Is anyone explaining the reason behind taking additional classes, i.e. informal post bacc?
If so, how would you explain it to adcom?
Thanks.
If so, how would you explain it to adcom?
Thanks.
Explaining additional classes
- Thread starter chil
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That depends. Are you taking them for academic enhancement?
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If you're retaking because your grades weren't stellar the first time around, it may merit a point of explanation. Especially if you had decent grades, then experienced a sudden drop in academic productivity--these kinds of anomalies usually draw the attention of adcoms.
Of course, you must make sure to explain yourself in such a way that DOES NOT make it sound--for lack of a better description--like a pity-party. Tell them what you've LEARNED from your mistakes. Tell them that you grew as a person and THAT is why you've retaken classes--to PROVE to THEM that you are fully capable of being a successful medical student.
Also, bear in mind that far more complex material, in a much higher volume, is thrown at you in medical school. It's going to be difficult. Because you represent an investment to each medical school you apply to, they want to ensure that the risks taken by accepting each student with a background much like yours is returned favorably in that rigorous environment.
If you were to look at your own history, as an admissions advisor, what explanation would YOU need to have faith in the potential aptitude of that applicant?
Of course, you must make sure to explain yourself in such a way that DOES NOT make it sound--for lack of a better description--like a pity-party. Tell them what you've LEARNED from your mistakes. Tell them that you grew as a person and THAT is why you've retaken classes--to PROVE to THEM that you are fully capable of being a successful medical student.
Also, bear in mind that far more complex material, in a much higher volume, is thrown at you in medical school. It's going to be difficult. Because you represent an investment to each medical school you apply to, they want to ensure that the risks taken by accepting each student with a background much like yours is returned favorably in that rigorous environment.
If you were to look at your own history, as an admissions advisor, what explanation would YOU need to have faith in the potential aptitude of that applicant?
good point, thanks. I graduated 2010, but was thinking about taking upper level biology classes instead of re-taking a class I got a C+ in. I wonder if it would be better to re-take that class, now that you mention it?
I guess the main reason I am taking additional classes is for academic enhancement. I have a downward GPA trend (b/c of too many activities and difficult upper level classes in senior year), and I have an average MCAT score, so I think what will make or break my chances would be my performance in these additional classes.
Another Q, if you don't mind answering: Do you think it would be worth taking additional classes if I only plan to do so as a part-time student? I also plan to work 30 hrs a wk, and do volunteer work 10 hrs a wk.
I guess I should put myself in the adcom shoes, but it's hard to be objective without some outside input..
I guess the main reason I am taking additional classes is for academic enhancement. I have a downward GPA trend (b/c of too many activities and difficult upper level classes in senior year), and I have an average MCAT score, so I think what will make or break my chances would be my performance in these additional classes.
Another Q, if you don't mind answering: Do you think it would be worth taking additional classes if I only plan to do so as a part-time student? I also plan to work 30 hrs a wk, and do volunteer work 10 hrs a wk.
I guess I should put myself in the adcom shoes, but it's hard to be objective without some outside input..
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I'm not certain what kind of shape your GPA is in specifically, but seeing as how you have an entire undergraduate career worth of credits, it's going to be a slow process to raise your GPA to any significant degree. Especially if you're doing it part-time.
But, let's just ignore the time thing for a minute and ask about medicine itself. If it's something you REALLY feel you want to pursue, and you couldn't see yourself being anything but a physician, then the time constraints won't matter. You'll do whatever it takes. So, if your GPA needs SERIOUS work you should be prepared to spend at least a couple of years salvaging your numbers. If it's average, but needs a bolster, you may still want to spend a year and change. With As. And a lot of courses.
But, let's just ignore the time thing for a minute and ask about medicine itself. If it's something you REALLY feel you want to pursue, and you couldn't see yourself being anything but a physician, then the time constraints won't matter. You'll do whatever it takes. So, if your GPA needs SERIOUS work you should be prepared to spend at least a couple of years salvaging your numbers. If it's average, but needs a bolster, you may still want to spend a year and change. With As. And a lot of courses.
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No problem.
And, hey. Good luck!
And, hey. Good luck!
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