Need some guidance about master's classes in upcoming year

[stephentyler20]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Folks,

I have a dilemma. I'm reapplying after getting 2 waitlists this past year (AMCAS complete late July this year after vigorous essay rewriting). My academic record is awful, which is why I'm trying to get into med school fully four years after finishing undergrad. I took 2 years of postbac classes though and did well (3.89 gpa in most of the prereq's). MCAT is 33R.

Realizing that academia is my app weakness, I had the thought that during the downtime this year (from now until May), I should take some grad-level courses to show that I can handle academic rigor. The local med school has a basic medical sciences program, in which I would take Master's level Biochem and Physiology on a non-matriculating basis. This really wasn't my idea... several med schools I"m applying to have "feeder programs" where you take similar master's courses to improve your odds of admission.

My question is, is this at all smart? I do work full time (I'm a Paramedic of 3 years), working a minimum of 3 12 hour shifts/week, set schedule, with a mandatory overtime (mandated by me, in order to make a reasonable living).

I was set on this until I met with the biochem professor recently to get permission for the class, and he said the courseload was too much (2 classes?!) for someone working full time. He recommended taking one or the other, or neither... So this set me off. I'm currently registered for both courses, but have the opportunity for 100% refund until 9/7.

So what do I do? My hope for the master's classes is that I can tell med schools I'm taking them, and hopefully they'll look at my grades after either one or both semesters and see that I'm doing well (hopefully) and be more likely to give me an offer. (Of course, if I did poorly this would cause more harm).

If I'm wasting my time, then I'd rather waste it doing something more fun. Frankly, I'm 26 years old, and the only classes I want to be taking are med school classes. I have no problem being busy, but only if it counts for something.

I could really use some advice!

 

[gman33]

Taking 1 or 2 MS classes will have little impact on your application.
If your gpa is that bad, you probably need a SMP or just a bunch more UG classes. If the courses are anywhere near the courseload of a med school class, 2 classes + work may be too much. Doing poorly is going to be much worse than not doing anything.

 

[dragonfly99]

congrats on being an EMT. That is an important and medically-relevant job.

So you don't tell us how "terrible" your undergrad GPA was. However, if you make 3.8+ in postbac courses and you got a 33R on the MCAT then I think you have shown you are smart enough to do the work of medical school. If you got waitlisted at 2 schools last year then it means that you have enough on your overall application that schools are interested in you. They may be wondering about your work ethic/long term dedication to studying since your GPA was low in undergrad.

In terms of whether to take 1 or 2 classes at a time if you do choose to take graduate courses, I would listen to the professor who told you to take only 1. The profs usually know what they are talking about, and at any rate you aren't going to get a degree anyhow so what does it matter if you take one vs. two?

I think a more important question is what are you doing to make connections with people who can pull strings for you? Who wrote your letters of recommendation? Are the professor(s) of these classes you are planning to take people who have any relationship with your local medical school? If not, would it be better to bite the bullet and do a year in a postbac program that has a defined relationship with a medical school (i.e. guarantees an interview and lots of students go on to enter that particular med school).

You are not that old (26) if you are a guy. You don't have to worry about having babies, etc. I do think you need to get your priorities in line if you want to give med school apps the full court press, though. Don't do overtime at your job...devote your effort to getting in to medical school. You are going to have to borrow a crapload of money to go to med school anyway and the few extra dollars you make as an EMT are not going to matter...what you want is to get in med school ASAP b/c the tuition just keeps inflating every year.

 

[stephentyler20]

Dragonfly99,

Thanks for taking the time for that response!

I think I've decided to take one of the classes, and not both (Physiology - more interesting and relevant to me). I haven't officially withdrawn from Biochem, but I can't see it working out, especially when the benefit for this app cycle isn't clear at all, and it sounds like too much work.

I also spoke to the physio professor, who said taking one class only or neither would be prudent.

As far as your other comments... Being a Paramedic (not to be rude, but Paramedics have a more comprehensive role in EMS than EMT's, so there is a difference) is my livelihood at this point, not just a means of experience. I'm certainly proud of that fact, but I can only scale back my hours so much - I need the dough! Sadly, overtime is the way of life in this job.

That said, I am absolutely focusing all my efforts on getting into school. Being a medic comes easily now - getting into med school is where my head's at. To that end, I'm upping my rec's this year a bit by soliciting a doc I work with and my former volunteer chief for letters. The master's coursework was supposed to be part of my increased efforts. I'm searching diligently for a research position, but not having much luck.

By the way, these master's classes take place at the close-by medical school, which is one of the reasons I want to take the classes there... I'd love to go to that school! So I'm hoping to meet some people who I can impress enough to put a good word in for me as well... assuming I can get that far. If you have any other specific recommendations as to what else I can do, I'm open!

Frankly, I could forsee applying one more time to med schools if I don't get in this year, but after that, I'm not so sure. I'd probably simultaneously apply for MBA programs and PA schools, and I may even do that this year as well just to give myself options.