Should I Retake Genchem 1 and 2 to Prove Myself?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the decision of whether to retake General Chemistry 1 and 2 after previously earning B grades. Participants explore the implications of retaking these courses for personal validation and potential impact on college admissions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to retake the courses to demonstrate improved academic performance and confidence after overcoming past challenges.
  • Another participant suggests that retaking the courses may lead the admissions committee to expect A grades, which could create pressure.
  • Some participants argue that retaking the courses may not be necessary, as a couple of B's are unlikely to significantly impact future academic opportunities.
  • There are suggestions that focusing on other required classes for the bachelor's degree might be a more productive use of time than retaking courses already passed with decent grades.
  • One participant proposes that retaking only General Chemistry 2 could suffice to achieve the desired confidence and narrative for interviews.
  • Concerns are raised about institutional policies that may restrict retaking courses with grades of C or better, suggesting that retaking could be viewed unfavorably by transfer schools.
  • Another participant emphasizes that retaking courses should be justified by poor performance or inadequate learning, which may not apply in this case.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some advocating for retaking the courses for personal reasons, while others believe it is unnecessary and could be detrimental to the applicant's profile. No consensus is reached on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that institutional policies regarding retaking courses may vary, and there are differing views on what justifies retaking a course. The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and perspectives on academic performance and its implications.

sunny79
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Ok! Here is the deal. In one of my earlier threads I had discussed that I was a high school dropout and a lousy student at that. After several years decided to get back in school. Got my GED...enrolled in a community college. I have been there for almost a year now. Will graduate with an associates by next year and transfer to a 4 year institution.

I got B's in genchem 1 and 2. I really understood the material well, it's just that my studying habits were poor and not being active for several years coupled with exam anxiety took its toll, thus yielding B's. Now, that I have finally come into my element, I want to take genchem 1 and 2 again to prove that I can do well and get straight A's. I am not doing this to show the admissions comittee that I am after A's but I just feel that now finally I can really bang with the very best and its time to fix some nuances.
 
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I don't think that's what the committee will conclude. If you take a class a second time, wouldn't they expect A's? After all, you already know most of the material.
 
If questioned about it, can't I always explain my situation?
 
You can explain all you want. The committee will expect you to get an A the second time around, so any lower grade will surprise them. Unfavorably.
 
I am confident that I will get A's.
 
Personally, I wouldn't bother retaking them. A couple of B's aren't going to make or break you. I suppose that it may be worth it depending on the situation, but in all likelihood that time would be better spent taking a couple other classes that you'll need for your bachelors.

I'd look at what's required for the degree at your target transfer school, and see if any of those classes could be completed at your community college.
 
Why not just retake genchem 2? Getting an A in that is surely as good as getting an A in both. If getting an A will give you confidence and something to speak about in an interview, how you retook it and got an A because you wanted to prove to yourself and others that what went before was in the past now, then I think it is a good idea.

I knew someone who was kept back in school after her friend died, she became disinterested in school work, but she did much better the next year was more confident for it.

I wouldn't do it too often though. The point is to follow it with as good marks as possible the first time.
 
verty said:
Why not just retake genchem 2? Getting an A in that is surely as good as getting an A in both. If getting an A will give you confidence and something to speak about in an interview, how you retook it and got an A because you wanted to prove to yourself and others that what went before was in the past now, then I think it is a good idea.

I knew someone who was kept back in school after her friend died, she became disinterested in school work, but she did much better the next year was more confident for it.

I wouldn't do it too often though. The point is to follow it with as good marks as possible the first time.


That is exactly my plan now. Retaking Genchem 2 and acing it. Not just that but acing all the classes that I take from now on and doing better the first time.
 
QuantumCurt said:
Personally, I wouldn't bother retaking them. A couple of B's aren't going to make or break you.

I agree. If you have A's in your upper-division classes, I can't imagine that a couple of B's in intro classes will make any difference.
 
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Most schools will not let you retake a class you earned a C or better in, and doing so is obviously just to raise your GPA and thus looks bad to school you will apply to transfer to.
 
  • #11
eri said:
Most schools will not let you retake a class you earned a C or better in, and doing so is obviously just to raise your GPA and thus looks bad to school you will apply to transfer to.

Only about two reasons can justify retaking a course.
  • Poor grade and wish to earn better grade credit;
  • Did not learn adequately regardless of any successful grade earned. (and could still need department or counselor approval to retake.


Your case does not match any of those.
 

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