Should I retake Organic Chemistry 2? Got a C-

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether a participant should retake Organic Chemistry 2 after receiving a C- grade. The conversation explores various perspectives on the importance of the grade versus the learning experience, as well as considerations for future academic plans in chemistry and related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the decision to retake Organic Chemistry 2 should depend on whether the participant feels they need to improve their understanding of the material.
  • Others argue that the grade is less important than the learning experience, emphasizing the need to grasp the concepts thoroughly.
  • A participant mentions that Penn State allows them to sit in as a free student for Organic Chemistry 2 to better prepare for Advanced Organic Chemistry.
  • There are differing opinions on whether retaking the course in the summer is advisable, with some cautioning against it due to potential challenges with the laboratory section.
  • One participant notes that they already have credit for the lab component, which may influence their decision to retake only the lecture portion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and timing of retaking the course, indicating that no consensus has been reached regarding the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in course content between institutions and the importance of reviewing prior material before retaking the course.

Geo_Zegarra2018
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I was wondering if I should retake this course for a better grade. I got numerous responses from the colleges I am interested in for grad school. Probably will be taking Advanced Organic Chemistry as an advanced elective. If they have other courses that are offered like instrumental analysis I would take it.

Florida International University: It's up to me
The University of Alaska- Fairbanks: I think if you feel that you have the background to take advance OChem, then do that and get a better grade. Only re-take O-Chem 2 if you feel you need to learn the material better. In the end, your GRE scores will be more important than a C in one class
Penn State: Yes, it will help. But be aware that we usually require a GPA of ~3 in relevant science courses.
Cornell: Our primary concern has been that we take students who are likely to succeed in the MS program. Without seeing the totality of your record I'd not wish to comment on your suitability--through those Organic grades would lead me to worry quite a bit.For UAF I'm applying for Oceanography and possibly Environmental Chemistry
FIU: Masters in Environmental Chemistry
Penn State: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Cornell: Masters in Chemistry

My goal is to get either a masters in Oceanography or Environmental Chemistry. Then do a PhD in Meteorology
 
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Not so important just the grade you earn or did earn; but how well you LEARNED. Repeat or retake your "Organic Chemistry 2". Topic contents between your two schools might be different so better if you redo this course at your current school. In case this OChem 2 is second semester with OChem 1 being the first semester parts, then be sure to restudy/review the semester 1 material before doing the repeat of OChem 2.
 
symbolipoint said:
Not so important just the grade you earn or did earn; but how well you LEARNED. Repeat or retake your "Organic Chemistry 2". Topic contents between your two schools might be different so better if you redo this course at your current school. In case this OChem 2 is second semester with OChem 1 being the first semester parts, then be sure to restudy/review the semester 1 material before doing the repeat of OChem 2.

Penn State said that I could sit in as a free student for Organic Chemistry 2. That way I can be more prepared and learned from the mistakes I did when taking it with credit. I would probably do that in that way I can be more prepared for Advanced Organic Chemistry or some other elective. In the long run, Do you think I should retake the course? I would only be able to take this course in the summer. As I'm booked in other semesters.
 
Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
Penn State said that I could sit in as a free student for Organic Chemistry 2. That way I can be more prepared and learned from the mistakes I did when taking it with credit. I would probably do that in that way I can be more prepared for Advanced Organic Chemistry or some other elective. In the long run, Do you think I should retake the course? I would only be able to take this course in the summer. As I'm booked in other semesters.
Yes; you should retake it. NOT in summer session, especially if you expect to handle the laboraotory section adequately.
 
symbolipoint said:
Yes; you should retake it. NOT in summer session, especially if you expect to handle the laboraotory section adequately.

Well, I already have credit for Lab since I got A-. So I won’t be needing to retake that. Just lecture which can be manageable in summer I believe
 
Geo_Zegarra2018 said:
Well, I already have credit for Lab since I got A-. So I won’t be needing to retake that. Just lecture which can be manageable in summer I believe
Do!
 

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