Upper Level Sci Course or Retake?

[DrPhine]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello Everyone!

First time posting as I need some advice on my current situation.

I am currently a Senior with 6 credits left to graduate. I'm planning on applying for the 2016 year during the summer. There are two courses in which I received Cs in, Genetics and Microbiology (due to just being distracted that school year). I could easily take these courses again and get As but I wouldn't be able to do so until Spring 2016, after I've received my degree.

Would it be more beneficial to take Advanced Genetics and Advanced microbiology as my last 6 credits instead of retaking the entry level courses?

I had a hard time finding threads that include admission's view points on taking upper level courses. BTW I would have a slight upward trend with advanced level courses.


Summary: Retake entry level course as Postbac to replace C or take Advanced course as undergraduate?

 

[medic86]

The upside to the retake is that you delete the C.

Your call.

 

[DrPhine]

The upside to the retake is that you delete the C.

Your call.

Yea I figured that just retaking and replacing the C would be the route where less questions are asked.

I guess my real question is, could I get away with not having to invest another semester to these classes and saving money by just taking the advanced levels? Would admissions be able to overlook the C's since I got A's in the advance courses instead? Albeit my GPA would be a little lower with those C's in there still.

 

[medic86]

Yea I figured that just retaking and replacing the C would be the route where less questions are asked.

I guess my real question is, could I get away with not having to invest another semester to these classes and saving money by just taking the advanced levels? Would admissions be able to overlook the C's since I got A's in the advance courses instead? Albeit my GPA would be a little lower with those C's in there still.

If your GPA is already low, the retake is prudent.

If not, just go and ace the next classes. Good luck!

 

[deleted610572]

There are other factors. If you already have a high GPA and a solid mcat then I wouldn't worry about it. Adcoms won't fault you for one shaky semester. If you're already borderline then I'd do the retake over advanced class because you'll get the biggest bang for your buck gpa wise

 

[moonwake]

Hello Everyone!

First time posting as I need some advice on my current situation.

I am currently a Senior with 6 credits left to graduate. I'm planning on applying for the 2016 year during the summer. There are two courses in which I received Cs in, Genetics and Microbiology (due to just being distracted that school year). I could easily take these courses again and get As but I wouldn't be able to do so until Spring 2016, after I've received my degree.

Would it be more beneficial to take Advanced Genetics and Advanced microbiology as my last 6 credits instead of retaking the entry level courses?

I had a hard time finding threads that include admission's view points on taking upper level courses. BTW I would have a slight upward trend with advanced level courses.


Summary: Retake entry level course as Postbac to replace C or take Advanced course as undergraduate?

If 2 C's are your worst grades out of a 4 year bacc - then retaking them won't make a HUGE difference. I had a C in Genetics when I applied last cycle and I got a handful of interviews. No one asked. I think taking an advanced course in a subject and getting an A says more than a retake IMO. Plus, they like to see that you pushed yourself in your education. Just my opinion though.