Strict on Grade Requirements?

[zfriess]

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I applied to 16 schools this fall. Among these schools Chicago, Michigan State, and Ohio all specifically say on their web page that no prerequisite course grade can be below a 2.0. I have 1 C- (Which is my worst grade) in all of my undergraduate coursework, but it is in G-Chem. Since the C- I steadily improved my chemistry grades, finally receiving a B+ in my last orgo class. Then on the April 2004 MCAT I received a 10 in PS.

Since I have obviously made improvements do you guys think that the aforementioned schools will forgive my C-?

I am currently registered for G-Chem and biochemistry (which I never took) this fall at the school I received my undergraduate degree from so that if my bad grade comes up I can say ?I am taking it over? or ?retook it? and got an A.

Is taking this class over necessary since MSU is my first choice and I live in Michigan?

 

[medicomel]

You have to write to the individual schools and ask, as this has been my exact dilemma. Most of the responses were "If you've demonstrated an upward trend then do not retake" and "take a biochemistry/genetics/cell bio class instead to demonstrate your scientific aptitude." Basically it looks better if you got an A on a upper-level science than a retake.

That's what I'm doing for now, as $ is also a factor.

 

[medic170]

If the school has a published minimum requirement for a 2.0 in all prerequisites, then yes, it is a rigid requirement. For MSU, and I believe most other schools as well, you will most likely have to retake it and get a c or above before matriculating. good luck though 👍

 

[OSUdoc08]

I applied to 16 schools this fall. Among these schools Chicago, Michigan State, and Ohio all specifically say on their web page that no prerequisite course grade can be below a 2.0. I have 1 C- (Which is my worst grade) in all of my undergraduate coursework, but it is in G-Chem. Since the C- I steadily improved my chemistry grades, finally receiving a B+ in my last orgo class. Then on the April 2004 MCAT I received a 10 in PS.

Since I have obviously made improvements do you guys think that the aforementioned schools will forgive my C-?

I am currently registered for G-Chem and biochemistry (which I never took) this fall at the school I received my undergraduate degree from so that if my bad grade comes up I can say ?I am taking it over? or ?retook it? and got an A.

Is taking this class over necessary since MSU is my first choice and I live in Michigan?

NO, C-'s aren't obligatory retakes. I know many people, including myself, that were accepted to multiple schools with multiple C-'s.

 

[medic170]

They are not normally obligatory retakes, but if it was in a pre-requisite course and the school establishes a minimum requirement of achieving at least a 2.0 in all prequisite coursework, then the OP would probably have to retake the class and get a 2.0 (C) or above in order to meet their minimum requirements. Most schools will not even send you a secondary unless you beet their minimums requirements. maybe I am wrong, but most of the schools I applied to had minimums. Anyway, best thing to do is just contact the school and ask, then you can put my speculations aside 😉

 

[KHep]

Chicago states that they will not accept any C- in a prereq

 

[OSUdoc08]

Chicago states that they will not accept any C- in a prereq

I'm not sure what the definition for C- is for most people, but it is 2.0 where I am from, and that fulfills the requirement.

the range of C- to C + is 2.0-2.9, just as in normal grades it is 70-79.

The only grades not accepted for medical school is below 2.0 (i.e. under 70)

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[BklynWill]

It's been done. I know someone who was accepted to an osteopathic medical school (not PCOM) that specifically stated no acceptance of a grade below C in any pre-med courses, and this guy too had a C- in gen chem. He just made up for it in other ways and I suppose the school looked the other way.

 

[Doc Hef]

most schools look for a good doc to be, not good 'A' Getter. I was only asked one question about my grades in all my interviews. They really didn't seem to care - I also got one C-

 

[zfriess]

I contacted Midwestern University in Chicago and basically they said that;
A steady improvement in grades is taken into consideration, and that my improvements are what they want to see in order to improve my chemistry grades. They said that I could be accepted into the program with a C-, but I would need to complete the chemistry requirement before matriculation. I assume they mean a G. Chem grade > C- as their requirement.

This seems like good news to me, after studying for the MCAT an A in G Chem I would be no problem!

 

[medicomel]

I'm in the same predicament with Midwestern. I guess I'd be taking a summer course before matriculation should I get accepted.