Question about old pre-req's

[drdan83]

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I took Gen Chem I and Bio 1 back in 2001. I remember nothing from both classes other than the most basic topics. I got a B+ in the Chem and a C+ in the Bio.

Obviously I will retake the Bio next semester but I wanted to know if I should retake the chem, audit it, or teach myself Chem I and then take Chem II in the spring.

 

[LifeTake2]

A lot of it depends on how you did in Chem, not grade wise but did you 'get' it?

Chem 1 is mostly calculations & math. If you can review and pick up the ability to balance equations and do conversions you probably can get away without a retake.

If you math is fuzzy, then it might not hurt to retake.

just my $.02 worth

 

[Nasrudin]

Agree with take2.

It's about measuring your skills in preparation for the MCAT. Or more specifically how you cn and wish to reacquire those skills. If you your algebra chops are tight enough. And since you said you know the basic concepts. You might be better off taking upper divsion biology courses. Physiology, biochem, molecular/cellular bio, microbio, immunology, genetics, anatomy, etc. since all of these subjects will be rammed at you at breakneck speed in med school.

Having these courses before hand. Allowed for me to coast in year 1 while I worked out adapting to medical culture. And staying resonably fit.

This is something not easily done for your typical poli sci or B major who just does the prereqs. This is something not well communicated to premeds. they act PC about it. Saying they want all types--and perhaps they do. but they don't tell you it will make it much more easy to have seen all of the 1st year stuff before. Since it's not difficult. Just fast and voluminous.

Gen chem has some high yield stuff, concentration conversions, acid/base chem but lot's of it is just for the MCAT. So use Berkeley Review. You could teach yourself quite well with their book.

good luck.