Retake or Do Better in Upper-levels?

[Quaestor]

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Long story short, I got two C's for Bio 1 and Calc 3 last semester and a B- in Orgo 1.

This semester, I predict getting from a B+ to a solid A in Bio 2 but another B- at BEST in Orgo 2.

Should I retake Bio/Orgo or simply do better in upper-level bio and math courses? I'm taking biochem and and cell bio next year. How will med schools (MD) view retaken classes?

 

[efle]

If you've got a bunch of prereqs totalling to an sGPA in the 2.x's you probably want to start considering DO and take advantage of their grade replacement policy (that is, retake Bio/Orgo). If you struggle that much with prereqs there's no reason to expect strong grades in Biochem/cell bio/other tough upper levels and even with A's you'd probably still average to a worrisome sGPA for MD schools.

 

[Quaestor]

My sGPA is around a 3.3. I know that's still bad, but it's not like I was struggling. I transferred to a harder school and the rigor threw me for a loop. I got A's both semesters of Gen. Chem. and Physics.

 

[Quaestor]

^That's what I'm trying to gauge: whether it is worth it to retake these courses or simply get my act together in the upper levels. Do two C's warrant retaking? Or do I prove they were flukes?

As for the postbacc thing, money is exactly why I'm opposed to doing it.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

If you can justify retaking the courses, I don't think it's blanket negative for MD admissions. For example, I graduated with a science degree and had 2 C minuses and a C in prereqs, then retook them in a postbacc. The following semester I took a full courseload of upper division sciences and finished with a 4.0- when it came up in interviews, I explained that I recognized that I had issues with basic material (which I addressed by retaking the courses) and provided evidence that the retakes were worth it (my performance in more advanced courses). I empathize with your grade trend, since it was mine.

At this juncture, the odds of you suddenly pulling A's in harder courses on your own is low. You should seek a tutor or academic coach to help you with study habits because in spite of the fact that your school is rigorous, you're surrounded by people who are succeeding. Make a study group! Being able to adjust your approach along with positive grade trend are greats thing to bring up in interviews. It can also be used to deflect questions about bad semesters years, by emphasizing that you succeeded through collaboration.

 

[Quaestor]

^So what are you suggesting I do, then? I guess I can both retake classes and do upper-levels, but if possible I don't want to put off my upper levels.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

^So what are you suggesting I do, then? I guess I can both retake classes and do upper-levels, but if possible I don't want to put off my upper levels.

Get help with your ability to be a good student, because it's lacking (even if you're intelligent in a vacuum). Hopefully that turns into good grades.