merp Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Let me preface with saying I am familiar with this forum. I know how to use the search button and I know what pre-requisites, patient care hours, etc. are required for each of the programs I'm applying to. I am currently taking my last "recommended" pre-requisite this semester. A little class called genetics, which I like to refer to as: The Great Satan. This will be my second time taking it. I got a C- the first time (Post bachelors. Studying several hours a night and going to class every day). It should hopefully be obvious that I struggle with this class in particular since I've done well in all my other pre-requisite courses (in my defense, the course was mainly about drosophilia flies, which were my professor's obsession. I mean...research material. Damn those flies.) Like everyone on here, I've put a lot of time and money and heartache into applying to PA school. This is my first attempt and I am fully prepared to not get in. Plenty of qualified people don't. Plenty of people who aced genetics the first time, don't. Several of my programs have genetics as a "strongly recommended"/suggested course, which is why I am retaking it. Only one of my schools of choice has it as a determined pre-req, but it only has to be completed prior to matriculation (so I could take it spring or summer if I was accepted, and the pressure would be off a bit). I would really like to know if it is worth the time and money (mostly money) to take it now or if I should wait, and spare myself the pain, until after I hear back from programs to see if I'm accepted or not. I'm not trying to get out of putting in the least effort or taking the easy way out, but it's hard taking a class (that I have a "history" with) that might not matter too much in getting in/wouldn't help me get in anyway since schools won't see my grade until December and it's not technically required. On the other hand, if I don't get in, I'll probably have to take it anyway because it'll most likely be used against me in applying (do you see the dilemma?) Anyway... any advice or hard cold facts people could throw in my face would be great. You can tell me how stupid I am for even asking if I should take it. Cool. Just looking for anyone who can actually speak to the matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiggySRNA Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Sounds like the love-hate relationship I have with my Chem II class...I would say to wait and see what happens. You're putting so much pressure on yourself, I would suggest to wait and see what happens this cycle. It can only get better after the first try right? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merp Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 That is so true. I figure best case scenario: I get in to PA school this cycle without taking genetics again. Worst case scenario: I take genetics and still don't get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 Most schools do not require genetics. Lots of people get lots of interviews without taking the recommended prereqs. At this point I'd save myself the expense and aggravation if I were you. You can always take some other science class too, if it's just science credits you're after. Or consider seeking out a different professor who might resonate with you better. Sounds like hell to have to take it again. No need! (Unless you want to go to Drexel :-/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoNoHarm14 Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Let me preface with saying I am familiar with this forum. I know how to use the search button and I know what pre-requisites, patient care hours, etc. are required for each of the programs I'm applying to. I am currently taking my last "recommended" pre-requisite this semester. A little class called genetics, which I like to refer to as: The Great Satan. This will be my second time taking it. I got a C- the first time (Post bachelors. Studying several hours a night and going to class every day). It should hopefully be obvious that I struggle with this class in particular since I've done well in all my other pre-requisite courses (in my defense, the course was mainly about drosophilia flies, which were my professor's obsession. I mean...research material. Damn those flies.) Like everyone on here, I've put a lot of time and money and heartache into applying to PA school. This is my first attempt and I am fully prepared to not get in. Plenty of qualified people don't. Plenty of people who aced genetics the first time, don't. Several of my programs have genetics as a "strongly recommended"/suggested course, which is why I am retaking it. Only one of my schools of choice has it as a determined pre-req, but it only has to be completed prior to matriculation (so I could take it spring or summer if I was accepted, and the pressure would be off a bit). I would really like to know if it is worth the time and money (mostly money) to take it now or if I should wait, and spare myself the pain, until after I hear back from programs to see if I'm accepted or not. I'm not trying to get out of putting in the least effort or taking the easy way out, but it's hard taking a class (that I have a "history" with) that might not matter too much in getting in/wouldn't help me get in anyway since schools won't see my grade until December and it's not technically required. On the other hand, if I don't get in, I'll probably have to take it anyway because it'll most likely be used against me in applying (do you see the dilemma?) Anyway... any advice or hard cold facts people could throw in my face would be great. You can tell me how stupid I am for even asking if I should take it. Cool. Just looking for anyone who can actually speak to the matter. Hi JLB, I'd go ahead and take it. First, don't live out of your memory, live out of your imagination. All of us have class failures or withdrawals or C's. If you live out of your memory you'll begin to freak yourself out because you know that you've failed in the past. If you live out of your imagination you can see yourself being successful and you don't fail in your imagination. You can do it! Secondly, go ahead and take the course. Having extra courses does help, in my opinion, especially if they see you took it when you didn't have to. Plus the longer you put it off the greater the chance you won't do it. As far as money is concerned just consider it an investment in your future. Plus you never know what good can come from doing it. Don't give up! You got this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merp Posted September 24, 2014 Author Share Posted September 24, 2014 That's a great way to look at it. I decided to wait until spring semester to take it. I found there were much cheaper and shorter classes available to me and that way I can kind of wait and see what happens. If I'm accepted to a program that recommends or requires it I will have it done prior to matriculation by taking it in the spring, and if I don't get in at all then it then I just get to prove to myself that I can do well in genetics and a small boost in GPA (hopefully) never hurts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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