Retaking o chem

[TheBoneDoctah]

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I graduated from ucla this year with a 3.3ish GPA. I got a C+ in o chem 2. Should I retake it at my CC before applying in June?

 

[kyamh]

I was always advised against taking courses at a CC. Since you aren't taking it at a comparable difficulty to what you have taken before, an A will not do very much for you. It's pretty obvious that you should be able to get an A the second time you learn the information, especially at a CC....what if you don't get that A though?

On the other hand, do some calculating. How much will your GPA go up from a single A? If it's less than 0.05, I wouldn't do it. If it will bump you up to a 3.4, then it may be a good plan.

Are you applying to DO programs? If you are, then it further makes sense to retake since they do grade replacement, but if you are primarily applying MD then you won't be better off taking the class again.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

I was always advised against taking courses at a CC. Since you aren't taking it at a comparable difficulty to what you have taken before, an A will not do very much for you. It's pretty obvious that you should be able to get an A the second time you learn the information, especially at a CC....what if you don't get that A though?

On the other hand, do some calculating. How much will your GPA go up from a single A? If it's less than 0.05, I wouldn't do it. If it will bump you up to a 3.4, then it may be a good plan.

Are you applying to DO programs? If you are, then it further makes sense to retake since they do grade replacement, but if you are primarily applying MD then you won't be better off taking the class again.

I am applying to both but prefer MD

 

[BigRedBeta]

I graduated from ucla this year with a 3.3ish GPA. I got a C+ in o chem 2. Should I retake it at my CC before applying in June?

Generally, no.
1) what's the best case scenario from retaking? You get an A, and what do people think? "Well jeez I would hope that the second time around this person could get it figured out!" In other words, you're working to fix a number, and everyone is going to see through what you did. It doesn't "prove" anything, nor work in your favor other than perhaps getting you above some sort of screening threshold.

Also doing it at a CC limits any added benefit even further.

2) what's the worst case scenario? You get another C+...or worse. How the hell does that look? "Wow, look at this idiot, even with repeating the same information and in an easier setting they STILL couldn't get OChem through their thick skull!"


If you are worried about your GPA and feel you have to do something, then take an upper level bio or chem course (as high as you can find, that is of at least some interest). That will mean more and demonstrate to a selection committee that you are likely able to handle the rigor of med school. Obviously you have to nail it, a B is not going to help either of your goals (raising GPA or showing your academic capabilities)