Retaking Gen Chem to know it better -- not out of a concern for poor grades

[philosonista]

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Ello again, SDN --

I took general chemistry I and II as my first attempt at science after a lifetime focus on the humanities. I've come a long way since then, but I don't think I know the general chemistry material at all. Looking back, I can only remember feeling petrified from the course, and none of the material. I feel as though I want another go at the material. I got an B+ in both in Gen Chem I and Gen Chem II, combined with lab. Not horrendous grades, I know. But my concern about getting fundamentals down as a chemistry major, and the MCAT makes me very nervous.

Let's assume retaking general chemistry won't burden my schedule. Would it look bad to retake just the lectures over? If so, would taking it Pass Fail or auditing it help? I'd prefer getting a grade for the sake of boosting my GPA and to put the pressure on myself to really learn it. But my primary concern is getting the material down. I feel like a class schedule, etc, would be a helpful structure in order to reach my goal.

Yours truly and deeply thankful,

Philosonista

 

[amar314]

I honestly don't think that would be such a good idea. However, I know at my univ that some professors allow you to basically go to class and take the test like you're in the class without actually being in it. My chem professor invited us to do that if we were going to drop chem so that when we were actually going to take it we were more prepared. It's an idea that maybe you can try out? Best of luck!

 

[BamaNicole]

You could audit the class providing the professor is okay with that. That means you can sit in on the class like you were taking it but you're not officially enrolled and taking it for a grade.

 

[Lucca]

I would advise against retaking Gen Chem. If you wish to understand it better, express an interest in TA-ing the course for your professor (if Undergrads are allowed to TA at your school). The best way to learn is to teach and you'll have something interesting to do, learn the material better, help others, and add to your resume!

 

[EngineerPreMD]

Audit this. Easy decision. You won't learn it quite as well, but you might give the wrong impression with a retake. Also, with a retake you'd NEED an A. Trust me, there will be a point next year when the work piles up and you're soooooo busy and there's a gen chem test the next day and you'll just say, "thank God I'm not actually taking that class right now." No need to sabotage yourself.