Should I utilize the "grade-replacement" policy by retaking a C- class?

[Luelinks]

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I got a C- in a Biochem class that was graded on a curve with how you do against everyone in the class. I feel I could achieve a much higher grade after taking more biochem related concepts in other classes. Just getting a B+ in the class will help out my GPA a lot during the application process.

What are your opinions?

 

[OzelloPiRat]

Look at the schools you want to apply at. The ones that do require Biochem may also require a grade of C or higher. Therefore, the C- wouldn't satisfy the requirement anyways, so you would have to retake. You also say it would help your GPA considerably, for me, that would be a retake. But it is a personal descision. I would retake it, if I had the time and money. Good luck!

 

[md2b111]

i would re-take it regardless... as this is a great policy.. so why not retake this class and beef up ur gpa even more so it can help you at the time of applying 🙂

 

[heroes31]

Definitely retake it if you think you can do better this time. The C- is usually not accepted by schools. I got a C- in a core premed class and thought it wouldn't really matter since the rest of my grades were good, but I didnt hear from a lot of schools I thought I would probably because of that C-. In the end worked out for me anyways, but you want to have the most options possible in this process.

 

[Everglide]

Retake without a doubt. Obviously word hard to ensure a high grade. You will help your GPA and if a school requires biochem, a C- will be too low to count.

 

[YoungGregory]

I've been told you should consider retaking any class you got below a C in, especially science courses.

 

[fiznat]

If it is a core class at a school you are applying to, definitely retake it. Biochem is not a core at most schools, but for those that it is you will almost definitely need at least a C.

Compare your current GPA with a projected GPA if you do well. If the difference is significant (not only higher, but significant to your app), do it.

Otherwise, don't.

 

[Chowda]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't re-take it unless your GPA isn't suffering THAT much. If money is the problem, there are a few CCs that offer upper div classes such as Biochem. If time is the problem, you can re-take during the summer or gap year (what i did). I also got a C- in Biochem and retook it. I also retook 3 other science classes at a CC which ultimately boosted my sGPA by a significant amount. As my good friend Nike said - Just Do It.

Edit:
I take back what I said above. You should absolutely retake it. Many schools require Biochem as a prerequisite. Don't rule yourself out from a couple schools when app season starts.

 

[OrdinaryDO]

Retake without a doubt. Obviously word hard to ensure a high grade. You will help your GPA and if a school requires biochem, a C- will be too low to count.

I have a question, you are saying C- are too low to count, but my transcript is strictly a letter grade, No + or -, nothing...just A..B..C..D.. am I missing something or are my transcripts just different?

 

[bballknockout21]

I would retake it and if you are applying this cycle make sure you put it under planned courses so they know you are doing it again. I'm in the same position as you actually, so i know what it's like! Good luck!!

 

[Nymphicus]

If I were in your shoes, I would, as long as I was sure about that A.

 

[Quester]

I would retake it and if you are applying this cycle make sure you put it under planned courses so they know you are doing it again. I'm in the same position as you actually, so i know what it's like! Good luck!!

So if I apply in June 2012 and retake some of the pre-req I've done poorly during September 2012-April 2013 and indicate them as "planned courses" in my application, how and when would they replace the grades to decide whether to accept or reject me?

 

[DrWily]

So if I apply in June 2012 and retake some of the pre-req I've done poorly during September 2012-April 2013 and indicate them as "planned courses" in my application, how and when would they replace the grades to decide whether to accept or reject me?

Either:

1) they might just look at your application with the current grades, and if they offer you an acceptance, then you will have to complete those classes with a C or better if they are pre-requisites.

OR

2) they might wait to consider your application until they received your fall semester grades.

 

[OzelloPiRat]

OridinaryMD, it is the universities themselves that decide on a straight ABCDF policy or to use the +/- system. So if you have a C don't sweat it. That means you could have gotten a 70 all the way to a 79.9. The +/- gives more points than just a flat C. A C+here gives you a 2.88. And the C- is a 2.00. Hope that helps!