So we just had our second exam for general chemistry 2 last night and I didnt do so well, I was wondering what I should do. Currently I am taking 19 credits (Bio, Calc, Psych, Chem, and a secondary writing course (requirement ) ) and I can't handle it all at this time, since chem is the only class that I think it is impossible for me to get an A in at this point should I just drop it and then take it over the summer? How will the W look on my transcript if I do well on everything else? (well being A's) the reason I'm asking is because I know that chem is a big part of pre-med and pre-pharm, what do you guys think??
W on a transcript
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Although Chemistry is a very important part of the pre-requisite curriculum, I don't know if I would drop it simply because of one low test grade. In my experience, I think that managing the course load and doing your best will prepare you the most while also showing pharmacy/med schools how capable you are of handling a heavy load. If you're making A's most everywhere else, a B won't be the end of the world. Plus there is plenty of time to make up for it later (next test(s) + final).
Maybe try to manage your time to where you can focus more on chemistry and less on other classes you are doing very well in. I wish I had more advice on how the Withdraw looks on a transcript, I've never done that.
A 4.0 won't get you far if all you do is study in the library all day. Schools look for well-rounded, active students. If you're looking for a PhD, on the other hand, I think they merely focus on grades. Hope this helps and good luck with that chemistry! 👍
its not that I might get a B...its that I might BARELY get a C in the course..the first test I got a C on and this test i did even worse. as for well rounded, trust me im not one to study in the library all day lol..sometimes i wish i could
As a general rule, A and B are better than W, but W is better than a C or a D. I wouldn't drop it if you think you can manage to pull a B. If you think that's out of the question, then drop it like it's hot. Just remember you might have to explain it later.
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Well that's good. Worst case if you didn't drop and had a C, it could be overlooked by the well-rounded aspects of your application. That's a tough call to make, but OCizzle is right about retaking for better than a C/D.
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i agree, given there are not more than 1-2 Ws on your transcript. Cs bring the GPA down, Ws can be explained to a certain extent.
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I disagree. I talked to my professor who has worked on some admissions staff (not pharm school tho) and he told me that Ws are basically, in his eyes, the equivalent of probable failing of the class and thus the need to drop it. Why else would you drop the class? If you can pull a C, it looks better than a W, according to him.
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Personally I don't think the W on transcript is a big deal...I had a W for Calc II and Microbio Lab and still have been accepted to three schools and turned down two interview invites...as long as you get A's and B's in all you other classes and ace the pcat you'll be fine
I have 6 Ws on my transcript for withdrawing from 3 classes and being forced to drop from the corresponding labs. I still got interview invites to every school I applied to, and was ultimately accepted to my 1# choice. If you have a good GPA, a good PCAT score, and a good reason for the Ws, most schools will overlook them.
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I just read a PharmCAS page where they do not accept students with W's or course repeats in pre-req's. I have a friend who is taking 22 credits as she is accepted into a vet program and has to complete her coursework by May. She hires a tutor and is doing well. Free tutors just do not cut it unless you are lucky.
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I am not saying they're the end of the world - I was just pointing out your 'general rule' might not be so general, and should be taken with a grain of salt, as some people might see them differently.
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Something no one's asked yet:
What'd you get in Gen 1 and what are you getting in your other classes? Even if you get a C in Gen Chem 2, and you have otherwise good grades, it won't matter.
A W can't be quantified, and it might come with a harsh prejudice.
What'd you get in Gen 1 and what are you getting in your other classes? Even if you get a C in Gen Chem 2, and you have otherwise good grades, it won't matter.
A W can't be quantified, and it might come with a harsh prejudice.
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i think what he meant was a W doesnt count as a completed pre-req.
and if you retake a course that you got a grade in, the second one doesnt replace the first grade in calculating your pharmcas gpa... in other words all your grades count.
i could be wrong.. i dont know what the context of that pharmcas quote was from, but i have retaken pre-req classes that i got a W in and the grade was accepted by pharmcas.
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I'm in a similar situation as this guy... 6 C/C+'s and 3 W's, but solid GPA and PCAT (significant upward trend). I got accepted to my first choice as well. Just make sure you can explain to your interviewers that you learned from you mistakes, have matured, discovered better study habits, time mgt, etc. and you will be OK 👍