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Is it worth it to take extra science courses while still applying?

Discussion in 'Re-Applicants [ MD / DO ]' started by nebuchadnezzarII, Aug 16, 2015.

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  1. nebuchadnezzarII

    nebuchadnezzarII The Nightman
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    BCMP is already decided since the AMCAS was submitted a while ago and transcript is verified. I was wondering if it would have any impact at all if I took an extra science course or two during the application cycle (while doing other things). Or is it just a waste of money? Registration time is almost up and I'm a little confused as to what I should do now. Thank you all.
     
    #1 nebuchadnezzarII, Aug 16, 2015
  2. DrMidlife

    DrMidlife has an opinion
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    I suggest the following priorities for an app year:
    1. mental health (such as get off the adderall, be able to function in society outside school/home)
    2. physical health (such as nutrition, fitness, weight loss, sleep hygiene)
    3. financial health (such as pay off credit cards, disentangle from vampires)
    4. fun things (such as travel, music, social expansion)
    5. anything academic (such as more science classes to "prepare" better for med school)

    IMHO it should be required to live independently as a wage-earning adult without parental support before going to med school, but that's not the prevailing opinion among my classmates whose parents pay their bills.

    Best of luck to you.
     
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    #2 DrMidlife, Aug 16, 2015
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  3. nebuchadnezzarII

    nebuchadnezzarII The Nightman
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    I strongly agree with this. But this would also throw back the start-date for medical school quite a few years for many people. Thank you for your comment.
     
    #3 nebuchadnezzarII, Aug 16, 2015
  4. DrMidlife

    DrMidlife has an opinion
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    Why years? Spend six months scraping by on minimum-ish wage work. Join the many, for a little while. Discomfort is the classroom of the soul.
     
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    #4 DrMidlife, Aug 16, 2015
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  5. jwilliams1993

    jwilliams1993 OMS-II
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    I'm a second year applicant. I'll be working full time, but I'm also going to take a year of A&P at the school where I earned my BS. A&P didn't fit into my schedule, so I'm happy to have the opportunity to take it now. I've been told by a physician who is a member of an adcom that staying involved in science looks good to interviewers.
     
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    #5 jwilliams1993, Aug 19, 2015
  6. nebuchadnezzarII

    nebuchadnezzarII The Nightman
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    Cool, thanks for your input! Much appreciated.
     
    #6 nebuchadnezzarII, Aug 19, 2015
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2015
  7. GrapesofRath

    GrapesofRath
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    If you don't like your GPA and you are a first time applicant I would say this is smart. If you are already a re-applicant I wouldn't really advise this as a) it won't have any impact on this cycles chances b) you really don't want to have to go through this again for a 3rd time.

    I saw from your other thread for your stats you have a 3.57/3.26 34. That should be completely fine for a number of DO's. Apply broadly to a large number of lower tier MD programs and you might find a II or two there as well.
     
    #7 GrapesofRath, Aug 20, 2015
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  8. YogiMD

    YogiMD

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    I am planning on doing the same thing, but am trying to see where to take the courses. Do you know where you would take yours?
     
    #8 YogiMD, Sep 15, 2015
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  9. nebuchadnezzarII

    nebuchadnezzarII The Nightman
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    Just try your state school or a public school near you. I hate to say this, but compared to all the undergraduate courses I took during my undergrad at an Ivy League schools, the classes at my state school are a complete joke.
     
    #9 nebuchadnezzarII, Sep 16, 2015
  10. YogiMD

    YogiMD

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    Thanks for your advice and all the best for the admissions process!
     
    #10 YogiMD, Sep 17, 2015
  11. Goro

    Goro
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    If you GPA needs help, every bit of good grades helps


     
    #11 Goro, Sep 17, 2015
  12. catie_jane

    catie_jane
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    I am auditing A&P I and II at my alma mater because I was only able to take CVA and Vert. Phys while in college. I am only doing this for myself however, because (fingers crossed) if I do get into medical school this cycle I believe it will help me during 1st year. I am also a big time nerd and need to be involved in some sort of academics even if its only an hour 2x a week haha
     
    #12 catie_jane, Sep 17, 2015
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