Should I Retake Genchem 1 and 2 to Prove Myself?

[sunny79]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

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.

 

[sunny79]

If questioned about it, can't I always explain my situation?

 

[Vanadium 50]

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.

 

[sunny79]

I am confident that I will get A's.

 

[QuantumCurt]

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.

 

[verty]

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.

 

[sunny79]

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.

 

[jtbell]

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.

 

[eri]

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.

 

[symbolipoint]

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.