more science or higher gpa

[James105]

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so i have barely completed the minimum prerequisites for most schools. i want to apply this june. all i have let is next semester. i could either cram in a couple additional upper division science courses and potentially take a hit in the gpa, or i could maintain a high gpa with fewer courses. also i will be studying for the mcat next semester. what is the best thing to do? will med schools let me know of weaknesses, especially in coursework, that i could complete the fall and spring of 11-12? what is your take?

 

[TriagePreMed]

Keep the high GPA and do well on the MCAT hands down.

 

[James105]

well i am worried because a couple schools i emailed about my prereqs told me that i had barely completed them and that the admissions committee likes to see upper division courses. I am trying to figure out how much that is merely a suggestion vs how much weight it carries.

 

[TriagePreMed]

well i am worried because a couple schools i emailed about my prereqs told me that i had barely completed them and that the admissions committee likes to see upper division courses. I am trying to figure out how much that is merely a suggestion vs how much weight it carries.

25 MCAT and upper division vs. 30 MCAT and no upper? If MCAT wasn't in the way, I would tell you to gamble your GPA a bit, but not if the MCAT is in the way. I think the only "important" upper division is biochemistry. Maybe attempt only that one.

 

[PremedGunner]

maybe a few more sciences. dont wanna look like a grade grabber.

 

[plzNOCarribbean]

yup I agree they will know your trying to be a grade graber. GAMBLE!!!! GAMBLE!! GAMBLE!!

no but seriously we had the dean of the med school come visit and although he strongly encouraged everyone to major in what they love and not be a typical bio applicant, he thoroughly reiterated the point of having several upper division bio electives. He made the point very clear. I recently spoke with him about my app/what I should do as far as courses for next and he said i was fine. to give you a better idea, I will list some of the electives I took so you know what to take.

cellular biology, biochemistry(I think now recommended at some schools)+lab, genetics + genetics lab, Human Physiology, Neurobiology, Microbiology, phsychopharmacology, and I will be taking Molecular biology & Cytology/Histology next semester. I think you can substitute maybe some ethics courses or health courses that wont hurt your GPA as much and require so much time that you don't have to study for the mcat.
for instance, my school offers:

Human disease and Epidemiology (HEALTH)
Medical Anthropology
Medical Sociology
Law, Ethics, and the Life sciences
Responsible conduct in Research
Biomechanics (Health and Kinesiology)

Search your school catalog for similar courses. That way atleast as far as your coursework, you seem like a more well rounded applicant. I personally regret not taking some of the classes above and just sticking to all UD bio. gluck

 

[Mr Hippopotamus]

I think the important question is where is your GPA now? Will a B in a higher level course mess everything up for you?
Personally, I took Astronomy because I thought it would be interesting. Imagine my surprise when that relatively easy A counted as an advanced physics class and brought up my BCPM. So higher level sciences don't have to be a nightmare.

 

[James105]

well my GPA is a 3.9 now. but i dont have a large selection of science courses to overcome a poor score in a course. I am applying in june 2011 for fall 2012, so my thought is that i can apply this year with the bare min. then if i don't get accepted anywhere i can take additional coursework in the spring of 2012 to be ready for the 2012 application cycle. i think it is too big a risk to load up too much this semester just to complete one extra course. and if i take it in the fall 2011, it wont be very useful since i will have already either been rejected or interviewed. so it seems best to complete the minimum course work now, then, if rejected, i can take biochem and cell bio in spring 2012. it would also work to strengthen my application for a reapplication if rejection is the case. what do you think?

 

[TriagePreMed]

Well, at minimum you'll have to overload yourself with activities so you don't seem like a GPA grabber as they say. I would take the Biochem, but I'd definitely GPA clinch at this point with a 3.9.

well my GPA is a 3.9 now. but i dont have a large selection of science courses to overcome a poor score in a course. I am applying in june 2011 for fall 2012, so my thought is that i can apply this year with the bare min. then if i don't get accepted anywhere i can take additional coursework in the spring of 2012 to be ready for the 2012 application cycle. i think it is too big a risk to load up too much this semester just to complete one extra course. and if i take it in the fall 2011, it wont be very useful since i will have already either been rejected or interviewed. so it seems best to complete the minimum course work now, then, if rejected, i can take biochem and cell bio in spring 2012. it would also work to strengthen my application for a reapplication if rejection is the case. what do you think?

 

[James105]

it just doesnt seem to benefit any to force a bunch of activities, when i could play it slower. then if i am not accepted the first time round, i can show active improvment by taking these courses. is there a flaw in my reasoning?

 

[James105]

So when are most acceptances given out? if my plan fails, and i am not accepted by the end of the fall semester, then i need to take a biochem course. but i was wondering how many acceptances are given out before the spring semester