Non-Matric Grad work OR Post-bacc UG courses?

[mbe36]

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Post-bacc UG courses > Non-matric Grad?

I am applying this cycle and have a dilema.

I am currently enrolled to take a Pathology + Lab course in my school's Pathology Department as a non-matriculated Grad student. However, I seem to be reading a lot of unfavorable reviews about non-matriculated graduate work. It has caused me to question my plan and seriously consider taking more undergrad(UG) courses and work part-time. I would take upper-level science courses.

Many people seem to indicate the grades awarded in Grad courses are less relevant than UG courses. Also, I would be able to improve my UG GPA if I take the post-bacc UG courses.

What type of courseload should I take?

Stats:

3.43 cGPA 3.3 sGPA Strong upward trend Jun/Sen year. I did not dip below 3.6 for those four semesters. These semesters also included many upper-level science courses.

29 N (10bs 10ps 9vr)

EC's: Semester of research, extensive shadowing (PC, EM, Neuro, Gen Surg), 1 yr Ronald McDonald House, 1 yr Director of inner-city tutoring progam, Board member for pre-med assoc., 20hr of work per week, peer notetaker for disabled students, Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society, currently volunteering at a clinic for uninsured patients (LOTS of patient contact) and a few other random

 

[Mobius1985]

It's my understanding that if you are not a candidate for a graduate degree, any coursework you take will be included in your undergrad calculation, including graduate-level courses. What type of coursework should you take? IMO you should take courses similiar to those offered in medical school, to prove you can perform well in the relevant sciences. It doesn't matter how light the semester hours are, just as long as you get all As. Happily, you've already demonstrated an upward trend in your grades. That will help you too.


Your MCAT is just below the mean of accepted student's scores. You could consider retaking to broaden the schools that will consider your application.

The good news: I'd consider that you have very strong ECs which will cause some schools to overlook your below-average stats. Some state schools might take you as you are without further improvement.

 

[mbe36]

It's my understanding that if you are not a candidate for a graduate degree, any coursework you take will be included in your undergrad calculation, including graduate-level courses. What type of coursework should you take? IMO you should take courses similiar to those offered in medical school, to prove you can perform well in the relevant sciences. It doesn't matter how light the semester hours are, just as long as you get all As. Happily, you've already demonstrated an upward trend in your grades. That will help you too.

quote]


I was planning on taking neurobio, cell conduction, osteology....and possibly some other upper-level UG science courses.

 

[Mobius1985]

Those sound like excellent choices.

 

[mbe36]

Thanks for the input, Mobius!

Does anyone elde have an opinion? I would like to hear because I have to back out of the Grad course ASAP due to the fact that it starts next Monday (8/18). I want to give the professor fair warning that I am backing out. I am actually a bit worried because he is one of my LOR authors and went out of his way to get me in the class in the first places. Yikes...

 

[mbe36]

BUMP...Please help 🙂

 

[mbe36]

Any other opinions???

 

[Psych1985]

Can you only fit in one class at a time? If the professor went out of his way to get you in then it might not be a good idea to back out. If you could, I'd say stay in the grad class and add an UG class. If asked why you did this you could explain why you were interested in the class and you had a good experience with the professor, maybe it parallels with your specific interests?

 

[mbe36]

A lot of it boils down to which route will have a greater positive effect on my app.

I just see more pluses to the UG course route, at this point. I just do not want to put uneccessary effort into the grad class if there are other opportunities to improve my application during this cycle.

 

[mbe36]

Can you only fit in one class at a time? If the professor went out of his way to get you in then it might not be a good idea to back out. If you could, I'd say stay in the grad class and add an UG class. If asked why you did this you could explain why you were interested in the class and you had a good experience with the professor, maybe it parallels with your specific interests?

I also plan to volunteer and work part-time. So, more grad classes would not be possible. Plus, I am not cleared to take any other courses as a non-matriculant.

 

[mbe36]

Bump...I have received PM's from 2 other members in a similar situation.