How are non-degree classes looked upon?

[connie95]

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I recently graduated undergrad a semester early this month and want to apply to medical schools this coming cycle. While I could have postponed my graduation and completed it in May like normal, I chose not to due to financial reasons. I basically didn't see a point in paying for a full-time courseload for classes I didn't need for my major anymore. Plus, I am studying for my MCAT too, so I didn't want to overburden myself with trying to complete a minor in the semester I have left.

HOWEVER, I would like to take 2 courses, namely bioethics and a psych class, (~6 credits) in the spring as a non-degree applicant (just for fun).

Will this be a red flag on my application or negative in any way? Will adcoms question why I had to graduate earlier if I knew there were some more courses I wanted to take? @Goro @LizzyM @gyngyn @Ismet @Catalystik your input is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

 

[LizzyM]

I recently graduated undergrad a semester early this month and want to apply to medical schools this coming cycle. While I could have postponed my graduation and completed it in May like normal, I chose not to due to financial reasons. I basically didn't see a point in paying for a full-time courseload for classes I didn't need for my major anymore. Plus, I am studying for my MCAT too, so I didn't want to overburden myself with trying to complete a minor in the semester I have left.

HOWEVER, I would like to take 2 courses, namely bioethics and a psych class, (~6 credits) in the spring as a non-degree applicant (just for fun).

Will this be a red flag on my application or negative in any way? Will adcoms question why I had to graduate earlier if I knew there were some more courses I wanted to take?

In my opinion, it will neither help nor hurt.

 

[allantois]

Buy the textbooks for the two courses and read them on your own.

 

[connie95]

Buy the textbooks for the two courses and read them on your own.

Unfortunately, some of the summer programs I wish to apply to require that I am an enrolled undergrad student (either degree-seeking or non-degree). That's another reason why I was going to take these classes…

 

[connie95]

In my opinion, it will neither help nor hurt.

Okay, so it won't raise any eyebrows or interview questions?

And I was hoping the bioethics would help me for interviews! I thought some schools recommend this course too…

 

[Goro]

If you want to take them because you're interested in them, go ahead and take them!


Why on earth wpuld you think that this would be a red flag? ????

Okay, so it won't raise any eyebrows or interview questions?

And I was hoping the bioethics would help me for interviews! I thought some schools recommend this course too…

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

Worst case, they ask you about it and you explain it the same way you did here. It's not a big deal.

 

[Catalystik]

I recently graduated undergrad a semester early this month and want to apply to medical schools this coming cycle. While I could have postponed my graduation and completed it in May like normal, I chose not to due to financial reasons. I basically didn't see a point in paying for a full-time courseload for classes I didn't need for my major anymore. Plus, I am studying for my MCAT too, so I didn't want to overburden myself with trying to complete a minor in the semester I have left.

HOWEVER, I would like to take 2 courses, namely bioethics and a psych class, (~6 credits) in the spring as a non-degree applicant (just for fun).

Will this be a red flag on my application or negative in any way? Will adcoms question why I had to graduate earlier if I knew there were some more courses I wanted to take? @Goro @LizzyM @gyngyn @Ismet @Catalystik your input is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Are you taking them for a grade or P/F? No matter the institution in which you attempt the coursework, recall that all transcripts must be submitted at the time of application. The only way these classes could backfire on you would be if you get mediocre grades which drag down your overall grade average, as they will be included in your composite undergrad GPA.

 

[Ismet]

This would not be a red flag. Go for it, but do well in the classes even if they're just for fun. I really enjoyed my bioethics course but it was a lot of reading and writing and wasn't a breeze of a course.

 

[bwc]

Not a big deal. At least you won't be saying "I studied for the MCAT and did nothing else productive that semester". You should still aim to do well since they will still be factored into your AMCAS GPA, even though they aren't counting for anything.

 

[gabs89]

Nope, not a red flag, and in fact could be looked upon favorably. You're showing that you have genuine interest, which is a rare quality