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

worldmom
Mon, 30 Jun 2014 17:17:19 +0000

I will also post my questions under the parent forum, if allowed.

Hi all, my DS will tryout as a premed bio major this fall.

1)Please advise on his class schedules, especially his freshman semesters. The other years are still in a very rough draft stage. He took AP Bio(5/2-As) HS sophomore year, AP Chem(4/2-Bs), Cal BC(5/2-Bs), AP Physics(?/1-A,1-B) but not planning to use any AP credits. Since son is weak in Chem (and Eng writing too), I don’t want him to double up on chem+bio/English during his freshman first semester. I am aware of the number of premed courses needed to finish before taking the new 2015 MCAT(including biochem, physiology, psychology, sociology), which he is planning for 2nd semester junior year. I also understand son should have a lighter load during Junior 2nd semester and Senior year for MCAT preparation and applications.
Are these the correct courses to take and in the right combinations? Thank you so much for helping.

Freshman: 1st sem: Gen Chem 1(5cr); Cal 1(5 cr); Sociology (3 cr); College Survey (mandatory)(1 cr) = total 14 cr
Freshman: 2nd sem: Gen Chem 2(5cr); Intro Bio 1(4 cr); Eng 1(3cr); Statistics (3 cr) = total 15 cr

Sophomore: 1st sem: OChem 1 +Lab(6cr); Intro Bio2(4cr); Eng 2(3cr); ?not sure what to take/GE?
Sophomore: 2nd sem: OChem 2 +Lab(6cr); Integrated Bio (mandatory)(4cr);Gen psychology(3cr); ?not sure what to take/GE?

Junior: 1st sem: Gen Physics 1(5cr); Intro Biochem(4cr); Human Anatomy(3cr); Human Physiology(3cr) = total 15 cr
Junior: 2nd sem: Gen Physics 2(5cr); Gen Genetics(3cr); Cellular & Dev. Bio(3cr); 2 GE/Electives

Senior: finish up the rest of GE/Electives/Bio courses

He will need to fit these courses into the schedules: 1 lit, 1 art, 3 sem foreign language, 1 molecular bio, 1 Intro computer

2)During summer between HS freshman and sophomore year, son took Gen Chem 1 at a community college and received a B. Son is not planning to forward that transcript to his undergraduate college since he wants to take/retake Gen Chem 1 to build a stronger foundation. However, I read that when he applies for medical school, he has to submit that B to AMCAS. AMCAS will then take the average of that cc Gen Chem grade B and college Gen Chem grade for the sGPA and cGPA.

My question is what about if son did worse and receive a grade worse than B in college? I know it would be time for him to consider switching major. But, should he skip Gen Chem 1 and take Chem 2 freshman 1st sem + another semester of higher level Chem with lab? Considering he is weak in Chem, I am not sure if this is a better solution. Any opinion is welcomed.