Retake or take new science?

[Watson & Sick]

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I am hoping to apply D.O. this summer, but was wondering the best route to take beforehand.

I will be applying after the grades come back for the summer semester and do not know whether to take O Chem I or to retake Gen Chem II (which I made a C in the first time around) for the summer. Replacing the C in Gen Chem would be a greater boost for my sGPA, from a 2.9 to a 3.38 assuming an A. Taking O Chem would only raise the sGPA to a 3.2 (keeping the C in Gen Chem) again assuming an A.

Which would be more beneficial to an application, a higher sGPA without the upper level chem, or a good performance in the upper level chem with a lower sGPA?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[edgerock24]

Both.

Take OChem I during the first summer session, and Gen Chem II during the second summer session.

Also, OChem isn't considered an upper level class (unless you take something like, "Advanced Organic Chemistry").

 

[Watson & Sick]

Both.

Take OChem I during the first summer session, and Gen Chem II during the second summer session.

Also, OChem isn't considered an upper level class (unless you take something like, "Advanced Organic Chemistry").

Thanks for the reply! Problem is that my school only offers either one during the main summer semester and neither during maymester. So it's looking like I'll have to choose one or the other.

I could take both and apply in December, but I doubt with a 3.2x cgpa and a 3.4 sgpa at that point I would have much of a shot with D.O. schools that late. Is that a safe assumption even assuming a decent MCAT?

 

[edgerock24]

Yeah... Dec. is really pushing it. But back to the previous issue: is it possible to take both classes in separate summer sessions @ a separate school? You can even take them @ a CC if you plan to apply to DO only.

 

[Watson & Sick]

Not a bad idea; I haven't looked into that. That may definitely be a possibility and I'll check it out.

 

[DocWinter]

if possible, yes, take both.

like rock said, do what you have to and take them wherever it is possible to retake. CC is fine and you'll be in great shape with two As in those classes.

 

[Watson & Sick]

Alright, so I've looked into the few CC's around and none offer any of the classes in any other term. I will continue looking for possibilities before applying, but if the decision must be made, which would look better on the application?

 

[DocWinter]

you need ochem as a prereq. you cannot apply without it...so, take ochem

 

[Watson & Sick]

Really? My understanding was that you needed it before matriculation and if you had it on your pending classes then that was okay.

 

[WalSlave]

Really? My understanding was that you needed it before matriculation and if you had it on your pending classes then that was okay.

You are correct. You can absolutely apply as long as it's pending and you have the bulk of pre-reqs completed.