Wildlife Bio Ecology Mess Up

[underachiever]

Belatedly (senior year), I have realized how much I want to pursue a MS program in fisheries (rather than pursue a second BS in medical lab technology as I had considered for practical reasons (i.e. job)). I have been a classic example of a confused, unfocused underachiever, mostly due to personal angst rather than due to excessive partying. (I lived at home, had few friends and wallowed in self-pity rather than doing anything about my situation). It took a DWI to wake me up to my own selfishness and idiotic behavior. All I can say is that I am grateful I did not hurt anyone other than myself.

The long and short of it is this: I have decided to stay at my university for a fifth year to get my major (biology) course grades back up. I have a 2.9 in the last 60 credits, but if two "C" chem courses were excluded, my bio average would be a 3.0 or 3.1. Not stellar I know. (My overall GPA stands at a 3.2).

Thankfully, a professor in my field (ecology) gave me the chance to work with him all last summer, so I have had research experience and presented findings, at least on my campus at undergraduate research showcases. I have been working with him for 4 semesters doing independent study and at least earned As in that (something I am passionate about--freshwater bio).

Question: Should I retake undergrad Genetics and Ecology, in which (stupidly) I coasted by with a B-? I know I can easily earn As in both.

I am also planning to take other upper-division bio (anatomy and molecular) and geology courses, but I wondered about the retakes of these essentials in my area. Again, would I be better off retaking them and not the "C" courses in chem? (Again, stupidly, I rocked Orgo I with an A and then bombed out in Orgo II with a C when I did not take the final exam-- (because I could not live up to my Orgo teacher's expectations of me I threw in the towel rather than live with a B - - I know, I know...)

My professors have been so patient with me - - I am planning to volunteer as a tutor at a local site for ask-risk teens in part to give back and to at least in part atone for my complete idiocy.

I would appreciate any feedback.

N

Edited April 11, 2012 by underachiever

[Airwalker]

Sounds like you have some mental health issues you need to work out... You rather not take the final and get a C than get a B - in the class because of some professor... Who cares about the person, you probably won't talk to them in a year anyways. You have to worry about yourself in Undergrad. And you can easily get into an MS program in fisheries with a 3.1. If you have research experience it will not be a problem. Stop retaking courses and wasting your time and graduate.

And why do I know this? Because I coasted by on grades (3.0) and got into a Tier 1 research PhD because of my research, publications, and drive. Stop worrying about grades and get a publication out there. You are obsessing about things that don't matter.

I don't know what schools have fishery programs, but I can't imagine having to worry like crazy about having a 4.0... your going into ecology, not trying to get into Harvard Med. You sound like a dedicated individual. Just get a good GRE score and it won't matter.

[Pitangus]

I agree with Airwalker that grades shouldn't be your main concern (not sure the comparison between ecology and med/biomed was needed, but whatever).

If you need the fifth year to actually complete your bio major, then you could retake one or two bio courses along with the upper-level courses, within a normal course load. But I don't think it is worth taking more time just to retake B- courses (a C- or D in a bio course, yeah, but a B-? Not so bad).

Theoretically, you just want your overall and major GPA to be above 3.0. Unless retaking those two courses would get your GPA way above what you have (like >3.6), I don't think it will make much of a difference in MS admissions.

Your research/work experience is more important. Would it be possible to present at a regional or national conference? (these hold more weight than a presentation at your school). Has your research professor mentioned a publication developing from this work?

I would also recommend that you consider taking some time off after undergrad in order to pursue a technician/assistant position with a university lab or other organization. The TAMU job board posts a variety of these positions in ecology and fisheries & wildlife:

http://wfsc.tamu.edu/jobboard/

In my opinon/experience, research and work experience will make you more appealing to an MS program than a slightly higher GPA.

In the end, it's up to you to decide what will be the best use of your time. Good luck!

[underachiever]

Thank you both and yeah Airwalker, I know, I know about the mental health issues - - I do have problems with social anxiety which made me avoid the test situation. It is stupid and I am working on it.

I will take a look at the TAMU site.

Best! N

[GandalfTheGrey]

Hi Underachiever,

First of all, stop beating yourself up! It sounds like you've made some mistakes, but I'm glad you've found a field you are passionate about and I think it's really admirable that you are volunteering as a tutor.

My $0.02 on retaking courses - Retaking a course for a higher grade sends the message "I have to take a course twice to get an A", not exactly what you want to tell grad schools. Instead of retaking those courses, try taking an upper level course and do well the first time around, which says "I made some mistakes as an undergrad but I pulled myself together and I can do well in upper level courses! accept me!", a much better message to send potential grad schools. It sounds like you are doing this as well, with the advanced bio and geo courses. In my opinion, doing well in those is more important than retaking the other courses, and not retaking the other courses will free up time to do research or work.

Good luck with everything!