<p>I'm currently a sophomore biology major. During the first semester of my freshman year, I withdrew from an english course that I later retook over the summer. During the first semester of my sophomore year I switched majors and dropped calculus II since it was no longer needed. Currently I'm having difficulties with my professor for Organic Chemistry I and I'm doing poorly. I'm thinking about withdrawing from this course but retaking it next semester. How bad would my chances of getting into medical school be impacted if I withdrew then retook this course? I have all A's, two A-'s, and one B on my transcript. This would be the second course I withdrew from this semester...</p>
<p>I’ve been told that one of the greatest fears of MS admins/adcoms is to admit “quitters”. It can really mess up their programs. One of the few ways in which they can determine the staying power of an applicant is by looking at their ECs and their transcript. Everyone in your Orgo class is dealing with the same professor. Why are you different?</p>
<p>I’m not the only student having difficulties with the professor. Many of my classmates agree that he’s unclear during his lectures and is unhelpful during office hours. His handwriting is hard to read and he often makes mistakes during his notes and examples. I put in a great amount of time studying for this course and I find it frustrating when I can’t understand what’s going on.</p>
<p>OP, do you have an associated discussion/recitation period? If so, work with the TA, if not, see if you can find peer tutoring. Make sure you have done all necessary reading before each lecture. The lecture is nothing more than a chance to gain insight into what the professor thinks is important, it will not by itself teach you difficult concepts. Orgo is difficult to some, many don’t clear this pre-med hurdle, but blaming it on the professor is never the answer.</p>