Medical Minor in History, or boost science GPA?

[Catalystik]

I am currently a senior, and will be applying to med school in the spring. I do not have a competitive science GPA, as it's around a 3.1 - 3.2. Next Spring semester I have an open schedule.

1) Would it be best to address my weakness in science GPA, and take a bunch of upper level biology and physiology courses?
2) Or should I pursue a history minor?

I'm leaning towards boosting my science GPA, and I am confident in taking biology courses.

3) Also, would medical schools count research for credit in a biology lab towards science GPA?

1) Yes. This is the most important GPA parameter for adcomms, not cGPA. But earning Bs will not help your case. You need A-level grades in all of them.
2) No.
3) Yes.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Minor detail: "Would medical schools count research for credit in a biology lab towards science GPA?"

Any grade from an independent study or research course credit in biology will be included in a science GPA and BCPM GPA calculation.

That said, as an experienced admissions screener/member, I expect those with such credits to easily have A's, and thus their value may not be as high as a rigorous upper-level biology class grade (like biochemistry or immunology). Many faculty will have their favorite courses to look at on a transcript, and most will easily overlook grades from research credit.

 

[Catalystik]

That said, as an experienced admissions screener/member, I expect those with such credits to easily have A's, and thus their value may not be as high as a rigorous upper-level biology class grade (like biochemistry or immunology). Many faculty will have their favorite courses to look at on a transcript, and most will easily overlook grades from research credit.

Another point: you may need to invest far more time in earning those research credits than you would for a Bio or Chem lab worth the same number of units. Be sure to clarify the time requirements.