Graduating Early Advice?

[soonerlove22]

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Hey everyone. First time poster, here! I have a quick question/need a second opinion. I am graduating early in December with a Psychology degree. I took summer school every summer and have completed all my prerequisites for Pre-Med. In the spring, I plan to work for the local hospital as a nurses' aid where I can gain even more medical experience, while getting paid. (Frankly, can't afford to volunteer for free anymore.) I've applied to one MD school and a few DO schools. Anyways, my Pre-Med advisor has told me that if I have "time," I need to continue taking upper division science classes in the spring to show medical schools I'm not slacking off. But if this is not necessary, I would really rather take that semester break from school and work. What do you guys think? Is it really necessary? Or is my advisor just trying to get me to fork up more money in tuition? LOL. just kidding about the last one. But really, any opinions or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DrNunes]

Well if you can't afford to go to school anymore for filler courses then don't. But if you can it wouldn't hurt your application to have upper division courses that other applicants don't have. What are you stats?

 

[Catalystik]

A six month hiatus from academia to recharge your batteries isn't going to hurt you. If you've already taken upper-level science and done well, have a decent sGPA or at least an upward recent grade trend, I think you'd be fine without more classes. But your advisor knows your entire record, and may have a reason for concern that we are unaware of.

I wouldn't call working full-time "slacking off" but you'd be well advised to engage in some nonmedical community service, even if only two hours a week or every other week, during the next six months, for the sake of update letters and interview conversations.