Does taking more upper level bio coursework affect admission?

[Astra]

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Take me and my friend.

I have taken embryology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, molecular cell 1 and 2, and the prereqs.

my friend has taken only the necessary prereqs.

If he has a 3.9 and I have a 3.8, which would adcoms prefer?

Sorry if this has been asked and thank you for your replies!

 

[gyngyn]

Take me and my friend.

I have taken embryology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, molecular cell 1 and 2, and the prereqs.

my friend has taken only the necessary prereqs.

If he has a 3.9 and I have a 3.8, which would adcoms prefer?

Sorry if this has been asked and thank you for your replies!

You are not competing against each other.
With the same MCAT, you both get an interview (or neither).

 

[Astra]

You are not competing against each other.
With the same MCAT you both get an interview (or neither).

I just meant in a hypothetical scenario. This friend doesn't exist, I was just wondering when compared to another applicant.

 

[gyngyn]

I just meant in a hypothetical scenario. This friend doesn't exist, I was just wondering when compared to another applicant.

It doesn't work this way.
Two applicants are not compared to each other.
If they are quite similar in ways that the school values, they both get an interview.

 

[Astra]

It doesn't work this way.
Two applicants are not compared to each other.
If they are quite similar in ways that the school values, they both get an interview.

Gotcha. Thanks a lot

 

[Goro]

The bolded is a fool's erand. It's not a zero sum game. Both are highly competitive GPAs.

The more rigorous your education, the more we're convinced that you can handle med school.

Take me and my friend.

I have taken embryology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, molecular cell 1 and 2, and the prereqs.

my friend has taken only the necessary prereqs.

If he has a 3.9 and I have a 3.8, which would adcoms prefer?

Sorry if this has been asked and thank you for your replies!

 

[lalarubies]

The bolded is a fool's erand. It's not a zero sum game. Both are highly competitive GPAs.

The more rigorous your education, the more we're convinced that you can handle med school.

You are not competing against each other.
With the same MCAT, you both get an interview (or neither).

You don't think this would make a difference for a Top 5 school where median GPA is 3.9 ?

 

[Swish16]

You don't think this would make a difference for a Top 5 school where median GPA is 3.9 ?

I doubt they're rejecting anyone because their GPA is .1 lower than average. Rigor of undergrad, GPA trends, research involvement and the MCAT are all factors for determining the academic prowess of an applicant. Having a <3.8 and applying to a top 5 might hurt if your MCAT is their average. My premed advisor has always told me >3.9 is competitive everywhere, >3.7 competitive at most places, >3.5 competitive at some, <3.5 you need a strong MCAT.

 

[gyngyn]

You don't think this would make a difference for a Top 5 school where median GPA is 3.9 ?

No.

 

[Goro]

No. Harvard's 10th %ile is around 3.3, and Pitt's is 3.6.

You don't think this would make a difference for a Top 5 school where median GPA is 3.9 ?