not doing well in biochem

BCPM includes most classes in those departments, not just the prereqs.

One C+ won't kill you.

 

Do a search on what classes are and are not included in BCPM calculation, but the long and short of it is yes your science grades are all a part of your science gpa. None of your classes are "hidden", as they are displayed on both your AMCAS application as well as the individual transcripts you send in. It's not going to cost you a spot or anything, but it might come up during interviews considering Biochem is one of the traditionally make-or-break M1 classes.

 

I was specifically asked about a poor grade in genetics in one interview, so they can definitely see specific grades. I agree about biochem's importance specifically, I think this is why many schools reccommend having had it once in the first place, so a poor performance might be specifically questioned. Make sure you have a good explanation of what happened and maybe take it again and try to do better.

 

But a C+ in biochem will hurt more than a C+ in something completely unrelated to medical school, like philosophy.

 

That's true, but I think that 1 C+ (or C-) could be written off as an aberration no matter what course it's in. I don't think a C+ in biochem would be a big deal unless there were already another reason to question academic qualifications.

 

If you've done well overall in your classes (which it sounds like you have), this may be something you get asked about, but is highly unlikely to derail an otherwise good application. Relax.

 

Medical schools can see all of your individual grades. When you apply, you will fill out your master primary application on which you will list each course you have ever taken at the college level and what grade you got. One C+, however, will not kill you, as other posters have said.

Your BCPM GPA includes exactly that: ANY class that can be classified as pure biology, chemistry, math and physics. It does leave out some classes that are science-related (or rather, applied science), but not pure science, such as engineering. Science research credits are generally included in your science GPA.

 

I know one person who has a GPA >3.90, who did badly enough to justify dropping the course. Luckily, it happened after that person got into med school. The reason they did that badly? They were not used to mass memorization. That persons major was all about understanding concepts. I think adcom members have heard of/come across this scenario in the past, and for this reason, a bad grade in biochem next to a very high GPA may very well be cause for concern...depending on the major, at least.

 

i'd consider dropping and retaking if i were you. having a C+ isn't bad but it isn't good either.

 

yes 1 C+ won't kill u but it will a lot of the time make for a hard time at interviews. i had a friend with all As/A-s and one C in physics and at every single interview they asked her about it and what she learned from it and why she thought she got it. needless to say she has been going to a great top 20 school for the past 2 years and that C def hsn't set her back in med school coping wise