Gap Year Problem

[omegaz]

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So I have decided to take a gap year but then figured out a problem with applying in my senior year. If I apply in my senior year, this means that my senior cum GPA will drop definitely from my junior GPA since I will be taking upper-level biology courses which are certainly harder than intro-level courses. So the main disadvantage of taking a gap year is the drop in overall GPA. Is this a problem for anybody else?

 

[Espadaleader]

Your senior year should be your best year.

 

[Espadaleader]

No orgo, no Calc, no physics, just bio. You should do fine!

 

[Chir0nex]

Unless if you ahve a very borderline GPA I don't think that a few classes will really change it dramatically, and you can get around it by studying harder. Obviously that sucks if you wanted an easy senior year, but that is the reality of the situation. Personally, if you want/need the gap year for some reason, you should take it and figure out a way to keep your gpa at a good level.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

It's been my experience that many upper level sciences courses are not much harder than prior courses, especially if you are taking classes you're interested in. I mean if you're taking Advanced P-chem or something I feel bad for your senior year...

 

[galaxyx]

Try tomake your fall semester the easier of the two and submit your transcript before spring grades come out

 

[omegaz]

I heard that the upper level biology courses that I have to take are indeed much more fun and interesting than the intro-courses but the exams are also hard as **** since I will be competing with grad. students in these course. Nonetheless, I'll probably still take a gap year since I don't want to study for the MCAT this semester.

 

[nBeeDee]

So I have decided to take a gap year but then figured out a problem with applying in my senior year. If I apply in my senior year, this means that my senior cum GPA will drop definitely from my junior GPA since I will be taking upper-level biology courses which are certainly harder than intro-level courses. So the main disadvantage of taking a gap year is the drop in overall GPA. Is this a problem for anybody else?

Kinda confused at how you are asking your question...

If you decide to take a gap year, you would be applying to med school after you graduate in summer of that year, do whatever you have planned during that year while applying/interviewing, and then matriculate in the fall of the following year. If you don't take a gap year, you would be applying/interviewing during your senior year, which would add stress on top of your classes and maybe lead to a drop in your GPA that you are worried about.

 

[omegaz]

I meant that taking a gap year will cause a drop in GPA
No Gap year (freshman + sophomore + junior GPA)
Gap year (freshman + sophomore + junior + senior GPA) Since I'll be taking much harder upper level courses in my senior year, my senior GPA will be really low, causing a drop in overall GPA.

 

[1cor1311]

So I have decided to take a gap year but then figured out a problem with applying in my senior year. If I apply in my senior year, this means that my senior cum GPA will drop definitely from my junior GPA since I will be taking upper-level biology courses which are certainly harder than intro-level courses. So the main disadvantage of taking a gap year is the drop in overall GPA. Is this a problem for anybody else?

Though courses may indeed be more difficult, your study habits will be better by than, almost no labs, and finally you have very interesting material. These combined usually help students raise their GPA's senior year. I averaged a 3.5 first 2 years, and followed with a 4.0 every quarter the last two years. Upper div classes>>>>>lower div.
Gap years are very beneficial to your application, assuming the time is used wisely.

 

[nBeeDee]

I meant that taking a gap year will cause a drop in GPA
No Gap year (freshman + sophomore + junior GPA)
Gap year (freshman + sophomore + junior + senior GPA) Since I'll be taking much harder upper level courses in my senior year, my senior GPA will be really low, causing a drop in overall GPA.

Oh i see. In that case, I agree with the others here, you will be able to handle the upper level courses. If you are worried about your GPA dropping, it is probably very high and you have done very well in the more general science courses already, and if you work just as hard you'll succeed in the senior classes as well. I loved the upper levels in biology; the material was much more interesting than the gen bio, the classes were smaller, and most didn't have a lab. I had my best GPA my senior year because of that.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

I definitely found the upper division courses to be easier because I was more interested in the subjects and much better/more efficient at studying. Also, with enough credits to be considered a senior, the change in your cGPA shouldn't be drastic. It may change your sGPA more, but I think taking upper divisions should be totally doable.

 

[Omppu27]

Agreed that senior load shouldn't be too bad because you should be done with or go by then.

 

[omegaz]

I find it interesting that so many people got higher GPA in upper-level science courses than intro-level science courses. Aren't upper-level science courses in your schools taken with grad. students? If so, shouldn't it be very difficult to get As? That's the case in my school, but I do agree that upper-level courses are be more fun to learn.

 

[Lamel]

Upper level courses aren't always harder in Biology, the material just becomes different.

I am the only sophomore in a class filled with juniors and seniors, and I am at the top of the class. You just have to put the work in. I'm sure you'll be fine OP.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

I find it interesting that so many people got higher GPA in upper-level science courses than intro-level science courses. Aren't upper-level science courses in your schools taken with grad. students? If so, shouldn't it be very difficult to get As? That's the case in my school, but I do agree that upper-level courses are be more fun to learn.

lol wellll depending on how good the science grad programs are at your school...it isn't always that hard is all I'll say.