Intro classes vs. upper division

[COgirl2014]

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I'm applying in the summer of 2013. For next semester, would it be better to get more upper division bio classes? Or would taking Intro to psych or intro to sociology be helpful?

I'm only going to be in 12 credit hours, so I need to those look as good as possible. I'm also a non-traditional student, so I kind of feel like taking intro classes now would look like I was taking it easy. Any thoughts? How important is it really to have those two intro classes? Is one of the intros more important than the other?

 

[ShenanigansMD]

I think the behavioral sciences / psychology would be beneficial if you haven't taken any courses covering those topics.

Otherwise, go for upper level.

Edit: Only 12? You could easily add intro psych on top of upper bio.

 

[COgirl2014]

Outside of those 12 credits I'm studying for the MCAT, working in a research lab, volunteering at two different places and doing community service. I don't think I would do well in the classes if I went up to 15 credit hours.

 

[487806]

I'm applying in the summer of 2013. For next semester, would it be better to get more upper division bio classes? Or would taking Intro to psych or intro to sociology be helpful?

I'm only going to be in 12 credit hours, so I need to those look as good as possible. I'm also a non-traditional student, so I kind of feel like taking intro classes now would look like I was taking it easy. Any thoughts? How important is it really to have those two intro classes? Is one of the intros more important than the other?

I'd take higher level bio courses to prove to medical schools that you can handle the challenge. Intro courses give the false impression that you're aiming for an easy A.

 

[angemon89]

I would suggest you at least take one + fill in the rest with humanities. That way the upper level class will be on your application. That should leave you with enough time to study for the mcat.

 

[MayoMedSchool]

Hi,

It would be to your best benefit to keep your course load at twelve credits (assuming you will have enough credits and classes to graduate if you did this.) You want to take your MCAT in either March or April, or even May. Then, you will be able to submit your AMCAS after receiving your MCAT scores right away in June, this would open up more opportunities for you when you apply to schools which have rolling admissions. You want to have a significant amount of time to study for your MCAT (About 300-400 hours) so you can guarantee a competitive score on the test. It's more challenging than you may think, so be sure to take practice tests to coincide with your intense MCAT studying and coursework.

However, you seem like a smart guy. If you think you can handle another course and still fulfill all of the above, then I would definitely consider taking another course. It would require more work on your part, but it's definitely achieveable, and will be quite rewarding considering medical schools WILL notice your increased work load and will consider that with the competitiveness of your application.

 

[Osteoth]

It is more important to get a good GPA this semester and get a good MCAT score than it is to show med schools you are willing to put in the work and not just "take it easy". I feel as though your GPA and MCAT will show that.

I would, however, take 1 upper div bio course and then the other intro courses, so your course shows you were working toward finishing your pre med classes.