Complete Retaking a prereq senior year

[deleted978390]

I'm currently an undergraduate pre-med. Last semester, I took intro bio and did not do well (D+) so I'll have to retake it. The way my schedule is planning out, I won't be able to retake the class until first semester senior year. My current plans aren't to take a gap year, but if I apply in time then I don't think med schools will see my new grade yet - am I correct on this? If I score well enough on the MCAT and don't have any other issues other than this class, would it still be okay to apply on time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[Catalystik]

I'm currently an undergraduate pre-med. Last semester, I took intro bio and did not do well (D+) so I'll have to retake it. The way my schedule is planning out, I won't be able to retake the class until first semester senior year. My current plans aren't to take a gap year, but
1) if I apply in time then I don't think med schools will see my new grade yet - am I correct on this?
2) If I score well enough on the MCAT and don't have any other issues other than this class, would it still be okay to apply on time?

1) TMDSAS and AACOMAS have a mechanisms for updating grades after your application is verified. AMCAS does not, but schools that allow updates can be informed individually.

2) What will your grade in Intro Bio II be? What upper-level Bio will be on your transcript and what grades did you earn? There needs to be something reassuring on your transcript or concerns will be raised. If you don't make the cut on initial application review, updated grades may not arrive in time for your situation to be salvaged.

 

[deleted978390]

I'll most likely get a B in bio II, and I'm not a bio major so the only upper level bio I'll end up taking would be biochem and possibly genetics. If I do well in both classes (A) do you think I'll be okay?

 

[Catalystik]

I'll most likely get a B in bio II, and I'm not a bio major so the only upper level bio I'll end up taking would be biochem and possibly genetics. If I do well in both classes (A) do you think I'll be okay?

Without knowing your sGPA and MCAT score, it's hard to predict, but personally, I'd want to see better evidence that you won't flounder in the preclinical years, which is essentially all upper-level Bio. Your goal should not be to apply at a pre-specified time, but rather to apply just once with the best possible application you can.