Question of the Week: C- in Orgo I, Should I Take Orgo II this Summer?

Feb. 7, 2020

Question: I got a C- in the first semester of organic chemistry. I’m thinking about taking Orgo II over the summer near home instead of at Princeton. Is this advisable?

Answer: Since most medical schools will require a C or better in your prerequisites, keep in mind that you’ll need to retake Organic Chemistry I as well as Organic II. This can be accomplished in a single summer, but first consider how sure you are of your interest in medicine or another career that would require Organic Chemistry. The two-semester sequence will require a significant time and money investment during a time when there are meaningful internships and job opportunities out there that may help you explore your interests. It might shift your timeline if you take a break from premed and then come back to it, but many students do this and come back refreshed and more motivated, while going into an orgo repeat doubting your future plans can make it hard to stay engaged and to do as well as you want to. If you’re reasonably sure of medicine, a summer course can provide a chance to focus on the material with fewer competing obligations—come by HPA and we can discuss your interests, plans, and implications in more detail! With any summer course, be sure you’re following the Princeton pre-approval process and remember that you must report any grades for courses taken at any college/university to medical schools whether or not you transfer the credit to Princeton.

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