Being a teaching assistant?

[HunterPB]

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How helpful do you think that would be on your application? TA for a pre-req class, specifically?

Here are the considerations:

-I'm a low GPA-er doing post-bacc to bring it up. This semester I'm taking 12.5 credits and should have a 4.0. I anticipate 2 years of post-bacc, including two-to-four summer classes. Being a TA (this would be next year) would probably take the place of an additional science course I could take to further the GPA-raising initiative.

-The professor is on the letter-writing committee. Presumably, if one is a good TA, this is a help.

Thoughts?

 

[Captain Fantastic]

So the question is TA versus take another science class?

Assuming you continue to get all A's in your post-bacc I would vote for TA. It's adds depth to your application. One more A in a string of an all A post-bacc doesn't add much. You will have already demonstrated that you can cut it academically. The effect of the class on your GPA will likely be < 0.02 points.

So if we're talking about maximizing your application, then I think TA'ing is a good move (along with research, shadowing, clinical experience, volunteering, etc.) as long as your grades do not suffer. Low GPA-ers especially have to prove they've got what it takes to make the grade and that they're dedicated/motivated enough to put forth the effort and make it happen.

 

[Beast11]

How helpful do you think that would be on your application? TA for a pre-req class, specifically?

Being a TA (this would be next year) would probably take the place of an additional science course I could take to further the GPA-raising initiative.

I can't imagine that a TA would ever "take place" of a course. At many schools, TAs are handed out like candy. Basically, TA's are funded positions and given students as part of their "award" package.(work study, grad student funding, etc.) It is a requirement, and not seen as an honor. In fact, in many cases people are put into lab TAs as "babysitters" if they do not fit in a desired position (recitation sections, grader/asst. lecturer, etc.) I would not necessarily think that the title TA carries the necessary gravitas with the ADCOMS (being a relatively common position)

-The professor is on the letter-writing committee. Presumably, if one is a good TA, this is a help.

This is a little more germane. Basically, if you perform really well (interact well with students and the professor, good work ethic, provide tutoring gratis, etc.) then the professor will take note. Remember, you also have 15 "slots" of ECs on AMCAS and you could use this to pump yourself up (and in the process of doing this, you might prod your reference to add a few of your lines.)

Basically-if you think it was more than a minimum wage job-then by all means emphasize it. But don't assume it would be more worthwhile than another A on your GPA (infinitely more valuable)

Good luck!

 

[chemphd]

I agree with the above: if you have a good GPA coming out of your post-bacc and you're excited about TAing, it's a pretty good EC. I personally found that I got a lot out of teaching (TA style) during grad school. A friend of mine who's a student on an adcom told me that "Adcoms love teachers." Especially if you find a way to tie it back in to your interest in medicine in some way🙂

 

[Olddodger]

Hi there,

I was in the same situation, except I took all of my pre-recs in addition to TAing.

I TAed for 5 semesters, general and organic chemistry, and the last semester I was Lead TA. Each professor I TAed for offered me a letter of recommendation.

VERY worthwhile, IMHO, as long as your other work doesn't suffer.

Best,
Oldie