Non-Trad, should I retake my intro Bio and chem?

[ArtPsychMed]

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Hello,
I am considering doing Post Bacc this coming Fall. I completed Intro to Biology and Chemistry in 2008 at the university and received " B-" for both classes. I could have done better if English comprehension was not a barrier back then. After 10 years, I think I am at a better place now, language wise, to appreciate science better.

My questions are:
- Will it hurt my application if I retake Intro to Bio and Chem?
- Is it advisable to retake them at a community college then continue the rest of the prerequisite courses at a 4-yr University?

I just want to see how I do with science courses, and community college is a cheaper option.
I have an MSW. I am currently working full-time as a licensed social worker/mental-health provider for 3 years.

Thanks so much!

 

[Eccesignum]

By "Intro" bio and chem do you mean Bio I and Chem I for science majors? As in, with lab component? I ask because some universities do offer real "intro" level courses which aren't in the major track. Those won't count as pre-reqs at all.

If it was actually Bio I and Chem I, a B- is generally not worth retaking. I personally wouldn't just for grade alone. But be aware some programs (definitely not all or even probably most, but some...my school is one of them) have an age limit on pre-req courses. You sound like you're just beginning the path, and that it'll be a few more years until you're ready to apply. It may be worth it to have more recent grades, if you want to truly maximize application potential, but it won't sink you everywhere if you don't. You just really want to be certain that any pre-req and/or upper-division science grade you get from here on out is stellar.

With a retake, though, you probably don't want to do it at a cc, as it may inadvertently look like you sought out "easier" classes (not saying that's true, just what may enter some adcom minds).

 

[ArtPsychMed]

@Eccesignum, thanks so much for the thoughtful response. I am pretty sure the intro to bio and chem is Bio and Chem I, as I remember there were quite a few Pre-med students in my classes. I will sure double check. Wow, I didn't know about the age limit parts. I appreaciate it very much!

 

[GreenDuck12]

Hello,
I am considering doing Post Bacc this coming Fall. I completed Intro to Biology and Chemistry in 2008 at the university and received " B-" for both classes. I could have done better if English comprehension was not a barrier back then. After 10 years, I think I am at a better place now, language wise, to appreciate science better.

My questions are:
- Will it hurt my application if I retake Intro to Bio and Chem?
- Is it advisable to retake them at a community college then continue the rest of the prerequisite courses at a 4-yr University?

I just want to see how I do with science courses, and community college is a cheaper option.
I have an MSW. I am currently working full-time as a licensed social worker/mental-health provider for 3 years.

Thanks so much!

Retaking a course would not hurt your application unless it lowers your GPA. Quick question: did you complete the year long sequences of biology and chemistry or just the first semester? If you just completed one semester of each, I would retake both in order to familiarize yourself with the material before taking the second semester of each class.

As for whether or not you should take any pre-req at a community college vs a 4 year university, the answer is that it depends. Some schools accept any course from an accredited school, others accept community college credit on a case by case basis and a few outright do not accept community college credit without an explanation. Your best bet is to get a copy of the MSAR and look up some schools that you are interested in to see what their policies are and then making your decision. That being said, many on this forum have taken some or all pre-reqs at community colleges for a variety of reasons (work, cost, availability, etc) and have had successful application cycles. (disclaimer: I took intro bio and chemistry before switching to a four year university for the other pre-reqs). Regardless of where you enroll, the important thing is to do well in your classes.

Best of luck to you.