chemistry -> physics, low gpa, retakes at cc, so so many questions...

[onaunicorn]

Hi I am new, and hopefully this is in the right subforum..

 

So I am an applied chemistry (environmental emphasis) major at a big public school. I found out too late that my interests are actually in physics/astronomy/physical chemistry and as such, could not change my major or double. I am currently on a study/intern abroad program, and hopefully after that I'll have something of a 3.2 gpa. I will graduate after this.

 

So, my strong points: 3+ years of chemistry research experience in various fields with two publications (only second though, and in a field I am not interested in) and one poster (also second). Research experience spans 3 different countries at top schools in those countries, experience in activism, volunteering and extracurriculars. Tutored chemistry and math and TAd an introductory astronomy class. Received a scholarship for one of my internships abroad.

 

My transcript is a hot mess now that I have looked at it--took 5 years to graduate, with several pass/no pass option courses (although, several of those classes were only available as P/NP. ie, seminars). I have mostly Bs and one D which I can't make up because it is not offered every year. I got mostly Cs in math (calculus and linear algebra) and have not even taken differential equations.  I have retaken  two classes at university, not because I failed, but because I dropped them due to illness.

 

I have not yet taken the GRE since I plan to take a year off to really examine myself and abilities. Additionally, I hope to work for a year or two in the field. However, I would like to go to graduate school for a master's of physics and then a PhD in astrochemistry after.

 

My question has a few parts...

 

1. I was originally planning on taking classes a community college, to really master some material. For example, I took calculus at a time that I thought I would never use it, and as such, half-assed it and took an easier series. I also need to take differential equations. However, I heard in some situations, retaking classes at a community college can hurt you, even if you do it for reasons such as cost/convenience/self-improvement. What have you heard?

 

2. Any recommendations on what I should do to make myself competitive as a physics graduate school applicant?

 

3. About my retake classes and time it took to graduate--is it worth elaborating? I'm not feeding a sob story, just wondering if my application or interview I should mention it was illness or just leave it be?

 

Thanks, and hope this is the right place to post!