Paid or Grade Research?

[NuttyEngDude]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

As a non-trad post-bacc in grade repair mode, should I take a grade for my research or credit hours?

The course is a repeatable 3-6 credit hour course called "BIO Undergraduate Research" and while it would be largely overlooked by the med adcoms, I think it would factor in as part of the cGPA (and possibly sGPA since it is listed as biology, not sure on this one though) and contribute to my cause of getting past some initial GPA screening. I'd like some spending money as my lifestyle has significantly downgraded since my non-debt money making days, but I do not want to be penny wise, pound foolish.

And yes it is for a letter grade, not pass/fail 🙂

Any advice?

 

[vc7777]

As a non-trad post-bacc in grade repair mode, should I take a grade for my research or credit hours?

The course is a repeatable 3-6 credit hour course called "BIO Undergraduate Research" and while it would be largely overlooked by the med adcoms, I think it would factor in as part of the cGPA (and possibly sGPA since it is listed as biology, not sure on this one though) and contribute to my cause of getting past some initial GPA screening. I'd like some spending money as my lifestyle has significantly downgraded since my non-debt money making days, but I do not want to be penny wise, pound foolish.

And yes it is for a letter grade, not pass/fail 🙂

Any advice?

Well, first off: Do not forget that the research itself may actually be useful for your application. Optimistically, it may allow you to be more competitive at schools that value research. If nothing else, the exposure can help you decide if you wish to incorporate research into your ultimate professional work.

Only you would know what is better; Money or Credits. But of the two: which is easier for you to acquire? credits/GPA or money? I would hazard a guess that if you are truly in need of GPA-repair that the grade is more important at this stage of the game - especially if your ultimate goal is admissions. This is of course assuming you can get a great grade too. 🙂

Besides, the money is probably trivial - even in the context of the amount of money you will be spending on the whole application process. Then again, if you are eating Raman noodles and ketchup-soup I can see you taking the money....

EDIT: Also, I would be very surprised if it cannot be listed as a science grade. Heck, it has Bio in the title.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

Also, I would be very surprised if it cannot be listed as a science grade. Heck, it has Bio in the title.

Yep, grade it is, and I am enjoying it immensely. 🙂

 

[ejw5075]

.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

I read over my message and for clarity: for continuation of the current research I am doing, I am meaning to write: should i take it for a grade or $$.

🙂

 

[vc7777]

I read over my message and for clarity: for continuation of the current research I am doing, I am meaning to write: should i take it for a grade or $$.

🙂

My vote, for clarity - assuming you are not 100% broke is "grade"

 

[NuttyEngDude]

lol. that's what i understood. thanks vc7777!

 

[PharMed2016]

I would go for the money but that me at this moment. Back in undergrad, I would've done it to better my grades.