Retaking Classes?

<p>Hello, as my freshman year comes to an end, I'm very disappointed in myself. </p>

<p>I wish I could say I did my best and that's all that matters.
I didn't do my best, at all.
I had a family tragedy occur after 1st quarter.
I also have crazy mental issues (ADD). I literally will have a book open for 2 hours without doing anything.</p>

<p>That being said (and really irrelevant), is it not suggested to retake classes you might not have done well in? I'm 100% I could get at least A-'s /A's in the science classes I received a B- and C+ in. I also don't think I'm doing too hot this quarter (clicker points - not tests/quizzes).</p>

<p>I would need to dedicate a whole summer (or two 1/2 summers) to it. </p>

<p>I'm just worried about how admissions view it and how it means less time for research/extracurriculars.</p>

<p>I would also start it next summer as this summer is already full of volunteering, research, and a mission trip.</p>

<p>In many schools retaking any class with a grade of C/C- or above results both grades appearing on your transcript. At my son’s school, for example, only repeating a C- or below would show the repeated course with an R on the transcript and that grade is not factored into the GPA. In all other cases both grades are factored into the GPA.</p>

<p>Also, on your AMCAS application you have to mention all the courses irrespective of the letter grade, I believe. Bottom line - don’t repeat. Take higher level courses in the same area and do well in those.</p>

<p>just to make sure kal’s point is clear: Even if your school lets you replace your grade, AMCAS will not. Get As in other science courses.</p>

<p>To clarify, your undergraduate school may allow you to substitute the grade you got the second time around thus improving your cumulative gpa, but AMCAS averages the two grades. However, here’s something that may really appeal to you: DO schools will allow you to substitute the higher grade. In summary, don’t bother retaking it if you only want to go to medical school because it may not really improve your gpa, but if you’re interested in DO schools, go for it.</p>

<p>Although I know your grade won’t be replaced, I would do it more for showing improvement and making sure I get the material.</p>

<p>I have seen that not repeating was the general consensus, but when I emailed a top medical school, they seemed to not be too opposed to the idea:</p>

<p>“The Committee on Admissions would not look down upon a student retaking coursework. The most recent coursework completed tends to have the most bearing on a student’s application, and if you greatly improved your GPA, the Committee on Admissions would see this.”"</p>

<p>I probably won’t do it since it would take up so much of my time. I’m just really frustrated. Thanks guys!</p>

<p>If you got an A in a class that required the class you jus took as a pre req than you accomplished everything you just said.</p>

<p>They don’t “look down” on repeating but simply doing better in more advanced work is better. An A the 2nd time around is still not as good as one the first time around.</p>

<p>Ah thank you. I’m taking 16 more science classes just for my major + science electives. That won’t be a problem. Just sucks starting off bad.</p>