Failing Organic Chemistry

<p>Okay, so far after 2 midterms, which is 50% of the course, I am failing Organic Chemistry. </p>

<p>If I end up not passing this course, is it over for medical schools? And if I can drop this course at this point of the semester, which has a month left, how will this appear on my transcript and how would medical schools look at it? </p>

<p>Unless, I start studying from this moment and get a 100% on the final, I won't get a B/B- in my class. So if I fail, what should I do? And if I somehow barely pass with a C or C-, what should I do? In any scenario, is it stupid to not give up medical school? Because I seriously want to go to medical school.</p>

<p>if all you have left is the final grade, and there is ABSOLUTELY no way you can pull a B, then I would drop it. You will probably get a "W" on your transcript, but a W is a lot better than a D or F.</p>

<p>But if I get a D or F, can't I retake it and erase that grade?</p>

<p>no your grade won't erase. both grades will be factored into your gpa (check your school policy on retaking courses but im 99% sure that both grades will show up). i frgot to mention, DON'T GIVE UP!!!</p>

<p>take the W over the D or F, but not a grade in the C range. However, be realistic about your ability to pull out the grade, and take the hit to your pride before one to your GPA.</p>

<p>To clarify point #4:</p>

<p>If you don't want the grade to count into your medical school GPA, you will have to find a (legal) way to erase it completely from your transcript. A W accomplishes this. Whether Berkeley "counts" this grade or not is irrelevant (as it should be). The question is whether Berkeley will tell AMCAS about it. Because AMCAS will count everything they have.</p>

<p>Make sure you know if and how your teacher scales the grades before you do anything rash.....</p>

<p>For example, my chem teacher does not scale individual tests but does scale the final grades. Since my teacher only told us this once, it is possible that someone who wasn't in class might not know how the grading works.</p>

<p>If the average for the tests was around 80 then you would be in trouble. However, if the class average was in the 60's or so then you might be OK. Have a talk with your professor and learn where you stand.</p>

<p>So basically speaking, if I can aim for at least a C- in the course, it's better than taking a W, right?</p>

<p>If I do get a C-, do I still have chances for medical schools?</p>

<p>Yes, you can still get into medical school. The two medical students on CC both did.</p>

<p>How the answer for the question: "So basically speaking, if I can aim for at least a C- in the course, it's better than taking a W, right?"</p>

<p>Sorry if you answered and I am asking again.</p>

<p>And bluedevilmike, are you one of the two who got a C?</p>

<p>1.) I don't know. Hopefully someone else will.</p>

<p>2.) Yes.</p>

<p>Not to be harsh, but if you're failing organic maybe you should ask yourself if medicine is really right for you</p>

<p>My personal opinion is that if you feel you can get an A for sure the next time around, take the W and get out of there. You might have to explain it during potential interviews, but if you're straightforward about it and have an A to prove your academic competency in that subject, then it should be okay.</p>

<p>again, the above post forces me to stress realism. If you're barely passing now, I see little reason to expect you to get an A the second time around in a course that is likely set on a harsh curve, and a C plus a W looks worlds worse than a C alone. Again though, I must say that withdrawing is still a wise decision if you cannot objectively determine that you are capable of earning at least the C grade.</p>

<p>If you’re studying hard (by that I mean everyday 2 hours on ochem and finishing problem sets within 2 days) and you’re still doing less than you’d hope, then keep moving forward. Here’s the time to be honest with yourself about how hard you actually work. If you really want to get into medicine, then you’ll work at it to your fullest abilities. Even if it means sacrificing your social life to do so. If you’re working hard and continue to until graduation, this grade in ochem shouldn’t hurt too bad. If not, then maybe you don’t want to go to medical school bad enough.</p>

<p>OK, I wonder if elcamino accomplished this (4 years ago of course). I’m wondering how you even came across this short thread?</p>

<p>If he/she was a Freshman in 2007, then it should be Senior year and Med School is a historical footnote or major changes occurred. It looks like
from digging out other posts elcamino may be looking at Law School at least over the last couple years</p>