<p>I am a second year biology major with a goal of getting into a masters or PhD program in biology. My question involves overcoming a bad grade in the eyes of an admission committee. My first year I received a C+ in general chemistry lab, not so much due to my skills in lab (as the experiments didn't really require any), but more so due to laziness with the homework. This is a 2 credit lab class (Lab credits are less than lecture which are 4 at my uni.) and I received a B in the other two quarters of general chem lab. In order to compensate for this I enrolled in Organic Chemistry lab (this is a 3 credit lab and more advanced technically) last quarter, which isn't required for bio major and received an A. I also enrolled in the next sequence of Organic chem lab, but my question is:</p>
<p>would this be necessary or have I already proven my competency in a general lab course? </p>
<p>Taking the Ochem lab would not be that bad for me as it somewhat interesting, but on the other hand it is a really slow class and I feel my time could be better used elsewhere if it isn't going to help my degree/application to grad school.</p>
<p>I don’t know a lot about biology PhD and MA programs per se, but what makes you think an admissions committee, with dozens of applications or more likely - hundreds of them - is going to scrutinize your transcript that closely? I imagine some departments don’t scutinize that closely even when it is down to the final review of their short list of applicants.</p>
<p>I would not take it again - instead, bring it to their attention and mention it in your statement of purpose. It will show you rebounded and that you have the requisite skills. Don’t expect the committee to just notice these things given the volume of applications they have to go through. Generally, I don’t think bad first year marks are bad IF (emphasis on the if) you show a steady upward trajectory in your grades. With this component of your degree, you have improved upon that initial bad grade so don’t worry about it.</p>
<p>I don’t think retaking the C+ is beneficial, but note that the difference between a B and C+ is not too great. The other courses don’t impress much either so retaking one is not a cure all.</p>
<p>The key is to make substantial improvement and increase your grades quickly. Sustain a high trend from here on out and the trend will help offset the low grades early on. You have time to show your capabilities well.</p>