Postbacc vs. Retaking Classes After Strong Upward Trend

[colombianasian]

Hi. I've read many threads on the pros and cons of retaking classes (as an informal) vs. enrolling into a formal Postbacc program (linked to medical schools and not linked). I'm here because I have a very strong upward trend in my Junior and Senior years of college and am left wondering what my best options are.

Just for example, I received C's in all core chemistry classes (freshman and sophomore years), but have demonstrated my ability to perform well academically by receiving an A in Biochemistry (senior year). This is the general trend between my lower division science classes and upper division science classes (worst quarterly GPA was 2.3 and best was 3.9). Should I retake the classes I did poorly in at a CC because I have proven my ability to do well in upper division classes? I must retake a C- anyways. Current science GPA is 3.0. Current overall GPA is 3.2.

I am a first generation college student. I am also half latino, and considered economically disadvantage. If I'm going to take loans out to do any post-bacc work I need my best options in front of me. I attend UCLA and will graduate in June. Can someone please lay out a couple options for me.

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[Ragtime]

In my opinion, the best option is to continue acing more upper division sciences and only retake that one lower division C- if you can financially afford to. At the very least, if you're going to take lower division courses, enroll in ones that you haven't taken yet. Purely anecdotal, but I personally took a combination of both upper division and lower division sciences (~30 units) for sGPA repair and I was never asked about it in my interviews.

 

[Magus5454]

Dont retake courses. Retaking doesnt show anything, while taking new ones and doing well shows you've changed academically