Co-Op, general science major

[funkytwinkie]

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These are the questions I've not gotten a straight answer out of anyone lately, so here they are!

1. I am in second year of undergraduate at a Canadian university, a science major. Will be doing "co-op" starting next summer. I've been doing pretty bad in terms of grades, so I am working on my MCAT all summer and get a high score in an attempt to alleviate the B's and a couple C's I've had in my first two years.

Co-Op, for those of you not familiar, is where you do work terms alternating with study terms. For me, I'll be doing four full work terms (sixteen months) away from school for an internship/job that I can see myself in the future, i.e., working at a hospital, doing research at a lab, etc..

Will the co-op experience help with my application? I'll be gaining work experience/interview skills, but I also graduate a year later (maybe even more, because I'm going to have to take a lot more classes than the graduation requirement tells me to bring my GPA up..)

2. I'm in chemistry major; I love it, but I've done so horribly this year that I almost feel like switching into an "easier" science program, called General Science program at UBC. I wouldn't think it's fair for Chemistry students to be "on par" with General Science students, since Chemistry students go through a lot of difficult chemistry classes while Gen Sci students have the choice to choose their electives that they know can give them the A's they want. Yet med schools say they don't "have a favorite major"!

Chem. vs. Gen Sci: what do I go for?

A bit long winded, but MUCH THANKS for your insights. I've screwed up real bad these past couple of years, and I know at this point it will take me a loong time to get to medical school, but I'll work hard and I'll get in...eventually!! (;

 

[Mattabet]

1. ...Will the co-op experience help with my application? I'll be gaining work experience/interview skills, but I also graduate a year later (maybe even more, because I'm going to have to take a lot more classes than the graduation requirement tells me to bring my GPA up..)

Absolutely it will help, for all the reasons you mentioned. The drawback, which you also noted, is that it will add a year or so to your undergrad. But medical schools will love the real world experience, and you're bound to pick up some intangible benefits along the way.

2. ...Chem. vs. Gen Sci: what do I go for?

You say you love Chem? Then do chemistry. I'd personally have a tough time loving any major that I wasn't doing so hot in, but if you can power through and graduate with the chemistry major and a decent GPA then go for it. With regard to majors, I've only heard that medical schools may show a slight preference to interesting, diverse majors. They see a lot of chem, biology, gen sci, etc. So if a Radio/TV/Film major or something comes along with all their basic science reqs. met, they may have a bit of an advantage. Certainly chemistry is not a disadvantage in applying.