<p>Hello, everybody. I just missed a final examination for intro to film, which I am taking as a pass-no pass course. I was sick at the time, and deliriously thought that the exam was on the 17th...instead of last Friday. As a result, I will be receiving the no-pass grade for this course. </p>
<p>I am currently a pre-med, and am doing decently in my classes. However, I heard that this no-pass will be calculated as a failing grade in my transcript to medical schools, which is incredibly alarming. Can anybody help evaluate the circumstances that I'm in? D: I am freaking out over whether this course will sink my hopes for medical school.</p>
<p>Thank you, and have a good holiday sesason.</p>
<p>P.S. I am a freshman.
P.P.S. I have contacted the film department/my TA, and they have confirmed that it would not be possible to take a make-up exam.</p>
<p>I’m going out on a limb. In the scheme of things (Freshman?) I doubt a med school will frown on a film class the way they would if it were science or math. Especially if you have no more “flags” on your transcript in the next 3-1/2 years of classwork. I was struck by this phrase:</p>
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<p>It’s become ultra competitive for med school admissions. “Decent grades” won’t cut it. Very high grades from here on out and better than average MCAT’s will. You’re going to have to work double time to make up for that grade. But also, most Adcoms have hearts and know freshman first semesters are an adjustment.</p>
<p>For future, alarm your phone, carry a planner, and alarm your computer calendar so they all remind you the day before of an upcoming test or assignment. And if you’re really sick - go to the Med center so it can be verified beforehand.</p>
<p>I would try to find a counselor at USC to talk with immediately . If you intend to go med school then my suggestion is to retake this class. And explain on your med school application. The stupid mistake you made in your first semester of freshman year.</p>
<p>According to the AMCAS instructional manual, a P/F class is not counted in the AMCAS GPA calculations (p. 8 of following link). This class will be listed under supplemental and counted there (but not included in GPA).</p>
<p>One semester and/or 1 grade usually won’t make or break you. From here on out, however, you will need to strive for the best. You probably will need a 3.5+ GPA (both overall and BCPM) and 30++ MCAT to be competitive. If you are a CA resident, these numbers will both go up due to heavy competition.</p>
<p>camomof3, I think it would be safe to say that you made my day. Possibly the entire month of December. </p>
<p>Thank you for all the responses. I will work harder in my schoolwork, this first semester has been an absolute terror. I think I ended it with a 3.7 GPA though, but I doubt I can sustain that with harder science courses…Probably going to jump ship to environmental sciences or psychology.</p>
<p>I am contacting student academic appeals in an effort to have the class dropped from my transcript. I am not sure if it will work, but it’s worth a shot…</p>
<p>FOR ANY INCOMING FRESHMEN
-Do set alarms. Set an army of alarms. Make sure they’re loud.
-If you fall sick, take medication. Take everything just to be safe.
-Do buy a calendar. Huge regret right here-my friends with calenders seem to be much better organized than me.
-Don’t just take “a nap.” The nap will last at least 4 hours.</p>
<p>It’s been a hell of a weekend. Happy holidays, and thanks for everything.</p>
<p>I think you have a great attitude. Don’t sweat it. My DH sits on a med school admissions council and he said one faux pas this early in your college career won’t hurt you- especially since it’s not in a science. Happy holidays.</p>
<p>Can you retake the class for a replacement grade? </p>
<p>And use all of the tips you list above. I think the center for Academic Support has learning enrichment workshops on time management, etc. You might check those out as well.</p>
<p>My DH corrected me on my earlier comment. Take the class again if it can replace the grade. I hear, this year, you are not the only one who has run into this problem. There’s a Youtube video created by U of Maryland that hints at the same.</p>
<p>Repeated Course Work
[source, University Catalogue]</p>
<p>Freshmen
First-time freshmen may repeat at USC a maximum of three courses taken during the first two semesters of enrollment at USC in which grades of D+ or below (including UW and IX) were received, and only the subsequent grade, even if lower, will be calculated in the grade point average. Both courses and the grades received will appear on the transcript. The same course may be repeated no more than once for the benefit of substitution of grade. </p>