Repeating a Class???

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mbekheit

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Hey,
I'm a freshman pre-med at Stanford, and I'm new on this board. I just got my final grade in chemistry and I got a C. Should I retake this class? The new grade would appear on my transcript as a repeated class. The same class in the winter is supposedly easier because it is "off-track." (less competition) Would medical schools look kindlier upon a C or an A or B in a repeated class? I am really worried about this. Any response would be appreciated.

Thanks,
~Mark
 
I know that some schools (Howard) suggest not repeating classes unless you actually did below average in them (D or F). Personally, I would just make sure that you kick butt in any future chemistry classes so it just looks like a fluke.
 
I think it might be good to retake it. First of all, if you retake it, you will likely get a better understanding of it. That will help you in the second chem course, because if you don't understand the first semester's material, the second semester will be even worse, and it will be even harder to improve your grades becuase chemistry is cumulative. NOt to mention that if you have a solid background in chem, it will help you on the MCAT, too. Retaking it will probably improve your grade, which shows dedication, and that you ARE capable of doing well in chemistry. I think med schools would be more impressed with that than if you just left it as a C...they will see the C even if you do retake it, so what do you have to lose? THe fact that it is off-track shouldn't make any difference. I doubt they consider whether the off-track course is any less competitive, especially at a school like Stanford. Besides, if you don't just take it now and get if over with, even if it is off-track, you'll have to wait another year to do it. I say just suck it up and go for it, put your mind to getting an A and you will. Good luck!
 
Hey!
I wound up getting a C in physics 2 in undergrad. I asked my pre-med advisor about what I should do. since it was my last pre-med class, and all my other science classes were a's and b's she said it would be ok, but that if i ever had time in the future at a summer class/other school (we can't repeat above a D at my school) it would look good to adcoms if i repeated the class and got a good grade. Since you got the C in chem 1, you might want to ask if you feel comfortable enough with the material to move on to the second semester. (or next quarter - i don't really get the whole quarter system) If you don't feel like you have a strong enough base, you're setting yourself up for a rougher time in the next semester, making it harder to get a good grade. Either way, good luck & stay positive!
 
If you have the time, retake it. If not, then I wouldn't worry about it because a C won't kill your chances.


Originally posted by mbekheit
Hey,
I'm a freshman pre-med at Stanford, and I'm new on this board. I just got my final grade in chemistry and I got a C. Should I retake this class? The new grade would appear on my transcript as a repeated class. The same class in the winter is supposedly easier because it is "off-track." (less competition) Would medical schools look kindlier upon a C or an A or B in a repeated class? I am really worried about this. Any response would be appreciated.

Thanks,
~Mark
 
Yeah, a C definitely won't kill your chances of an acceptance. In fact, it might look better to med schools not to retake it. A lot of candidates get a couple Cs, but if the rest of your application is strong it is fine. I think my advisor one said to a room full of premed that you shouldn't retake a class unless you got a D or F. So, your biggest concern is doing better in the future and understanding the material so you can do well in the second semester (which does build on the first).
 
Don't worry about repeating it...yet. If you do better in second semester gen chem and in orgo, then you're fine. Lots of applicants have a C (or 2), and as long as you can prove that you can do better in the upper-level courses, don't let this one stress you out. 🙂 Just be aware that second semester gen chem builds heavily on first semester so you will have to be familiar with the material.

FYI, I retook organic (got C's in both semesters, mostly b/c I didn't put forth the effort) after I graduated from college and was able to boost my GPA a bit. I LOVED the class the second time around, when I actually studied and learned the material. I also got a great LOR from the professor (I had the same professor both times). So retaking the class isn't so bad.

Good luck! 😀
 
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