Unsure about Future Plans

[InorganicPineapple]

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Fall term just ended and grades are slowly piling in. I'm more than likely to end up with a C- in Organic Chemistry (given that my professor curves like he did last semester). The problem is that I need at least a "C" in the class to move on. Now, I understand that all I would need to do is just re-take the class and get that C, and it wouldn't be extremely detrimental to my plans, since I would still be able to take Biochemistry over Spring 2015. The main issue is how it's going to look on my transcript. So far, I have NEVER received a grade lower than a B in any class; yet, this semester I'm staring at a C- if I get lucky (my grade as of right now is a D- in the class). How negatively is this going to affect my chances to get into Med School? And would you recommend re-taking the class if I magically end up with a C instead?
Another portion of my future resume I'm worried about is research. When do pre-med students usually start research? Sophomore year?

Thanks in advance for any answers guys. I'm new to the forum and I could really use some guidance. At this point, I'm practically on a mental meltdown.

 

[Euxox]

You will have to retake the class if you end up getting a C-. Many med schools will not accept any grade lower than a C- in a prerequisite.

A C- will by no means kill your chances of getting into med school. There are plenty of people who have gotten multiple Fs and still gone on to med school. That said, you are going to have to turn things around. Your end goal should be to have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or more and a science GPA of 3.5 or more. Those are roughly the average stats for people who are accepted to medical school. Of course, since 3.6 is the average for accepted med students, it follows that it's possible to get in with a lower GPA. But then you will need to make up by doing very well on the MCAT, having some amazing ECs, etc. You don't want to be stuck playing catch up like that. You should aim for a 3.6, and while one C- is not going to prevent you from getting a 3.6 GPA by any means, it certainly will reduce your margin for error.

I would not recommend retaking if you end up getting a C. In that case you will not have to retake to fulfill your premed requirements, and unless you feel like you still have trouble understanding the material, it is often better to move on and prove yourself in upper level classes.

If you do end up retaking the class, aim for an A. It would look very, very bad if you retook and got a C. Sure, it would technically fulfill your premed requirements, but it would also make it look like you learned nothing about study technique, time management, exam taking, and other useful skills between your first attempt and the second attempt.

From what I've observed, people usually start research in sophomore year (although there are plenty who start earlier or later). That said, grades much are more important than research, so focus on your grades before you try layering research on top. I take it that this C- is a one off occurrence, but if you end up having to retake, you will want as few distractions as possible as you focus on trying to ace the course the second time around.

 

[InorganicPineapple]

Thank you for the advice Euxox, but it looks like I survived this semester with a C in orgo, an A- in the lab, and As in the rest of my classes. I think I can do with a change in my study habits. Orgo 2 is going to be an A.

Now I just need to work on my ECs... Any suggestions?

 

[Catalystik]

Now I just need to work on my ECs... Any suggestions?

What do you have so far? If you have time for nothing else, consider some off-campus, hands-on service to the poor for a few hours weekly. Next on the list: active clinical experience where you interact with sick people.

grades much are more important than research, so focus on your grades before you try layering research on top.

or any other EC, for that matter.

 

[No Limits]

What do you have so far? If you have time for nothing else, consider some off-campus, hands-on service to the poor for a few hours weekly. Next on the list: active clinical experience where you interact with sick people.

This.

OP, You can never go wrong with homeless shelters, hospitals, hospices, and rehabilitation clinics. However, choose something that you are passionate about so you can get something meaningful out of it. I love working with my hands and have had my home destroyed by a hurricane before so working with Habitat for Humanity was a no brainier for me and I love it.