Glide Year: Upper level classes or volunteering?

[bonez318ti]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all,

I was hoping to do some full time volunteering at a clinic next year as I apply to med school (also taking an english class at a local college on the side, to fulfill the 1 year req.), but I am concerned that I will be at a disadvantage come application time when the adcoms see that I've only done the basic sciences. (Ie: Bio I, II, Che I, II, Phy I, II, Orgo I, II).

My other option would be to take some upper division science classes like mammalian physio and bio chem. (which would undoubtably come in handy for the first year of med school.. assuming i get in).. but the volunteer opportunities here would be alot more limited. (ie: volunteering at the ER as I have been doing the past year)

Unfortunately, I can't do both since the clinic I want to volunteer at is about 80 miles away from the school where I would take the upper division science classes.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Eraserhead]

I worked full-time and volunteered and took upper division classes throughout two years. I think it worked well.

I don't think having the extra science classes will give you an advantage though. Unless you want to boost your science GPA (slightly).

Hi all,

I was hoping to do some full time volunteering at a clinic next year as I apply to med school (also taking an english class at a local college on the side, to fulfill the 1 year req.), but I am concerned that I will be at a disadvantage come application time when the adcoms see that I've only done the basic sciences. (Ie: Bio I, II, Che I, II, Phy I, II, Orgo I, II).

My other option would be to take some upper division science classes like mammalian physio and bio chem. (which would undoubtably come in handy fir first year of med school.. assuming i get in).. but the volunteer opportunities here would be alot more limited. (ie: volunteering at the ER as I have been doing the past year)

Unfortunately, I can't do both since the clinic I want to volunteer at is about 80 miles away from the school where I would take the upper division science classes.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Wednesday]

I worked full-time and volunteered and took upper division classes throughout two years. I think it worked well.

I don't think having the extra science classes will give you an advantage though. Unless you want to boost your science GPA (slightly).

I agree that the extra science classes probably won't give you an advantage as far as acceptance. You only need the prereqs, that's why they are the only prereqs. The only exception would be that some schools want you to take biochem as a prereq. I took biochem and physiology because I thought they might help me once I got to med school (they did). Personally I think you'll probably get a lot more out of the better clinical experience. Don't know about you but my time in the ER wasn't all that earth-shattering. Might want to make a little money too so you can go see a movie once in a while once you're in school. 😉 I'd say do what you think you will personally get the most out of.

 

[bonez318ti]

No.. my experience in the ER hasn't exactly been mind blowing (atleast not compared to the one night of shadowing I did at Bellevue in NYC).

One of the schools I want to apply to 'highly recommends' taking biochem. So I guess rather than put me at an advantage by taking these classes, atleast it would put me on a level playing field. (ie: not at a disadvantage).

Anyone else know if courses like biochem are generally highly recommended? Currently, I am happy enough with my science average, and if I take biochem, I am only liable to lower it. 😉