Predicament: Grades

[Airanth]

I'm studying at a Canadian University in my second year undergraduate studies. I have gotten myself into a position where there is almost no way out without consequence in regards to my academic record. Last semester, I ended up with a 3.6/4.0 which I was extremely proud of considering the general belief at my university that second year is the hardest year for science students. I was hoping to improve for this semester as I am aiming for pharmacy and/or med school (I have an extensive extracurricular profile to support my future application!).

 

Anyways, I'm currently taking this introductory cell biology course, which is causing me SO MUCH grief. I honestly believe this course is as hard as it gets for an intro undergrad course. In support of this statement, for both midterms tests in this class, approximately 45% of the class received under a 60%, and 3% of the class received above a 90%. The material isn't difficult, it's just that the level of detail we must know is ridiculous! Regardless, my average for these two midterms is now sitting at a 51%.

 

The way my university works for Bachelor of Science is that all students coming out of high school are general Biological Science majors in their first year. During second year, they have the option to specialize into one of the programs (ie, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, zoology... etc). I was aiming for biochemistry and the course I described above is required for the application process.

 

I would need an 80% on the final to get a B- in this course, which I'd be happy with. However, taking into account my results from these past two tests, I honestly don't know if I can pull that off. I cannot memorize a textbook worth of information, which is why I excel in my analytical and organic chemistry classes (all about understanding the material!). I'm considering a few options in regards to this course right now...

A) Withdraw from the course and get a W on my official transcript while saving my GPA. Take the course over the spring/summer session either at my university or at another for transfer credit. However, this will prevent me from applying for a Biochemistry specialization at the end of the year. This also has another con in the sense that this will be another 4.5 full course equivalent as I withdrew from one course in my first year. Full course load is 5FCE (ie, 5 courses per semester) and typically, Canadian med schools prefer full course loads as much as possible on your application.

B) Stick with this course and salvage what I can from it. Biology has never been my forte and considering my results on these two midterms, I'll be taking a huge risk. If I end up with a C- in this course, my GPA is destroyed. On the bright side, I can still apply for biochemistry and since my other courses are on track for an A/A-, I stand a good chance. Just FYI, a 51% right now is a D. Although, my upper year friends tell me that a withdrawal is nowhere near as bad as having a C- or C on your transcript in regards to med school applications.

 

It is not an absolute-must that I get into biochemistry for next year, however, the sooner I get in, the better. In addition, some biochemistry courses have limited enrollment (ie, biochemistry majors get priority), and I take the risk of not getting into the required courses for the biochemistry major next year. I don't really like the idea of spending an extra year to finish my undergraduate unless I absolutely have to.

 

What should I do?!

Edited March 17, 2011 by Airanth

[Mr Skeptic]

A few things to keep in mind... Most colleges if you retake the course you get the grade of the previous try replaced (and that you retook it does not show up on your official transcript). Also, hard classes generally have some sort of help for students, and sometimes the professor offers extra credit. In any case, you should be asking someone at your college, as they will know more specifics about what to do. Don't you have an academic adviser to talk to?

[mooeypoo]

Yeah continuing on Mr Skeptic's tip, our school has an "F-drop" policy. If you retake a course, the average of both courses count (which SUCKS), so if you HAD a D and you retake the course, the best you can hope for is about a C+ or a B-, which is horrible.

 

However, if you got an F (failed) on your course and you redid it, then the grade is *REPLACED*. You will still get an "F" next to the pervious grade but it technically doesn't count for your GPA. If you redo the course and get, say, an A, you'll have "FA" in your grade list transcript, and only the "A" will count for the GPA.

 

As a result, many students ask the professor to fail them outright if they get under a C for a required course.

Not all professors oblige.

 

Check out the special conditions in your course. Also, I notice that actually going to the professor and talking to him/her can really help. Professors who see students that care enough about their future and their grades to make compelling explanations or formulate good "strategy" questions (like you seem to do) usually look better to the professor. Many professors actually try to help with problems.

 

One of my professors gave me an option to give him an extra paper to improve my grade in an early class I took, because I went and spoke to him about my performance. I participated in class and did all my homework, but performed really badly in exams; obviously, I was caring enough to try and to study and not slack off - so he actually helped me out and we found a suitable solutions. I ended up getting a B+ in that course, and I probably would've gotten a C otherwise.

 

So, I recommend you check with your campus if you have Fdrop policy, and see if you can ask your professor if he has any alternatives.

 

If all fails, I'd go for the better grade and live through the extra year without biochem.

 

~moo