Retook course & still did badly

[RoadtoMed]

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I made a C- when I took Physics II the first time, then I rushed (bad idea) and retook the next semester. I know i seem ******ed but it's a hard course cuz they are only two exams and a final. The two exams are each 30 points and the final is 40 pts thats it w/ minimal curving. Most ppl do badly. I wish I had not gotten the - the first time, b/c I wouldn't have retaken.

But I did, and I got a C this time around but I opted pass/fail (wish I'd done that the first time 🙁) Even though it's only a slight improvement (the C will replace the C-), I wish to take the P/F option off. But I don't know if that improvement is worth schools seeing that I retook a class and still scored badly. Help?

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

What school do you go to where you can just switch from graded to P/F back to graded AFTER the class is over? My university requires you choose your grading system before the end of hte first week of class.

Regardless I would take the "C", due to the fact many schools don't count the "C-" as good enough for a pre-req. Otherwise you may have to take the class yet again

 

[taylormade2006]

To add to what the above poster said, also consider that some schools do not accept P/F credits for pre-reqs.

 

[gatewasani]

I did this...freshman year, only the opposite

1st semester, I didn't know what I wanted to do so I took chem pass/fail, I passed, not sure about the grade prolly a C+/B-; afterwards decided i wanted to do pre-med and re-took the class the following semester and dedicated no time towards it, class was changed up, got a C 🙁 i'm not sure how badly this is gonna affect me, but I can't bring myself to retake a 3rd time.
hopefully it works out for both of us.

 

[ManUnderFire]

hmmm....I really sympathize. I had to take a required class three times (neuroscience). It was a tough course and required a crap load of studying. I just couldn't find the material interesting enough to dedicate myself to even pass. I also decided not to write the final exams b/c I confused the schedule with another class the first go-around, and then didn't study the second time b/c I was so bummed about having to repeat. Like you, I re-registered in consecutive semesters-worst mistake, ever.

I buckled down a year after the second failure and got a 'B'. In another required neuro class, I got a 'D' the first time around and a 'C' the 2nd time around. That was good enough for me since I barely scraped by to reach the 'C' mark. I was clearly out of my league so I took the 'C' and ran. Moral of the story: you have to know when to fold 'em.

What u have to do is look at WHY you're not succeeding: 1) not studying hard enough vs 2) material/exams are too difficult. You also need to consider whether you are willing to take this class a third time. Let's assume you're willing to have a third go, if need be.

1) In your position, if studying were the issue, I would take the P/F and repeat after a physics hiatus. Give your mind time to relax/heal/lick it's wounds. The break will do wonders, trust me.

2) If the exams are too tough, I would take the 'C' and be done with it. Your institution is clearly out to weed out students so don't waste your time, money, effort in a losing cause. But in this case, I would again take a hiatus but then re-register for the same course at another institution that isn't on a pre-med witch hunt. You must get an 'A' in this instance, though.

All my attempts were at the same institution as the courses were required for my program and no other school offered them. I had no other option but to re-take. But if you can help it, go somewhere else if that's what it takes. All you to have prove is that you can succeed at X pre-req, not succeed at X prereq at Y university. That's very closed minded-don't fall into that trap! Of course, you would have to do this tactfully, since you don't want to make it seem that you are avoiding your home university. Register for the class at night time (blame your schedule), at your local CC (blame $$$ as your reason) or wait until summer or even after you graduate (blame your schedule, again).

However, being a pre-req for med, I think you cannot afford to get anything lower than a 'A' the third time around since that will show that you just can't handle the level of the material. Whatever you do, sit down and really weigh out your options. Don't rush into making a decision.

 

[taylormade2006]

OP, how are your grades in the other pre-reqs like gen chem and o-chem?

 

[DrDre2001]

I made a C- when I took Physics II the first time, then I rushed (bad idea) and retook the next semester. I know i seem ******ed but it's a hard course cuz they are only two exams and a final. The two exams are each 30 points and the final is 40 pts thats it w/ minimal curving. Most ppl do badly. I wish I had not gotten the - the first time, b/c I wouldn't have retaken.

But I did, and I got a C this time around but I opted pass/fail (wish I'd done that the first time 🙁) Even though it's only a slight improvement (the C will replace the C-), I wish to take the P/F option off. But I don't know if that improvement is worth schools seeing that I retook a class and still scored badly. Help?

I don't know anything about "pass/fail" so I can't help you there.

But I have retaken more classes than the usual person (I would guess), so I can tell you that retaking a course is no easy A.

Especially for a class that isn't really about memorization like Physics. Being good on a Physics test has a lot to due with your natural physics intuition rather than how much of the textbook you read the night before (or how much you remember about the textbook from your original attempt at the course).

When I did my retakes, I didn't really feel like I had too much of an advantage over anyone else. My retakes were with different teachers, we used different textbooks, focused on different topics, and the structure of the courses were different in terms of grading. It was almost like taking a whole new course for some of them.

Now whether ADCOMs view retakes the same way I do is up for debate. But I just wanted you to know from someone with experience that you shouldn't feel bad/dumb about not being able to get at least a B+ or so on a retake.

 

[Quester]

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[RoadtoMed]

Thank you guys. I guess the overall consensus is to take off the P/F. I mean retaking is out of the question since I don't have much hope for getting an A. I'd prolly go half-way up again to a C+ or maybe a B- Eh...

 

[RoadtoMed]

Just as a side note, I'm a senior and am planning to apply for Fall 2011. Pretty much I need to be done, so if I decide to retake Physics or anything for that matter (just for arguments sake) would it matter seeing as how the transcript would be done and sent before my fall semester grades are even processed. Would certain colleges wait to see how you would do on a retake of a class?

 

[RoadtoMed]

🙂