lots of classes vs grades for the classes

[hye345]

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I'm a third year bio major, and I'm trying to put together a roadmap of what classes to enrol in for the next two years. And so, the question has to be asked as to what looks better:

• taking a bunch of 'extra' science classes (classes that aren't near-universally required, such as labs for cell bio/molecular bio, bio stats, etc), and doing ok in them (B's)
  
  
• just sticking with the relative minimum, thus receiving higher grades (for fewer classes)
  
  
• Taking the extra classes, but spreading them out, resulting in staying in college an extra quarter or 2.

 

[PharmTech8241]

I would only take the extra science courses that you think would help you in pharm school...I took Psychopharmacology, Biochem II, Advance Biochem, Biochem Lab, Immunology, & Virology as science electives for my Bio degree...If you decide to take extra science courses just balance your schedule out...Take two or three science courses with two easy electives and since it will take you an extra quarter or 2 just take summer classes and you'll finish on time...That's what I had to do because I work 40 hrs a week...It's definitely doable...And always shoot for the "A" don't limit your self to a "B" when you haven't even taken the course yet...If you want it bad enough and you work hard you'll get the "A" even though the courses are difficult.

 

[rxlea]

I'm a third year bio major, and I'm trying to put together a roadmap of what classes to enrol in for the next two years. And so, the question has to be asked as to what looks better:

• taking a bunch of 'extra' science classes (classes that aren't near-universally required, such as labs for cell bio/molecular bio, bio stats, etc), and doing ok in them (B's)
  
  
• just sticking with the relative minimum, thus receiving higher grades (for fewer classes)
  
  
• Taking the extra classes, but spreading them out, resulting in staying in college an extra quarter or 2.

I would take a couple extra classes, but not to the point that you would have to spend extra semesters in school. I think some higher level healthcare related courses look good. I took History of Medicine, Psychopharmacology, and Health Psychology. It gave me something to talk about in my interview- about my interests. You do not want to compromise your GPA, though. I know too well how difficult it is to juggle tough courses with working 40+ hours a week- which I have been doing for a relatively long time. I guess what I am trying to say is that you want to be a well-rounded applicant without going overboard, ya know? If you are just going to take the minimum, I would suggest some EC's to fill the extra time.

 

[MrMeowphers]

Your focus is Pharm School:

So you must play the game in order to compete.

1.) Maintain the highest GPA you can.
2.) Since it seems you want to get your bachelors before applying, then finish up your degree and go straight to pharm school. Remember, if your ultimate aim is to be a pharmacists, you don't need to be hanging around taking classes you'll most likely forget in a few months.
3.) Take difficult classes, but diversify them so that you enjoy your time in college. I remember I started taking about 4-5 graduate courses while I was an undergrad for things like Polymer Chemistry (Macromolecular Chem) during my last year in college; I threw in a few Psych courses, swimming, etc. just for fun.

While in school it's good to develop good relations with at least a few professors whom you can always count on for good letters of recommendation... it sure helped me along the way.

 

[aboveliquidice]

I'm a third year bio major, and I'm trying to put together a roadmap of what classes to enrol in for the next two years. And so, the question has to be asked as to what looks better:

• taking a bunch of 'extra' science classes (classes that aren't near-universally required, such as labs for cell bio/molecular bio, bio stats, etc), and doing ok in them (B's)
  
  
• just sticking with the relative minimum, thus receiving higher grades (for fewer classes)
  
  
• Taking the extra classes, but spreading them out, resulting in staying in college an extra quarter or 2.

After completing your Pre-reqs with a high GPA - move on to upper level courses. Complete these with a high GPA as well...

There isn't an opportunity cost here... you can do both.