Need some advice.

[chutzpah]

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Well I currently have a 3.65 GPA after three semesters. I was hoping to bring that to a 3.7 this semester. I recently received a F on a test in 300 level math class, (I got an A in the first half of the class, last semester class), and I'm considering dropping the class. Realistically, I believe I can get at least a B by the end of the semester. Would dropping it for a W look too much like grade protection? (I was just taking the class for 'fun', I'm majoring in chemistry) Would you recommend dropping it? I can probably get a 3.5-3.7 this semester even with the B. (Probably 3.8-3.9 by dropping it)

Other ECs, shadowing an ortho surgeon 4-5 hours a week. 3 semesters + 1 summer of chemistry research (still working in a lab 8 hrs a week), 1 (second author) publication in a chemistry journal, 50 hours of volunteering tutoring high school students, did independent research in Indonesia (presented my research in a National Teach-In convention for global warming, got funded by writing a proposal)

I know I'm a little weak on clinical volunteering, so I'm going to start that in the summer.

I know I'm kind of being naive by thinking a B is bad, I suppose I could always take a gap year so that my senior year grades count more. It's just that my upward trend would be ruined. (I had a 3.3 first semester, 3.80 second, 3.84 third (5 unit load)). I'll be done with all my premed requirements by the end of this semesters, aside from English.

I think most of you will say keep taking the class, I'm just checking if that would be the correct option and seeing how I'm doing so far.

 

[WannaBePreMed]

Well I currently have a 3.65 GPA after three semesters. I was hoping to bring that to a 3.7 this semester. I recently received a F on a test in 300 level math class, (I got an A in the first half of the class, last semester class), and I'm considering dropping the class. Realistically, I believe I can get at least a B by the end of the semester. Would dropping it for a W look too much like grade protection? (I was just taking the class for 'fun', I'm majoring in chemistry) Would you recommend dropping it? I can probably get a 3.5-3.7 this semester even with the B. (Probably 3.8-3.9 by dropping it)

Other ECs, shadowing an ortho surgeon 4-5 hours a week. 3 semesters + 1 summer of chemistry research (still working in a lab 8 hrs a week), 1 (second author) publication in a chemistry journal, 50 hours of volunteering tutoring high school students, did independent research in Indonesia (presented my research in a National Teach-In convention for global warming, got funded by writing a proposal)

I know I'm a little weak on clinical volunteering, so I'm going to start that in the summer.

I know I'm kind of being naive by thinking a B is bad, I suppose I could always take a gap year so that my senior year grades count more. It's just that my upward trend would be ruined. (I had a 3.3 first semester, 3.80 second, 3.84 third (5 unit load)). I'll be done with all my premed requirements by the end of this semesters, aside from English.

I think most of you will say keep taking the class, I'm just checking if that would be the correct option and seeing how I'm doing so far.

Drop it, it's not worth it to hurt your gpa. W's don't look bad unless you've got a lot of them.

 

[chutzpah]

I have one other W that I got in o-chem freshman year (was not ready for it), I retook o-chem and got an A.

edit: Kind of off topic, should I list powerlifting as an EC? I plan on entering some meets in the summer after I finish training.

 

[Mobius1985]

My opinion is different. I don't think you should drop the math class if you can get a B. Save your Ws for more important things. Your GPA is coming along fine.

Definitely list the power lifting. It shows dedication to an activity. And it helps make you look well rounded.

 

[chutzpah]

Just got my midterm back and I no longerbeloeve I have a scent shot at a C . My only question is how negatively will it be if I drop the class and no longer be taking a full courseload. I did more than a full load last semester and did well. My only concern is that it will start seeming like a tend (I dent have a full load last spring.)

On an unrelated note, is starting clinical volunteering this summer too late if I plan on appslyong in 2011?

 

[Mobius1985]

Since you'll have some extra time after dropping that math class, why not get some clinical volunteering started now. Adcomms won't question a lighter course load if you are busy in other ways. Your could also ramp up your time in the lab, get a job, or volunteer more with the tutoring.

Another concern: if you are no longer a full-time student, are you still covered by your health insurance? A lot of insurance plans won't cover someone over the age of 18 if they are not a full-time student.

 

[chutzpah]

I'm shadowing a surgeon 4 hours a week and work in a chem lab 8-10 hours a week. I'm considering volunteering at the local hospital on the weekends but I don't know if it's ideal given that there's only approximately 5-6 weeks left in the semester. Although I'm not doing a full load (4+ unit load) I'm still considered a full time student (I'll be taking 3.75 units due to labs for classes), so the health care thing won't be an issue.