Hi I just got my ap scores today and I was pretty disappointed to see I got a 3 in chem. I worked my butt off in the class and got an A both terms. My teacher tolde me he thought I could at least get a 4 and I thought so too. I studied for about a month and used both the princeton review and barron’s. The test was challenging but I’m thinking of doing a rescore just for closure.
I am also trying for some extremely competitive combined medical school programs. Will getting a 3 in chem (and a 4 in bio) hurt my chances of getting in?
If so, should I retake the chem test next year?
Combined medical programs are much more interested in your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, and whether you have done medical volunteering, shadowing and/or research.
You should have mid to high 700s on each section of the SAT or at least a 32/33 on ACT in general.
You would probably have to take Chem 1 again in college anyway because med schools generally don’t take AP credit for the med school pre-reqs.
What would be the point of retaking the test?
- You would already be admitted to college
- You would not have studied chemistry for a year
@bopper Thank you. I am actually a rising junior so I would be able to retake it before college applications. I am working on upping my volunteer hours ( I already volunteer at the hospital, etc.) and I have set up shadowing and research opportunites. I am also studying for my first SAT in August. I know these combined programs are SUPER competitive, like 5% acceptance rate out of like 3,000 applicants. Have you or anyone else gotten in to these and have something to say about admissions?
Just keep in mind that there are many paths to becoming a doctor if the combined programs don’t work out.
I am saying “what is the point of retaking?” It will not be used for admissions but it could be used for placement…you are better off starting in Chem 1 and getting a good grade then moving on to the next class in the sequence and maybe not doing as well.
@bopper That is true. I’m just trying to avoid the extreme stress of getting into med school. I’ve decided to not retake it. I just have to work harder than ever. I’m having it rescored and I’ve requested my frq booklet though.
You should be fine, but the combined programs are pretty stressful. A lot of people don’t suggest them especially they ones that are 6 or 7 years because you have to do 4 years of undergrad coursework in 2 or 3 years missing out on summers and etc. it’s just as stressful as being a regular pre med and you stress yourself out in high school, but aim for them if you want.
@stanford200381 Hmm. That’s interesting. I kind of want to know if anybody who is actually in those programs could say how they feel about it too. But thanks for the info. And you don’t think a 3 in chem is really terrible for these programs?
Not at all unless you’re applying to northwesterns it shouldn’t be a big deal. Also look on student doctor network a lot of people from those programs are on there and gave there opinions.
I don’t think a 3 in chem would be a factor in admissios if you had the GPA/SAT/volunteering they are looking for.
However, it may mean you are not as strong as you think in chemistry (or taking exams) so take that into account…either by looking for a 8 year combined program or not trying to get placed in a higher chem class.