CONFUSED

[fishieFDR]

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Hey guys, so I've been stalking SDN and noticing a lot of past premeds (now med students) talking about the rigor of my university and how they had to fight very hard among many thirsty premeds to just make a C+/B-. But then on their "Chance Me" threads, they post 3.5+ GPAs. What the heck. How does that add up? Do they (and should I) take easier 100 level science courses just to raise it up for admissions?

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

Hey guys, so I've been stalking SDN and noticing a lot of past premeds (not med students) talking about the rigor of my university and how they had to fight very hard among many thirsty premeds to just make a C+/B-. But then on their "Chance Me" threads, they post 3.5+ GPAs. What the heck. How does that add up? Do they (and should I) take easier 100 level science courses just to raise it up for admissions?

The internet = Exaggeration Station.

 

[fishieFDR]

The internet = Exaggeration Station.

Still doesn't add up. Many students here have 3.5+ GPAs when premed classes curve to C+. GPAs should not be that high.

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

Still doesn't add up. Many students here have 3.5+ GPAs when premed classes curve to C+. GPAs should not be that high.

So either they took a bunch of blowoff classes to raise their GPAs, or they got creative in their description of how hard the classes really are.

 

[UlahSnackbar]

yes, take the easiest science classes you can. Protect the GPA.

 

[fishieFDR]

So either they took a bunch of blowoff classes to raise their GPAs, or they got creative in their description of how hard the classes really are.

I can vouch for them, they're definitely curved to a C+. Here's my issue, should I do this? All of said premeds have gotten into lots of great schools.

 

[fishieFDR]

yes, take the easiest science classes you can. Protect the GPA.

😀

 

[Alucard6]

I am not a big fan of taking easy classes just to get that GPA boost. I am sitting at a 3.2 GPA, and while it was partly due to my mistakes and messing up, I also took difficult classes because I was interested in them. Do not ever push yourself to the point where you are taking 18+ credits and a bunch of other things, but do not throw the opportunities given to you at your college. Now is your chance to take those difficult classes, like p-chem and astrophysics or something, because once you do get into medical school I doubt you will have to time!

It is good to have a balance - maintain your GPA with classes you can handle but at the same time push yourself to take those interesting yet challenging classes.

 

[NeuroticTwilightSparkle]

Gen chem and orgo at my UG were curved to C+/B- means, while a lot of my upper level chem courses were curved to A-'s. I had an easier time getting an A in a grad level chem course than in gen chem. Those classes weren't easier, content-wise, but the grading wasn't as harsh. Also, you might develop better study habits by the time you become an upperclassman

 

[gettheleadout]

Easy, attend a school where courses aren't curved.

 

[Person0715]

Hey guys, so I've been stalking SDN and noticing a lot of past premeds (now med students) talking about the rigor of my university and how they had to fight very hard among many thirsty premeds to just make a C+/B-. But then on their "Chance Me" threads, they post 3.5+ GPAs. What the heck. How does that add up? Do they (and should I) take easier 100 level science courses just to raise it up for admissions?

The population of students on SDN is not representative the applicant population.

 

[fishieFDR]

The population of students on SDN is not representative the applicant population.

Oh I realize this! But it's students from my school complaining they had to work their asses of to get a B- applying with 3.5s..

 

[fishieFDR]

Easy, attend a school where courses aren't curved.

LOL but it doesn't add up at my school.

 

[LaceyMD]

Oh I realize this! But it's students from my school complaining they had to work their asses of to get a B- applying with 3.5s..

My guess is these students are either generalizing or exaggerating the number of classes in which they had to do this. They probably had 1-2, maybe 3, premed classes that were actually like that, then managed to do very well in the rest.

I know at my school, the intro biology class was universally feared by premeds...the professor viewed herself as weeding out premeds who weren't serious, and a B- in that class would have been outstanding. She's been doing it long enough that I've met adcom members who heard where I did undergrad and asked if I took "Professor X's crazy bio class".

 

[mrh125]

Hey guys, so I've been stalking SDN and noticing a lot of past premeds (now med students) talking about the rigor of my university and how they had to fight very hard among many thirsty premeds to just make a C+/B-. But then on their "Chance Me" threads, they post 3.5+ GPAs. What the heck. How does that add up? Do they (and should I) take easier 100 level science courses just to raise it up for admissions?

because this is sdn where getting a 31 on the mcat and a 3.5 is considered "horrible and hopeless" (it isn't) or they just want some easy attention or validation. Take it with a grain of salt, otherwise you're just asking to be annoyed, discouraged, and aggravated. Also, they're probably trying to discourage people with lower stats from even bothering so they have a chance to get in. welcome to premeds.