GPA of remedial/preparatory classes question

[Sponge Harris]

Hi all,

I'm curious if prep classes like Chemistry 100 and Physics 100 count towards GPA towards medical school. These are remedial classes that do not satisfy requirements as science classes for any major and are taken if you do not place into General Chem 1 or General Physics 1. Well, I goofed around in these courses and ended up with C's. Would this greatly tarnish an application and is it worth retaking them now that I can certainly make an A in each after pulling a B in the regular Gen classes. I've heard conflicting stories on how these classes count and any helpful information would be appreciated.

[jameslynton]

Generally, US school look at the total science GPA. So these classes will count even if they are not part of pre-req's for medical school. General rule of thumb and my opinion - "Don't mess around and screw up in any class in college! If you are interested in going to medical school - you have to hit the ground running and working hard to earn your A's!"

Since these are remedial classes - Your grades needed to be a good solid "A" - reason you build on a good solid knowledge base in college. If you want to party and play - drop out and then come back to school when you are ready to work. Don't waste your time and money in school goofing up - you can't recover your money or your time. For your next classes work hard and earn A's. You have 3.5 years to earn better grades. Best wishes!