Gpa 4.0? How Do You Do It?!

[Gavanshir]

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Hi,

Well I'm a first year undergrad student in Cell Biology and I just started this September. I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

I've been doing a lot of reading on premed websites such as this one and so I realize the importance of the GPA for medschool; I want to make sure I start right.

I always try to hang around or talk to the great students with great GPAs but I dont get much chance to do so and I feel that their world is still alien to me. I would very much like to LEARN from them and their strategies and I think this website to be a great medium to do so. Thanks for any tips or advice.

 

[Wahina]

You gotta be wicked smaht.

 

[badlydrawnvik]

just pay attention and don't miss class, that way you dont have to study much for tests.

 

[Chris127]

Its not that hard. Attitude>Intellect. If you dedicate yourself to learning the subject material and spend significant time studying, the results will be evident in your test scores. Its that simple. Theres no magical formula or way these 4.0 students get those scores. Its constant exposure and study to the material.

 

[Will Ferrell]

Go to a party school and don't major in science or engineering.

 

[BooMed]

Figure out your own best study methods. I personally always go to class, make flashcards for everything, and I have to study alone.

Always do fun/stress relieving stuff. I loved to garden and work out during undergrad. Spending time doing things that you love gives you energy to do things that aren't so fun, like studying.

One thing I wish I had done was to stay away from competitive kids and to talk to my profs during their office hours.

 

[Jon Davis]

Your GPA does depend on the school you go to, grade inflation, toughness of the school, etc. From AMCAS, they calculated my BCPM at 3.87 and overall at 3.85. I went to a large state school and huge classes which dwindled down as I got deeper into my chemistry program. I suggest keeping your nose to the grindstone. Just stay focused and do your work to the best of your abilities. Also, try to stay well rounded outside of class. I volunteered about 250+ hrs in a clinic, tutored math for 1.5 yrs, put a lot of time into research, posters, etc. Just as equally, I relaxed with my friends as much as I could. Dont go crazy over getting your GPA to some magical number, its not worth losing a lot of hair over. lol

 

[75969]

Hi,

Well I'm a first year undergrad student in Cell Biology and I just started this September. I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

I've been doing a lot of reading on premed websites such as this one and so I realize the importance of the GPA for medschool; I want to make sure I start right.

I always try to hang around or talk to the great students with great GPAs but I dont get much chance to do so and I feel that their world is still alien to me. I would very much like to LEARN from them and their strategies and I think this website to be a great medium to do so. Thanks for any tips or advice.

I dont have a 4.0, but greater than 3.8 (Junior)...and definately wouldnt call myself "brilliant", just dedicated. The best thing I can recommend is to go through all your notes, etc...on a weekly basis, making sure you understand everything completely, if not, go ask professors (or TA's--but make sure the TA's are doing grad work in the area they are teaching, or they may not be of much help.) Stay away from memorization of everything, you will have to memorize some stuff obviously, but you should be truely 'learning' more than you are 'cramming'. I try to stay away from using index cards, though some people find this helpful...
Everyone learns in their own way, so find a method that works for you and stick with it.

Also, dont **Stress** so much about grades/impressing adcoms, while admissions is important, it should not rule your life--you will see that the whole (admissions) process is very quirky and unpredictable.

How did you get into cell bio as a first year?!?!?!?! Is that similar to a general biology class?

 

[DrBowtie]

For classes that follow a book, skip class and study in the library and get to the point where you know the whole book.

Study a ridiculous amount. Be smart in picking your classes/professors.

Umm..... basically it is about prioritizing, if you want it bad enough you will put in the time needed.

 

[KevinZ]

Hi,

Well I'm a first year undergrad student in Cell Biology and I just started this September. I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

I've been doing a lot of reading on premed websites such as this one and so I realize the importance of the GPA for medschool; I want to make sure I start right.

I always try to hang around or talk to the great students with great GPAs but I dont get much chance to do so and I feel that their world is still alien to me. I would very much like to LEARN from them and their strategies and I think this website to be a great medium to do so. Thanks for any tips or advice.

You should have the motivation to not settle for lower scores. I've had plenty of friends with high goals who get overwhelmed and then settle for minimal studying or begin skipping classes. Time management is huge.

I'm probably going to get disagreement for saying this, but very few people are capable of 4.0's in highly competitive institutions. In many ways, you do have to be both "wicked smaht" and put in a lot of effort. At my university, at least half the pre-med courses like orgo, gchem, bio, and physics have medians pre-set at a B-/C+. 10-20% of the grades are A's of some form. So don't get discouraged and put in the best possible effort.

 

[EHILGENFELDT]

You have to have an intrinsic view (i love biology) and extrinsic(if i don't get a good grade i won't be accepted) view of all your classes, even the ones you are forced to take. Motivation and a positve attitude help too.
Also take quality notes by attending class and sitting away from friends.

If your instructor dosn't speak clearly or you can't understand them don't waste your time complaining. You'll just have to teach yourself the material.

I don't have a 4.0 so you don't have to take these concepts seriously, but they have helped me to do reasonably well.

 

[SensesFail]

I don't have a 4.0, but I'm in the 3.8+ range.

I'm probably your typical obsessive pre-med but I've found that my strategy for keeping high grades works. Basically, I do anything to make it to every single class (including, but not limited to: not showering, getting up for an early class even after a night of partying, skipping breakfast, etc...). When in class, write down EVERYTHING your prof says. And when I mean everything, I mean everything. Basically, your hand should be hurting by the end of the lecture. This way, you have not missed a single thing. I know it sounds paranoid, but sooo many of my friends just note the "important points" of a lecture and think their alright. But then, of course, on the midterms, the profs always put questions that were just mentioned briefly in class or that seem somewhat trivial which only obsessive compulsive students like me would have caught.

So overall, just take amazing notes, don't miss any classes, and read relevant chapters BEFORE going to class and then AGAIN before a midterm. Sounds pretty basic, but it's a lot of work and requires dedication. But work hard now and then you won't be kicking yourself 4 years from now!

By the way, I scored somewhat poorly on the SAT (1100) and now my GPA after 3 years of a B.Sc Neuroscience is 3.83. So I'm not gifted, but have worked hard. Bright people will probably have to spend less of an effort to get a high GPA, but if you're an average Joe like me, try out my strategy.

 

[BooMed]

True. And the worst thing you can do is have your happiness tied to your grades. All through undergrad I didn't care at all about my grades, I loved school, I was happy, and I graduated with a 3.9/honors/double major. Then I did a post-bac program...was obsessed with grades like never before...always stressed out... if I got a good grade on something, I would be elated, but if I did badly, even on the smallest thing, I was miserable. Well, I ended up doing just as well, but I wasted so much energy on being down! In fact, all that time I was moaning about being unhappy, I could have been studying or doing something fun. Really, it's worth it to stay relaxed. Your future does not hinge on each quiz/final/paper/etc.

 

[bluefirefliez]

Getting a 4.0 is not everything it's cracked up to be! It is great to set your standards high, but once you consistently keep making A's it is very difficult to see yourself getting anything less (paranoia!!!)

I am no expert, but I've found making a 4.0 requires determination and a lot of stamina. Do not overstudy for things, and keep up with your work -- try not to procrastinate. Also, I recopy all of my notes and review after each lecture.

There is no one formula for making a 4.0. Try not to become obsessed and consumed by this number. Make sure you have a social life too!! Work hard during the week and party hard on weekends 🙂

Perhaps the biggest advantage...a 4.0 makes it much easier when entering courses into your AMCAS application!

 

[mshheaddoc]

I slept with my professors 😀




Most of the people I know who got a 3.8+ pretty much had both a life and were very smart. Its all about balance and who you are as a person. I know 5 people with 3.8+ in chem/bio/biochem majors with life ... i know many that didn't have near that gpa and are also in med school. Its not all gpa. Its WHO YOU ARE as well.

 

[MaryWrathers]

Hi Gavanshir,

I have a 4.000. I plan on being the banner carrier at the graduation ceremony. I cross my fingers that I maintain this GPA this semester to do so.

Here are some tips. They DO NOT work for everyone!!!

-don't talk on the phone too GD much
-don't party hardy
-memorize things (I have very unique memory abilities)
-don't have friends over all the GD time
-stop wasting GD time on stupid websites, browsing, etc.
-do your homework
-study at LEAST one week in advance of test, not one DAY
-formulate study groups within the FIRST week of classes, not the 5th week...and if people don't want to be in your study group, that's fine..keep looking and asking (PS - I rarely use study groups, but find them to be helpful b/c you can teach the other students)
-get a tutor early on if you see that you are doing poorly
-recognize your weaknesses
-email the teacher and TA questions, or go see them during office hours
-rewrite stuff if need be
-read the chapters verbatim and make use of your highlighter
-purchase a chalkboard and dry erase board and place them in your office. learn to teach yourself. repetition is good. teachers teach the same stuff each semester.
-go to class
-make notecards
-use internet sites to enhance your learning. try google first
-have organized folders/binders
-can't think of anymore

Hi,

Well I'm a first year undergrad student in Cell Biology and I just started this September. I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

I've been doing a lot of reading on premed websites such as this one and so I realize the importance of the GPA for medschool; I want to make sure I start right.

I always try to hang around or talk to the great students with great GPAs but I dont get much chance to do so and I feel that their world is still alien to me. I would very much like to LEARN from them and their strategies and I think this website to be a great medium to do so. Thanks for any tips or advice.

 

[Gavanshir]

Thanks to you all for the replies. I'm happy to say that your replies mostly confirmed my own ideas about academic success, its just a matter of applying them now.

Someone asked about 1st year cell bio, well I'm in Montreal, Canada and as you might know the system is a bit different here. First year University here is basically 2nd year of American U. I am an American citizen though so I'll most probably apply to more American medschools than Canadian.

Again thanks for helping my self-confidence! And dont stop now keep adding them tips and study strategies.. I gatta be wicked smaht!!!!

 

[thesauce]

I got a 4.0 in undergraduate Chemical Engineering after graduating with a 2.5 in high school and getting an 1100 SAT. Here are four pieces of advice that I can give you:

#1: Choose a major that you are interested in. This is important b/c studying won't feel so much like work.

#2: Choose a challenging major. This is important b/c you won't get bored and you'll apply that same intensity to classes outside of your major.

#3: If you study science or engineering, focus all of your attention on the basic sciences in your first year and do whatever you can not to forget them after the class it over. Science concepts build on themselves and come up again and again, but 90% of the class still doesn't know the basics like they should. Therefore, it's easy to outperform the average.

#4: Don't underestimate ANY class. My hardest class was an evolutionary psychology class. Who'd a thunk it?

 

[Shredder]

Hi,

Well I'm a first year undergrad student in Cell Biology and I just started this September. I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

I've been doing a lot of reading on premed websites such as this one and so I realize the importance of the GPA for medschool; I want to make sure I start right.

I always try to hang around or talk to the great students with great GPAs but I dont get much chance to do so and I feel that their world is still alien to me. I would very much like to LEARN from them and their strategies and I think this website to be a great medium to do so. Thanks for any tips or advice.

i think gpa is overrated. if you spend enough time kissing up to profs and TAs, and poring over often useless material, you will get As. grades vs study time looks something like a square root curve i would say. 3.8 or 3.9 and a 38 mcat is good enough, 4.0 is overboard

 

[45408]

i think gpa is overrated. if you spend enough time kissing up to profs and TAs, and poring over often useless material, you will get As. grades vs study time looks something like a square root curve i would say. 3.8 or 3.9 and a 38 mcat is good enough, 4.0 is overboard

yeah, I'm with this guy. The difference between a 3.8 and a 4.0 in terms of acceptance to medical school is pretty negligible, but you'll have lots more free time if you've got a 3.8. I guess it boils down to priorities. You'd be better off spending the extra time doing worthwhile EC's.

 

[hardy]

-don't party hardy

I know, I am a party animal!
You don't want to party as hard as me. Most people would fail all their classes if they did!

 

[veenut]

don't major in engineering.

 

[maxflash04]

Major in business? LOL

Study. Study. Study.

For science classes, like someone had mentioned above, having a good memory will help significantly. At least it has for me. Having confidence in the material you've studied helps a lot, as well. I study everything in the book while over viewing my lecture notes. When class/lab starts and students start asking questions that I already know, being able to answer them (if you choose to or not) is a real confidence boost. It also helps to answer questions that your professor/lab TA ask; being able to answer their questions while no one else can, having *all* eyes on you, etc. makes me feel great! Another thing, DO NOT question yourself! While taking tests and what not go with your gut instinct! It works!

*rawr*

 

[deuist]

Get rid of your TV! Seriously, my productivity shot through the ceiling once I stopped watching television.

 

[OwnageMobile]

I partied quite a bit throughout my whole 5 years at KU doing mechanical engineering, and came out with a 3.78- now I would have liked a greater GPA, but I wouldn't think for a New York second about trading my crazy memories of college in for a better GPA.
I don't think one can correlate precisely GPA : partying, because it gets hazy at the high GPAs; we all have those seldom friends who left college with crazy memories and 4.0s, and we all know those who got 4.0s and never left their rooms. I chose to devote much more time to partying, and as I stated earlier, I'm pleased with my decision.
So, my tip for getting 4.0 would be to prioritize school above all else. My tip for enjoying your life would be do what makes you happy. I think 4.0 is overrated, along with others here, and that if you are sacrificing good times for that .01, you very well may end up regretting it. Now if you are in a situation where you party-hardy and pull all As, more power to you...
College may be the best time in your life- if you make it just that

My $.02

 

[rumy]

all the things above are totally right,
BUT guys don't you think you miss something, take care of your HEATH,
DO NOT get sick!!!
once you got sick all this 'wicked smaht, study study study...' things will be totally FU.

 

[maxflash04]

all the things above are totally right,
BUT guys don't you think you miss something, take care of your HEATH,
DO NOT get sick!!!
once you got sick all this 'wicked smaht, study study study...' things will be totally FU.

Yeah, that happened to me ALL last year... it sucked... horribly! 🙁

 

[DoctorBill]

Depends, a 4.0 is much easier to get in certain majors. Many biology majors at my school had 3.8+ GPAs, whereas very few physics/mathematics majors had GPAs above 3.8. Funny thing is that a higher percentage of us math/physics majors got in.

 

[neovenom]

i came out with a 3.84 in college. i attribute some of that to an easy major (psychology), but here are some other tips that i think could be helpful:

- don't fall behind. it's tempting to think, "oh, i'll just skip reading or writing till tomorrow." well, by the time tomorrow comes, you'll have more things on your plate.

- don't freak out if you don't make an A on everything. really, it'll be ok because A) you'll have an opportunity to bring it up, and B) it's not the end of the world. BUT making a low grade usually motivates me to do better next time.

- manage your time well by minimizing distractions. don't get hooked on to TV shows, and don't waste your time online either. these two were my biggest problems. this is not to say you can't have fun. fun is very important to keep you sane. just don't procrastinate when you should be doing work... because then you'll be in a situation where you have to lose the fun time to catch up with schoolwork.

- don't overdo anything, including personal commitments, social obligations, a large AND demanding courseload. you're one hell of a person, but still not superhuman.

- at the beginning of a semester, try your hardest. after the first exam, you'll figure out which courses will allow you to cut back and which ones will need your best game throughout the entire time. i think that over-studying for an easy class can take away valuable time you could use for a harder class.

 

[Sicilian]

Don't take any programming classes. Period.

 

[maxflash04]

Don't take any programming classes. Period.

HA

Which have you taken?

 

[relentless11]

First and foremost, everyone has their own way of doing well in school. So anything we say should be taken as a grain of salt. Anyway...

...Here's my story:

Sub 3.0 GPA as an undergrad, work and family issues complicated matters, but I can also see that it was due to lack effective learning on my part.

Post-Bacc have about a 3.4-3.5, learned a lot of ways to improve my studying, and test taking skills.

Current Graduate GPA of 4.0 for all of my classes, including actual med school courses, combined with ongoing clinical research for my PhD. As an undergrade, I studied a week before an exam. Clearly did not work for me. Today, my success resides on the following:

1) Daily studying. Repetition is the key. I work for the US Army, and they train daily for what they do, it is no different in academics. The key is to find an efficient and EFFECTIVE way of doing this to minimize burn out.

2) Helping others. I am ALWAYS willing to help any of my classmates with questions regarding any of their classes. It helps me to remember the material, and it also helps them. Everyone wins in the end.

Doesn't matter if the class is graded on a curve. If you get greater than a 90% on your exam, a curve doesn't really matter anymore does it? I think as undergrads we rely TOO much on the curve. This was beaten out of me relatively quickly when I started grad school. A B- is considered failing in my program, since a B- = a GPA of 2.7, and good standing is 3.0 or more!

3) Self Motivation. I WANT to get a PhD and an MD. I look forward to it, and look forward to ALL of my classes. I sometimes see people in these forums who frown upon having to take Calculus, or something. Thats not the attitude that helps you. Yes one can hate a class and still do well, but clearly not the right way to go at it. Try to see the silver lining, because as we all know, if we like the class we tend to do better!

So in a nutshell, its certainly not about intelligence that some people get 4.0's. I'm certainly not the smartest cookie in my class. But the standards that I impose upon myself are extremely high, and I am my own worst critic when it comes to everything...so through self motivation, I push myself to succeed. Even if it means I study everyday, or put in extra hours of effort just to match the brilliant ones that only have to skim through a chapter to get an A on an exam 😉

I think a good saying here is from Sun Tzu. "Know your enemy and know yourself...."

Although this isnt about war, it still applies. If you know your enemy (your classes), and more importantly know yourself (e.g.: limitations, strengths, etc) and can address each of these accordingly, you will succeed. 🙂 Personally, it took me 5 years to start getting 4.0's....hahaha 😀 Sometimes easier said then done I guess 😛

 

[samenewme]

For math-based classes (not just math, but things like general chemistry and physics) do problems repeatedly. Just having a clear understanding of the lectures will not get you through the exam. Some people do every problem in the book or do additional problems from books like Schaum's outlines, but I simply did the assigned homework problems multiple times. First of all, often the homework is similar to the exam questions, and secondly, doing the same problem over again seems to do a BETTER job of taking you through the process of solving this or that TYPE of problem. Then if you get to the exam and you have a different unknown or different wording, but it's still, say, a titration problem, you've got it all under control.

Repetition is key to get you the speed you need so that you can finish exams and have time to check your answers.

 

[OwnageMobile]

Don't take any programming classes. Period.

lawl, I love programming and am good at it (welcome to ME right), so I thought I was kicking ass in the c++ class I took only to find that the 23 year-old gave me a friggin' B.

I'm actually Sicilian too. Some say we are just a ball that is being kicked around by mainland Italy, but they are just jealous that we've got all the gansta ties.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

Hi,

I'm wondering if you brilliant students who have GPAs of higher than 3.8 are willing to share some tips and advice as to HOW you achieved and maintained this kind of gpa!

If you want a high GPA:
-Take only 3 classes at a time.
-Only take classes that are graded on a curve.
-Take the "non-science version" of a class whenever possible, ie. non-calc based-physics, bio for non-bio majors, stats for psych majors, calc for non-science majors.

 

[remo]

I had a 3.9 in my last 2 years of undergrad (only 2.3 the first 2 years!) and I have a 4.0 post-bac right now with about half A's and half A+'s. These are the most important things I have learned about getting A's.

1) Always go to class (at least lecture) because you will pick up things that you will not learn from the book. The profs like to test on things that they cover in lecture but are not in the book. Also if you try to learn just with the textbook you will waste a lot of time learning things that aren't even covered in lecture that you will not be responsible for. You need good lecture notes so you know which stuff to review in the book.

2) If your professor makes old exams available, work them to death and make sure you know everything covered in them. That in my opinion is the easiest way to get A's especially with classes like ochem and genetics.

3) Do the minimum amount of EC's required. EC's take up lots of time but they won't get you in med school. If you don't have the grades and the MCAT you're not in the ballgame. Spend the extra time relaxing instead.

 

[Kiroro]

I have 4.0 GPA with engineering degree. I must say that having a 4.0 does help in med-school admission process. I didn't take prep course for MCAT and I had huge problem with my VR (I came to US 3 years ago), so my MCAT score sucked (29R). But I didn't want to retake it in August, plus I thought my GPA should help me so I applied anyways. So far I've had interview invites from most of the schools I applied already even with my bad MCAT score.

I personally think the difference btn students with straight As and students with some B/B+ and end up with 3.8GPA is that.... students with 4.0 try to prevent themselves from getting B+ at any cost.

Looking back, I did have a few classes that I almost got B+ in, and I had to go talk to professor to make them change their mind. Other times, I threatened a professor to boost my grades by telling him that giving students final exams earlier is not fair etc... and that I would consider reporting him to the dean of the department..... basically anything that would make them give you a push from that B+ to an A. I mean professors don't really care if you get a B+ or A anyways, why won't they just give you an A and avoid all the problems you may cause to them.

Basically, among all the classes you have to take before applying to med school almost evey student would face with "Oh ****, I may not get an A for this class!" situation. Even then, you shouldn't give up. Try to find some resonable ways to avoid getting a B is the key of maitaining 4.0.

 

[Sicilian]

HA

Which have you taken?

C++. This was the "intro to programming" class at my school!

 

[Sicilian]

I'm actually Sicilian too. Some say we are just a ball that is being kicked around by mainland Italy, but they are just jealous that we've got all the gansta ties.

Gosh darnnit, I'm not Sicilian. Lol. Its a chess opening. Couldn't think of a user id. But I do live in the city of Capone; I think the mafia (which was ruled by Sicilians and Irishmen) has left its mark. Major corruption scandal involving the mayor going on right now.

 

[imsotired]

Looking back, I did have a few classes that I almost got B+ in, and I had to go talk to professor to make them change their mind. Other times, I threatened a professor to boost my grades by telling him that giving students final exams earlier is not fair etc... and that I would consider reporting him to the dean of the department..... basically anything that would make them give you a push from that B+ to an A. I mean professors don't really care if you get a B+ or A anyways, why won't they just give you an A and avoid all the problems you may cause to them.

Basically, among all the classes you have to take before applying to med school almost evey student would face with "Oh ****, I may not get an A for this class!" situation. Even then, you shouldn't give up. Try to find some resonable ways to avoid getting a B is the key of maitaining 4.0.

Threatening professors is "reasonable"?

 

[bbas]

Looking back, I did have a few classes that I almost got B+ in, and I had to go talk to professor to make them change their mind. Other times, I threatened a professor to boost my grades by telling him that giving students final exams earlier is not fair etc... and that I would consider reporting him to the dean of the department..... basically anything that would make them give you a push from that B+ to an A. I mean professors don't really care if you get a B+ or A anyways, why won't they just give you an A and avoid all the problems you may cause to them.

I'd rather have a 3.8 and earn it than getting a 4.0 by threatning professors. 😎

 

[Gavanshir]

If you want a high GPA:
-Take only 3 classes at a time.
-Only take classes that are graded on a curve.
-Take the "non-science version" of a class whenever possible, ie. non-calc based-physics, bio for non-bio majors, stats for psych majors, calc for non-science majors.

I've considered this..but if I took less than the full course load (5) then I'd finish a year later then usual. I'm 20 years old now and in a 3 year undergraduate program. Plus, certain medical schools such as Mcgill dont accept students who took less then the full course load or did summer courses.

Also my Genetics class right now isn't graded on a curve, and apparently the highest grade given out last semester was a 79. I dont think there is anything I can do but to do the best I can and hope for the best.

 

[it.]

whatever you do, just make sure you don't cut a deal with this sneaky son of a b!tch:

he screwed me out of my 4.0 and my soul 👎

 

[remo]

Other times, I threatened a professor to boost my grades by telling him that giving students final exams earlier is not fair etc... and that I would consider reporting him to the dean of the department..... basically anything that would make them give you a push from that B+ to an A. I mean professors don't really care if you get a B+ or A anyways, why won't they just give you an A and avoid all the problems you may cause to them.

I can't believe this would actually work. I think if you threatened a prof he would either laugh you out of his office or report you to the dean. You may be able to persuade the prof to up your grade if you were on the borderline between 2 grades but threatening them would never work.

 

[Sicilian]

whatever you do, just make sure you don't cut a deal with this sneaky son of a b!tch:

he screwed me out of my 4.0 and my soul 👎

I like that Karl Rove outfit.

 

[OwnageMobile]

Gosh darnnit, I'm not Sicilian. Lol. Its a chess opening. Couldn't think of a user id. But I do live in the city of Capone; I think the mafia (which was ruled by Sicilians and Irishmen) has left its mark. Major corruption scandal involving the mayor going on right now.

Ah yes, the "sicilian defense," with a tad more context I would have guessed that! My whole family minus my mom are chess freaks.

 

[Hercules022]

Top 3 Ways to Get a Good GPA:

1) Go to a lower-ranked state school

2) Major in something you're naturally good at and don't have to work too hard to get A's in (i.e. good at writing, English..... good at math, physics or engineering)

3) Major in biology and bust your a** because it's a ton of memorization and the other premeds are nuts

I chose option number two, was 3.7 and climbing until organic happened.... but you get the idea

 

[Tonic1025]

3) Do the minimum amount of EC's required. EC's take up lots of time but they won't get you in med school. If you don't have the grades and the MCAT you're not in the ballgame. Spend the extra time relaxing instead.

I strongly disagree with this advice. I think EC's not only separate out students with similar numbers, but unique EC's can make an underdog applicant more competitive than someone with higher numbers. I did some EC's that I was extremely passionate about, and yes, the amount of time I spent in them affected my GPA slightly, but I have never had any regrets about that. I had some amazing experiences that I would not trade in for a 4.0.

 

[novawildcat]

You have to be a genious like me. I laugh at all the premeds who are obsessed w/ grades and who study on friday nights.

 

[Gavanshir]

You have to be a genious like me. I laugh at all the premeds who are obsessed w/ grades and who study on friday nights.

I guess your advice would be not to take any english courses eh?...G-E-N-I-U-S....