Withdraw O chem vs. potential C/C-

[MedicinalCalling]

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Hey guys,

So, I'm in a bit of a dilemma right now. The drop deadline to withdraw my OCHEM 1 course is today. I just got my third midterm score back. (first two- I did about average, this one- went about 13 % below the average). I still have chances to bring it up, but I'm still at risk for a C or C- (At worst).

Should I take a W in order for my GPA not to suffer? Also, even if I do take a W, I am still planning on taking the MCAT over this summer, so that would mean I would have to self-study for O Chem 2 (since I wouldn't take it until next fall of 2016), so I'm really kind of stuck on what the best option for me is at this point. I've blocked out the whole summer (3 months) just to study for the MCAT, but even then, would self-studying OCHEM 2 be too much to handle?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[New_Slang]

Consider that most schools won't let you take Biochem without Ochem 1 and 2 - and definitely not without Ochem 1 at the very minimal. This puts you even further behind in MCAT material. Even if you decide to teach yourself Biochem for the MCAT, you'll need the 2nd semester of Ochem to help wade through that.

Does your prof curve? What is the structure of how your final grade is calculated? Need more info.

Edited to clarify

 

[Citygirl44]

Withdraw. I wish I knew this before. I'm learning the hard way, these "C's" will keep you out of med school, and sgpa is everything. If you get poor grades, the MCAT won't even matter (much). Don't rush, do things the right way the first time . And if you have to "self study "for OC2 for the MCAT, I don't think that's a good idea. Just my opinion though.

 

[MedicinalCalling]

Withdraw. I wish I knew this before. I'm learning the hard way, these "C's" will keep you out of med school, and sgpa is everything. If you get poor grades, the MCAT won't even matter (much). Don't rush, do things the right way the first time . And if you have to "self study "for OC2 for the MCAT, I don't think that's a good idea. Just my opinion though.

That's my dilemma.. if I withdraw, I won't be able to take OCHEM 2 before I take the MCAT. However, I also heard that OCHEM is not really emphasized on the new MCAT (only 5% of the total content)?

 

[Slave to the Game]

You should still be able to pull off a decent grade, somewhere in the B range, if you study hard. As for self-studying the materials, of course it will be more difficult but it is manageable, especially if you're blocking off 3 entire months NEXT SUMMER. During your winter/spring breaks and weekends, go over the material and become familiar with them.

 

[New_Slang]

That's my dilemma.. if I withdraw, I won't be able to take OCHEM 2 before I take the MCAT. However, I also heard that OCHEM is not really emphasized on the new MCAT (only 5% of the total content)?

I think what you need to consider is that you may need to delay your application (due to a delayed MCAT). I would not recommend taking the MCAT without Biochem AND Ochem 2. It seems like if you don't withdraw now, you risk your GPA. If you do withdraw, you risk your application cycle being a year later, but entering in to the app cycle with a stronger GPA and better MCAT.

 

[Citygirl44]

That's my dilemma.. if I withdraw, I won't be able to take OCHEM 2 before I take the MCAT. However, I also heard that OCHEM is not really emphasized on the new MCAT (only 5% of the total content)?

I get it, and I understand. Trust me. I'm just concerned that if you're also "self studying" for the MCAT, you might not receive the score that you need to make up for your "C". Of course if this is your only "C" and the rest of your science grades are good then that changes my answer. Remember ,there is still biochem coming up. Ugh.

 

[jb94mg]

I think what you need to consider is that you may need to delay your application (due to a delayed MCAT). I would not recommend taking the MCAT without Biochem AND Ochem 2. It seems like if you don't withdraw now, you risk your GPA. If you do withdraw, you risk your application cycle being a year later, but entering in to the app cycle with a stronger GPA and better MCAT.

Did you find OChem II helpful when studying for the MCAT? Seems like many people are skipping it and just taking biochemistry instead now.

 

[Citygirl44]

Did you find OChem II helpful when studying for the MCAT? Seems like many people are skipping it and just taking biochemistry instead now.

True, forgot about that.

 

[New_Slang]

Did you find OChem II helpful when studying for the MCAT? Seems like many people are skipping it and just taking biochemistry instead now.

I didn't take Biochem, I self-taught based on the knowledge I had from Ochem 2 for the MCAT. I think it is school-dependent, but in my post-bacc, the Ochem 2 class was like "Baby Biochem" and it was a requirement prior to enrolling in actual Biochem - a really useful bridge. If your school lets you take Biochem without Ochem 2, great. But that wasn't an option for me.

Having taken the MCAT, I can't say how much of that info came from Ochem 2 vs Biochem, but it seemed to work the way I did it. Plus, I love Ochem.

 

[Lost in Translation]

Problem is that you'll probably do the same next semester

Savage.

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

Problem is that you'll probably do the same next semester

False, sometimes you just have an off day or didn't grasp one specific mechanism that can ruin you for an entire test.

Protect that GPA at all cost.