organic prerequisite

[zayna]

I have taken a semester of organic chemistry with a lab, but am not sure if I should take a second semester of organic chemistry, because I plan to take biochemistry. I heard that at most med schools biochem can act as a substitute for orgo 2. Is this true?

[thymol_blue]

not true. Most schools want a year of organic with lab. Take orgo2 and take biochem as well

[rworkman]

You must have one full year of organic chemistry. To my knowledge, this is universally required. A minority of schools actually require a semester of biochemistry as well. I would suggest you not take biochemistry in undergrad unless you are particularly interested in it and/or it is required. You will have it in medical school (which is all you will likely ever need/want), however you will not have the opportunity to take college classes again. As long as you meet your requirements, I strongly recommend that you enjoy the variety that undergrad offers while you can. Things will change soon enough in medical school.

Best regards,

Ron Workman, MD
AdmissionsConsultants
(703) 242-5885

[Mel2416]

I got a C- in organic chemistry 2. Will this meet prerequisites? The prerequisties usually say C or bettera and I was wondering if a C- would automatically get my application tossed.

In addition I got a 14 on the BS section of the MCATs, will that help mitigate my bad grade?

[twu]

quote:

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Originally posted by Mel2416

I got a C- in organic chemistry 2. Will this meet prerequisites? The prerequisties usually say C or bettera and I was wondering if a C- would automatically get my application tossed.

In addition I got a 14 on the BS section of the MCATs, will that help mitigate my bad grade?

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AdComs still like to look at the numbers as a predictor of your future success in medical school. A C- (2.0 in most institutions) would be difficult for the AdCom the swallow easily. A 14 on the Biological Sciences section does help you out tremendously and shows that you can compete on the national level, but you will be asked what happened and why you got a C-. Furthermore a 2.0 in a major course probably really puts a dent into your BCPM/science GPA.

You have an additional problem in that most AdComs REQUIRE a C (2.3) or better in all premedical courses, which because of your C- in Orgo 2, will disqualify you from consideration at most med schools. Taking Biochem and doing well won’t force the AdCom to let you slide on the C- in my opinion.

I’d suggest re-taking Orgo 2 and shooting for an A.

If you would like us to help you put that 37L to work for you and open some doors, let us know.

Good luck.

Timothy Wu, MD
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885

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