I’m currently enrolled at a community college (I started at 15, and my parents didn’t want me to go away to University) and have gotten a B in Gen Chem 1 and an A in Gen Chem II. I currently have a 3.88 GPA, but I’m taking OChem next semester and I’m worried that my GPA is going to take a dive. Am I screwed for OChem? Also, will Medical schools look poorly upon my B in Gen Chem I?
Since you say in your other threads you want to major in chem or biochem, then understand that ochem is a key bottle-neck course required before you can advance to upper level coursework needed for your major. You have no choice except to take it --and do well in it.
Why do you think you’re going to do poorly in ochem?
One B in one intro level chem class isn’t going to tank your chances for med school. However, if you start adding more Bs (or Cs) in key pre-reqs (like ochem, biochem) , then med school becomes less likely.
“I currently have a 3.88 GPA”
Not exactly. Med schools calculate GPAs for each year, and cumulative totals. They also break down GPAs each year, in part, into a science GPA or sGPA (includes all bio, chem, physics math courses), a cumulative GPA or cGPA, with sGPA being considered more important. For example if the only two science courses you took first year were these two gen chem courses, your first year sGPA is 3.5 (ie one A, one B), although your cGPA could be 3.88. Agree one B in general chem by itself will not be a big deal to med schools.
“I’m currently enrolled at a community college”
med schools may want to see you to complete 2 years of college at 4 year university before you apply.
If you are a bio(or related) major in community college, then go ahead take whatever necessary to get your AS degree. However, if you are NOT bio(or related) major with premed intention, we strongly suggest you do all your pre-med requirements in a 4 year school and complete your AS requirements in the community college. Medical school will look down at your premed requirements completed in community college as they view the courses are easier in community college. Especially Organic Chem, which normally is a weed out class in a 4 year school, most community colleges have different standards therefore med schools do not like some non bio major to take it as an “easy way out”.
Of course, if you are a bio major and require to take Ochem in order to graduate with AS degree, it is unavoidable. So you need to take higher level courses in 4 year school to proof that you are academically strong in science.
Upward trends for medical school are key. I know several people who got B’s in General Chemistry that has gone on to be physicians, dentists, therapists, etc. I loved Organic Chemistry more than I liked General Chemistry. You need to have a good grasp on some General Chemistry topics, but not everything. Briefly, review your General Chemistry material over break. I would suggest acid/base concepts, electrons, orbitals, VSEPR, bonding types, etc. Also, Organic Chemistry As A Second Language is a GREAT book to use while taking Orgo. I highly reccomend purchasing that and a modeling kit (if your class doesn’t already require one). Good luck! If you need any advice or help, feel free to message me!