Paying for my past

[indymed]

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I applied to LECOM and NYCOM but will be unable to have my application reviewed because during college I had two courses where I got below a C. For these particular schools that is a no-no. However, since those grades I have rapidly improved, I took a post-bac year and have taken and done very well in courses much more difficult than any of the pre-med courses. But still, those grades are the ones that are holding me back. Isn't there any way they could understand that what happened in the past is in the past and I have a stellar record since? I believe alot of students may stumble early in college but are able to recover and make good physicians later on. I absolutely cannot take general physics over again. Is there any other way out of this?

 

[Robz]

I would assume that its one of the introductory courses AKA basic bio, physics, orgo, or gen chem. I think having a C or above is a prereq for almost EVERY school. Then they look to see how you have improved. I was just reading the CCOM booklet and I noted that they too will not look any further if you have less than a C in core class. You may have to retake them before they will look at you. You can always talk to a admissions assistant or assisstant dean to see if they can offer any better. Good luck.

 

[bigmuny]

I am pretty sure Robz is right. I don't think you can have any grade in a pre-req class below a C. I think this holds true for all schools. The good news is that when you repeat the class, aacomas only counts the higher grade when calculating your gpa.

 

[SM-UCLA tech]

I would retake them ASAP. Are they offerred over the winter quarter? After completing the courses, you can forward your updated transcripts to the schools for review. It still might not be too late to get an interview this cycle.

 

[indymed]

Actually, I dont think PCOM or KCOM require a C or higher, I scoured their websites ad could find no such thing. Anyone hear differently?

 

[indymed]

Yea, I was right, just checked again and no req that you have a C or higher. Thats good because its such a ridiculous req, considereing alot of DO applicants probably have lower grades early in college versus later in life. I made a complete change from my former self, that should be reflected in the admissions process. All I can ask them to do is consider me for who I am now. Retaking Gen physics would be useless to me now, I would Ace it, waste my money and time. Now to see if NSUCOM requires A C or higher in all prereq......

 

[OnMyWayThere]

Retake it at a community college ... it's not a big deal. Probably 5 hours a week and not more than $50. They will understand why you didn't enroll in your 4-year and pay a ridiculous tuition for 1 class. I would retake it though. Preferable at my 4 year, and if $ is an issue, at my local cc (where I actually took both Physics). Peaceout.

 

[CJLaw]

I can see why some schools may do that for people with below a 25 on the MCAT, but if you get above a 30, is a C really that big of a deal?

 

[Runtita]

I got a D in the second semester of freshman chemistry. I was a chem. minor for my BS and MS, and I took every biochem course offered at my school. My grades steadily improved to Cs, then Bs, then As.

KCOM accepted me.

PS. The D was my husband's fault. 😉 He invited me "camping" the weekend before finals...Lost Maples in central Texas...the rest is history.

It was worth it!

 

[Idiopathic]

This is news to me. Most all schools require C or better in all pre-med prequisitie (physics 1 and 2, o-chem, bio, etc.)

 

[CJLaw]

well maybe a C is a big deal for gunners who spent their undergrad just studying and going to class, but never worked a day in their life, never played any varsity sports, and never contributed anything to the school except the padding of their med school resume with pre-med clubs, research, and the like.

To the OP, if your grads improved, you now have a respectable GPA, did well on the MCAT, and have some creative EC's---a C or two won't matter. At least, that's what I'm hoping!😉

 

[Idiopathic]

I dont think the discussion is about C's. The poster is discussing scoring below a C. I dont think anything is wrong with a C, inherently, as long as adcoms dont.

 

[DireWolf]

I agree with Idio... every school I applied to required C or better in all BCPM classes.

 

[Runtita]

Originally posted by indymed
Isn't there any way they could understand that what happened in the past is in the past and I have a stellar record since?

The answer is...

It depends on where you are applying. Some schools DO look to later high grades as indications that someone will be able to perform to standard. And I think it depends on your other attributes- job experience, clinical exposure, etc.

For me, one D that happened 13 years ago was overlooked in light of excellent grades in recent higher level chem. classes and my other training (research, cytogenetics).

If my D had held my application up, I would have retaken the class.

 

[indymed]

Turns out I just got an interview request with that D still on my record. Perhaps they see my huge improvement of late. I am not a gunner, I was very involved in varsity sports, extra curriculars and other classes when I got this D. Hopefully they can see me now as a much more mature person who is above my undergrad record.

 

[Runtita]

Congrats! 🙂 Where to, if I may ask?

 

[zack_w]

Don't worry too much about it. I got a D- in an intro Biology class and some assorted C's in other classes including Chemistry (long story). I improved the grades and didn't have a problem getting in. Med schools really look at patterns of improvement from what I have experienced from my less-than-illustrious pre-medical career.

zack