I want to go to medical school but I am afraid that my Organic chemistry grades are going to hold me back. I have a cumulative GPA so far of 3.48, but I got a "C" my first semester of Organic, and I quite possibly might get a D for my second semester of Organic. I know that if I get a D I will have to retake the course, but will my chances of getting into medical school be totally shot if I have to retake it? I have a lot of hands-on medical experience, community service and leadership positions. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances if I do have to retake my 2nd semester of Organic chemistry?
2007-03-20 09:50:01 · 4 answers · asked by dennisbengi 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I'm not a medical student, but I'm married to one. Your particular grades are less important in your application process than your cumulative GPA and your all important MCAT. The concern I would have with your class is that the material you are covering will likely show up on the MCAT, and - if your low grade stands out like a sore thumb - it may become a common topic for questions in any interviews that you have because prospective medical schools will want to explore your potential weakness.
It's less important that you retake the course as you understand the material. If that means retaking the course, do that - but try to find a different instructor.
2007-03-20 10:00:37 · answer #1 · answered by USC MissingLink 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, well I'm not a medical student, but I am going to be one eventually. This is what I've heard over and over again: Grades aren't the only thing that matters. In fact, they might be the least of your worries. EVERYONE applying to medical has grades for the admissions people to look at. It's the extra stuff: the medical experience, volunteering, research, and other things that make you stand out. Keep up the good work. Organic Chemistry is a pain, just do the best you can. Sounds like you're going to have a pretty great application as it is.
Good luck!
2007-03-20 17:03:08 · answer #2 · answered by Steph 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Organic Chemistry is deliberately used at many schools as the "weed out" course. If you cannot do organic chem you are not going to be able to handle the tough courses in medical school. They don't care that you have a 3.7 GPA or whatever if the As are in history and the Cs are in science!
Extracurriculars and volunteering are important because the med schools use those to distinguish between kids who are smart vs kids who are smart and dedicated to medicine. But if you do not have the chops to handle the coursework, then no amount of community service will get you into med school.
You must prove that you can handle the intellectual challenge or you will never be able to call yourself M.D.
2007-03-21 08:49:31 · answer #3 · answered by matt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you need to have your medications checked for possible dose increase.
2007-03-20 17:33:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋