you are doing well in your other classes). Personally I would stick with the class because I don't think it is worth getting your financial aid revoked and then having to suffer through the class all again next semester lol.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

You should study harder for the final

 

[Lost in Translation]

If it's not required for you degree, I would p/f and try to absorb as much as I can for MCAT prep.

P/F on a now-pre-med req is terrible advice.

 

[sundays24]

i just did a quick overview of some of the admissions requirements of the medical schools i want to apply to, and nearly all list biochemistry as either a prerequisite or as highly recommended. i guess i'll be taking the W and retaking the course next semester.