Ready to apply to SMPs this fall/winter... just realized a minor problem?

[recycledpaper]

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Hi all,

I have done some research on SMPs and will be ready to apply for Fall 2011 soon. However, I just remembered that I got a C- in a med-school pre-req course (one of my general chem classes). I also never took Statistics because I received AP credit for graduation, but I have heard and read that schools still require you to take it to fulfill prereqs.

Can I still apply this for Fall 2011 and just take these two classes before I officially start? For reference, the SMPs I'm looking at are Georgetown, BU, RFU, Temple (if they can cut me some slack on their 3.3 GPA requirement, I have a 3.15cGPA and 3.21 BCPM), and Drexel.

Thank you for your help SDN!

 

[Californian]

yah, you should/must retake the general chemistry class and Statistics is not required.

 

[recycledpaper]

yah, you should/must retake the general chemistry class and Statistics is not required.

Thanks for the response. Do you know if the class needs to be retaken prior to applying to SMPs? Also, am I able to take at a local community college or would I have to take it at the institution I graduated at?

 

[Californian]

you can take the pre-req's at community college. It is not a problem.... you should take it before SMP starts.

 

[deleted248403]

I personally wouldnt retake a class at a CC.

IMO, you getting a C- at a 4yr university and then getting an A at a CC does not prove to me you can handle the workload. If you are trying grade-repair then you want to take the harder course of the two, and a CC is not that course.

It doesnt have to be at the same place you went to school. I repeated a class at a diff 4-yr as I was in a different state. IMO, CC won't cut it but this is a highly debatable topic.
I just feel that no-one will fault you for taking it at a 4-yr if you get an A but some ppl might if you take it at a CC - and i don't think its worse the risk or the potential problem of dealing with taking it at a CC

 

[recycledpaper]

I personally wouldnt retake a class at a CC.

IMO, you getting a C- at a 4yr university and then getting an A at a CC does not prove to me you can handle the workload. If you are trying grade-repair then you want to take the harder course of the two, and a CC is not that course.

It doesnt have to be at the same place you went to school. I repeated a class at a diff 4-yr as I was in a different state. IMO, CC won't cut it but this is a highly debatable topic.
I just feel that no-one will fault you for taking it at a 4-yr if you get an A but some ppl might if you take it at a CC - and i don't think its worse the risk or the potential problem of dealing with taking it at a CC

Thanks for your advice. I was actually thinking the same thing... I'm gonna attempt to get some classes at my 4-year as well. Just more $ but heck, it's really nothing compared to grad/med school tuition 😛

 

[Californian]

Even you take one pre-req at CC... it's not really ganna effect your chance. Where ever you go, just get a better grade. That matters more.

 

[deleted248403]

Even you take one pre-req at CC... it's not really ganna effect your chance. Where ever you go, just get a better grade. That matters more.

I think it does matter.

You want the better grade at the harder institution. You dont want to be seen taking the easy way out, which CC is

 

[Goobster20]

Do all pre-reqs need to be completed with a grade of "C" or better? Are you sure a "C-" won't suffice? I checked a few admissions sites and the terminology is a bit vague. For example, some required undergraduate completion in 1 year of bio, chem, ochem, and phys. However, if you get a "C-" in one of those classes, technically you still completed and received credit for the course from your undergraduate institution. Therefore, you meet the medical school requirement. On the other hand, I don't think you receive credit for the course if you obtain an "F" (not sure about a "D").

Granted the OP may want to retake the course regardless, but it may not be absolutely necessary.

Can anyone clarify? Is it widely known that you need at minimum a "C" in all prereqs (i.e., no C-) or is it on a school by school basis?

 

[recycledpaper]

Do all pre-reqs need to be completed with a grade of "C" or better? Are you sure a "C-" won't suffice? I checked a few admissions sites and the terminology is a bit vague. For example, some required undergraduate completion in 1 year of bio, chem, ochem, and phys. However, if you get a "C-" in one of those classes, technically you still completed and received credit for the course from your undergraduate institution. Therefore, you meet the medical school requirement. On the other hand, I don't think you receive credit for the course if you obtain an "F" (not sure about a "D").

Granted the OP may want to retake the course regardless, but it may not be absolutely necessary.

Can anyone clarify? Is it widely known that you need at minimum a "C" in all prereqs (i.e., no C-) or is it on a school by school basis?

Are you asking about SMPs or med school? I know some med schools don't take C-'s.. whereas others are OK with it. Retaking a C- would look better though (I think).

 

[deleted248403]

I'd personally stronger consider retaking anything lower than a B- (esp in a prereq)

 

[Goobster20]

I'd personally stronger consider retaking anything lower than a B- (esp in a prereq)

I am in complete agreement. I am only questioning if it is a requirement to get at least a "C" in all prereqs, or if medical schools will accept a "C-." Does anyone know?

 

[Californian]

medical school will not accept C- that are pre-req's. You must get minimum C in pre-req's.

 

[deleted248403]

medical school will not accept C- that are pre-req's. You must get minimum C in pre-req's.

I think it depends on the school

To reinforce the 'retake lower than a B-' thing - one of my secondary essays this year (UMDNJ-RWJ) asked me to write about any science grades I got below a B- or any withdrawals . It is def something they want to know about.

If you repeat anything less than a B-, it makes writing that essay a little easier providing u get an A the second time around