Input on premed bio schedule+a "B" cc course

WayOutWestMom
Mon, 30 Jun 2014 17:56:29 +0000

2) Yes, the CC chem class will be included by AMCAS when calculating both his GPA and sGPA for med school admission. The two grades are specifically averaged, but both courses will be used when computing his GPA.

Getting below a B is not optimal, but not fatal. (D1 had a F in a science course–which she declined to retake–and still had no issue getting accepted into med schools. She’s currently a MS4.) And GA2012MOM has pointed out there are several posters (all now either med students or residents) who have successfully been accepted into med school with one or more grades below B, even in key pre-reqs like Ochem.

One consideration: AMCAS will report to med schools your son has taken gen chem 1 twice. Some adcomms may see it as arrogant, ill considered or as overly concerned with GPA protection for him to retake a course in which he earned a B.

One additional comment–I didn’t read your son’s entire proposed schedule, but he will need a second English or other ‘writing intensive’ class for most medical schools. Please consult the admissions websites for your in-state publics and MSAR for requirements. Some schools specifically say “two courses in English”; others are less specific.