Is half-time bad?

[iPodtosis]

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This semester I've decided to take a killer graduate level genomics and princeton review for MCAT that I'm gonna take this april. To make my life a bit easier, i only have 3 classes, 9 hours which make me a half-time student. Is this gonna look bad on my transcript? And if I somehoe get a B in the graduate course, will the adcom think that I can't handle med school courses?

Thanks for any opinion/criticism

 

[dermflower]

In your med school application you may need to explain any time spent as less than a full-time student. Sounds like you have a pretty good reason. Also, a B in one class is not that bad...they usually aren't that picky about individual grades. Just do your best overall, the GPA is what matters more. If you were predicted to get B's in med school (80-89% on tests...although that's not how most med schools grade things) you'd be doing super!

 

[Stratego]

A lot of people lighten up their courseload while studying for the MCAT. Don't worry about it, as you are still carrying a heavy load of studies, regardless.

Of course, you have no excuse for getting a B now.

 

[binko]

I was half-time for a few quarters as well, due to working full-time at a demanding but interesting job. My understanding is that as long as you're doing something worthwhile with the other half of your time and can give a quick description of it when asked, then you're good.

 

[AdmiralChz]

I think you'll probably need to explain this in your AMCAS (explain any gaps in your full-time education or something to that nature), as long as you have a GOOD reason you should be ok. To be perfectly honest, prepping for the MCAT and a graduate-level course don't seem like acceptable reasons (but working a full-time job for financial reasons would definitely qualify). True, many people lighten up while prepping for the MCAT, but only to about 12 credits or so (making them still a full-time student). 9 credits is definitely on the low extreme...

 

[iPodtosis]

Where in the application can I do the explanation, my personal statement or is there a section in AMCAS? (By the way, I'm also going to apply to Texas schools, is there an appropriate section for this as well?) Beside the fact that I'm taking a graduate course, I am also doing research in a lab and working as a senior tutor for school. Is this a good enough reason?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AdmiralChz]

Eh, I'm not actually sure. If this semester is really personally important to you, put it in your PS. Otherwise, write it down when asked.

Are you getting academic credit for your research? If not, then I at least could be persuaded that you really are doing 12 credits of academic work (since research at least at my school is usually 3 credits).

 

[iPodtosis]

Eh, I'm not actually sure. If this semester is really personally important to you, put it in your PS. Otherwise, write it down when asked.

Are you getting academic credit for your research? If not, then I at least could be persuaded that you really are doing 12 credits of academic work (since research at least at my school is usually 3 credits).

No, I get paid, no credit is awarded 🙁

 

[AdmiralChz]

That's better than getting credit in this case, I think (would leave you with 6 credits of actual class, which is beyond questionable). You'll just have to treat it as a full-time job and mention it as such as directed. At least, that's what I'd do. Good luck!

 

[iPodtosis]

Thanks for your advice!!