So my advisor told me to retake gen chem 1 because I got an 89.7 (my professor didn’t believe in rounding so I got a B). I took this class while I was at an early college (credits transferred fine) but now I’m at a 4-year university. She said med schools won’t take me seriously if I had a B in general chem so she told me to take it again so I’m taking it right now. However, I’m really struggling and I really want to drop it because I don’t want to mess up my GPA. If I drop it, I’ll fall below full-time status and risk my scholarships but I’ve heard of some students who make up full-time status by taking another class during jan-term.
I guess my question is: what will happen if I stay in the class and get a C? what does that mean for my GPA? will it be counted and on my transcript or will it keep my B?
I’m so nervous.
The rule of thumb is NOT to retake any class in which you’ve earned a C+ or better.
When you apply to med school, you will be required to send one transcript from your early college and another from your 4 year college. BOTH grades will be included when computing your GPA and sGPA.
Getting a lower grade on your second time through a class looks terrible, but the fact you’re struggling now also suggests that your prior chem class may have lacked sufficient rigor. Dropping your current gen chem class may put you at risk of not having sufficient preparation for gen chem 2.
Before you drop the class, drop by the registrar’s office and the scholarship office to see if dropping to less than full time status can be remedied by taking a Jan term class. (My guess is probably not, but ask…) Don’t count on your academic advisor knowing anything about the rules governing your scholarship. (And frankly, given the poor advice you received so far, I’m not sure I’d trust their advice about your scholarship.)