Not doing well in post-bacc program...

[marsle85]

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Greetings,

I am in Drexel's post baccalaureate program currently and have taken General Chemistry and Physics. I have gotten an A in both labs but a C+ in chemistry and a D in Physics. I plan on retaking physics this summer, but can anyone tell me if my chances of applying to med school are now shot? The next few classes are Bio related and inorganic (both of which I'm surprisingly talented). I have always struggled with the math aspect of these classes, but have no problem in physiology, anatomy, psychopharmaceutical related classes. It's very frustrating because the classes that are math oriented make me struggle. Anyway, any advice? Should I retake the chemistry as well? thanks!

 

[johnnyscans]

Greetings,

I am in Drexel's post baccalaureate program currently and have taken General Chemistry and Physics. I have gotten an A in both labs but a C+ in chemistry and a D in Physics. I plan on retaking physics this summer, but can anyone tell me if my chances of applying to med school are now shot? The next few classes are Bio related and inorganic (both of which I'm surprisingly talented). I have always struggled with the math aspect of these classes, but have no problem in physiology, anatomy, psychopharmaceutical related classes. It's very frustrating because the classes that are math oriented make me struggle. Anyway, any advice? Should I retake the chemistry as well? thanks!

Those grades are scary. Besides screwing your GPA, you are not prepared at all the for PS section of the MCAT. I don't know what to recommend. The D has to be retaken since most med schools require a C and above. Have you spoken with your post-bacc advisor?

I don't think your chances are completely shot, but god damn youve got some serious damage control to perform.

 

[deleted248403]

You also ought to do some soul-searching and decide if this path is really for you based on your performance thus far

 

[thlaxer]

1) Even if you do well in bio and orgo, your sGPA is going to be low. A friend is in a similar situation (weakness in math) and is taking two additional years of classes (one to retake the weak prereqs and utilize the grade replacement policy of DO schools; the other for more advanced bio classes). I don't think your med school chances are completely shot, but it'll take additional years of great performance in order to get out of this hole. I agree with robflanker about being honest with yourself. Were you only struggling because of the math? Were there any conceptual holes? Are you willing to spend additional years in order to have a shot at med school and can you (realistically) ace the rest of your classes and your retakes?

2) Does Drexel fit both semesters of physics into the summer? If so, unless your math proficiency have improved dramatically, I wouldn't recommend doing physics over the summer. You'll just end up getting a similar grade because you can't solve the questions. Physics and Chemistry are very mathy courses, you won't do well in them unless you fix your underlying weakness.

3) The Physical Science section of my MCAT wasn't very math-heavy. Though I'd heard that some versions are more math-intensive.

Good luck on whatever you decide OP.

 

[gman33]

I'm a fourth year med student.
I started out in the post-bacc program at Penn.
I was trying to work full-time and overall the program wasn't the best fit for me.
I got a B- in both sections of gen chem to start out.

This caused a little soul seaching. Overall I felt like I just needed more time to study.
This was tough to do with the job I had at the time.
I wasn't doing terrible in the usual sense, just terrible for someone trying to get into med school.

I ended up leaving my job, which was really tough, and also transferring into a different program. This worked out better for me. If I stuck out the path I was on, I doubt med school would have happened.

My general advice. Make sure you have enough time to study and spend most of that time doing practice problems. Downgrade the number of classes you are taking until you start getting A's. I'd only take one class next semester and make sure you get an A, even if that means studying 40+ hours a week for that one class.

If you still have problems, you may need to take a few steps back.
Take intro math classes, into science classes (for non-majors) etc.
If you are really struggling, you may not be ready for that level of coursework.
This may take a long time, but it might be what is needed.

 

[bigloley]

You have to find out why you are doing poorly. Is it because you are unaccustomed to studying for science courses? I'm currently in an SMP and I was an economics major, I had just taken the pre-reqs and didn't do so well in them.

I struggled at first until I sat down with an advisor and learned how to study. Lots of it has to do with engaging yourself with the material. Take a log of how many hours you study, etc. and what kind of studying. If there is an academic retention service then use it! Now I am rocking my SMP and I'm able to prioritize and complete my studying much better and in much less time than before.

 

[Smiler]

Bigloley, are there any particular study skills that you would recommend for someone with little math and science background who is about to start postbac? Are there some good books I can pick up that discuss how best to study for hard core science courses? Thanks.

OP, were you working during the semester? What do you attribute your poor performance to? Did you take a math refresher course before starting? I hear taking such a course will help with chem and physics.

 

[johnnyscans]

Bigloley, are there any particular study skills that you would recommend for someone with little math and science background who is about to start postbac? Are there some good books I can pick up that discuss how best to study for hard core science courses? Thanks.

OP, were you working during the semester? What do you attribute your poor performance to? Did you take a math refresher course before starting? I hear taking such a course will help with chem and physics.

Be VERY comfortable with trigonometry before Physics, and dimensional analysis before Physics and Chemistry. Google and Khan Academy will be your friend with this.

 

[thlaxer]

Make sure you're comfortable with algebra as well--you'll need to know how to solve sets of equations containing multiple variables.

From what I've noticed, people who do poorly in class tend to be working and/or taking on too many extracurricular responsibilities (volunteering, etc.). It's better imo to start with a light EC load during your first semester. If you're comfortable with the classes, then start dedicating more time to your ECs. You'll have time to 'catch up' with ECs after the first semester (for people doing the two-year route).

Your GPA is one of the more important factors for med school admissions; don't let an EC substantially lower your grade..