What should I take next, Pre-reqs?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

26194

nee?
10+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
6
Reaction score
1
Hello, I guess I'm looking for a bit of guidance on what to do next.

Stats: 3.4 GPA, Junior to be in the fall

Bio I: A , Bio II:B Labs: I:B , II:A-
G-Chem I: A- , G-Chem II : B
O-Chem I(honors):C, Retaken(regular O-chem) I:B, (I did not submit the course repeat form for ochem 1 yet, gpa is off)
O-Chem II(Summer) : C
Genetics: B
Physics I(calc/engineering):W (taken again algebra based) B
Calc I: (CC) A+, II: ( C/NC): NC

Non-Science
Stats(honors): A+
MacroE: AP Credit
English Comp: A+, A
Japanese I/II: A-, B+
Intermediate Java: A



So ugh, I think to myself "I screwed up." I did the intro bio/chem courses pretty well but then I decided to take off more than I could chew resulting in C, W, and NC all at the same time which stressed me out the whole way.

I know a C in O-Chem II is not the most flattering, but I believe I should move on past it and do well in other classes such as biochem instead. I only have 3 schools that I'd really love to get into the programs and those are: UPitt, Rutgers, OSU in respective order.

Pitt is also my ugrad school but it accepts applicants without a bachelor's degree as well as Rutgers.

1. I wonder if I should finish the pre-reqs and apply without finishing my degree.

2. Also would taking Ochem I and II lab in 1 semester would be too stressful?


The pre-reqs I am missing from these schools are:
(3)Psychology (UPitt & Rutgers)
(3)Physiology (Rutgers)
(3)Microeconomics (Need to check if MacroE would be ok) (Rutgers only)
(1,1)Organic Chemistry Lab I & II
(3,2)General Physics II and Lab (Rutgers & OSU)
(3,1)Human Anatomy with lab (OSU only)
(3,1)Microbiology with lab (OSU only)
(3) Random/Social/Humanities Electives (UPitt)

Credits are show in parenthesis.

3. What should I take next semester given the list above around 15-17 credits that would be manageable?

Also I am going to start prepping for the PCAT as soon as I gather all the materials.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post to help me out!
 
If it were me I would take Physics 2, Orgo 1 lab, the anatomy or physiology, and a random elective or psychology sounds nice. IMHO orgo 2 is harder so I wouldn't take physics with it at the same time, although you just need the lab. I did that and it didn't work so well but you never know!
For your second semester you could take the psychology/random elective with anatomy or physiology, microE.. I think macro for Rutgers is okay (last time I checked you had a choice, but call to confirm),orgo 2 lab, microbiology. Good luck!

P.S. I'm in the same boat as you so I don't know if my opinion/advice counts that much. I'm contemplating pushing forward and finishing my degree out in a year. I just need to retake 3-4 classes first.
 
If it were me I would take Physics 2, Orgo 1 lab, the anatomy or physiology, and a random elective or psychology sounds nice. IMHO orgo 2 is harder so I wouldn't take physics with it at the same time, although you just need the lab. I did that and it didn't work so well but you never know!
For your second semester you could take the psychology/random elective with anatomy or physiology, microE.. I think macro for Rutgers is okay (last time I checked you had a choice, but call to confirm),orgo 2 lab, microbiology. Good luck!

P.S. I'm in the same boat as you so I don't know if my opinion/advice counts that much. I'm contemplating pushing forward and finishing my degree out in a year. I just need to retake 3-4 classes first.

Thanks so much for the reply, I was dying for input from someone!
Yeah, I took calc based physics and honors ochem 1 with my bio 2 and calc 2...it really didn't turn out pretty. I retook the ochem and physics with genetics and at once managed a B in all them. But you're right I definitely should take the labs in a separate semester and not rush too much. I really don't want to re-take orgo 2...x_x
 
Top