Would a C count for a lot?

Schools don't really care about isolated Cs. They worry when they see a bunch of Cs.

If they expect it in any course, it'll be ochem. Just don't make a habit of it (coming from someone who knows a thing or two about Cs).

 

Some schools won't like seeing a C in a prerequisite. There are two ways to redeem it: repeat and get an A or B, or take a higher level course and do well, namely Biochem. Since many med schools allow you to substitute Biochem for Orgo II, because there is little Orgo II on the MCAT, and because Biochem helps you in med school, I prefer the latter course.

If it's your only C, you might be fine doing nothing, as koko said, as long as your MCAT score proves you "got it", but since you are a math major, with little additional science coursework to dilute the impression that "C" will leave, you might want to consider one of the above options.

 

like everyone said, one or two Cs won't sink your entire application. However, if it is in an important prereq like orgo you might want to consider taking biochemistry or another upper div chem elective. It would actually help you get prepared for med school and prove you can handle chemistry and the C was a one time thing. best of luck!

 

I got a C in a chem course and got accepted so I'm sure you are fine! Your GPA is higher than mine too

 

Yes a C will weight you down, thank you stupid 5 hour calc for engineers class in my freshman year!

The way that it will weight you down is the GPA screen. Many/most schools screen applications before they read anything, as long as you clear the screen, it won't matter much. This is so they're not reading apps on 3.0 gpa 24 mcat candidates.

Without the C I'd have been competitive (gpa-wise) at the top schools. With the C, still competitive at most schools and was accepted at my top choice.

You'll be fine as long as you choose schools that are seeking candidates w/MCAT, GPA, etc similar to yours, all this is published in MSAR.

Unfortunately there are no absolutes in the app process, all else equal, higher grades are always better than lower, ditto for MCAT, ditto for more clinical hours, volunteering, research, well connected relatives, etc. Just shoot for the best you can and keep strengthening your app!