premed and challenging courses

[Ansar]

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hi,

As a Physics major, sometimes my options are limited with regards to the type of class I take (say, a calc-based Physics class instead of non-calc based). However, when I have the choice of taking a class, such as, say, Linear algebra, in a more theoretical setting versus a more plug-and-chug setting, to me, the theoretical setting sounds interesting. However, due to the higher rigor of this course, pre-med friends chastise me.

In addition, I've noticed here on SDN, people are always talking about taking easy classes. So, do pre-meds just want an easy way through their college classes?* Do you guys ever think "well, this class is going to be tough, but I really want to learn about it, so what the heck"? Or is that just so far-removed from "reasonable pre-med behavior" than it would rarely occur?

edit: *I understand sometimes these "easy A" classes aren't so easy as expected, but you signed up for the class not with an academic intent but a 'I want an "A" and thats it' intent.

 

[Whatyousay]

People don't get rewarded for trying harder things as much as they get punished for failing at harder things.

And that's why you have that mentality.

 

[NickNaylor]

I would take classes that are more interesting to you. Yes, GPA matters, but I would think that you're more likely to succeed and do well if you're genuinely interested in the material.

 

[flatearth22]

Bottom line = a higher GPA in a "lesser" major and a "lower" school [almost] always beats out a lower GPA in a "greater" major and a "higher" school. I've seen Nutrition majors at CalState schools with really high GPA's and borderline MCAT scores get in to UC med schools over chem and engineering majors at Berkeley with low (3.4) GPA's and high (33-35) MCAT

That being said if you feel that the pleasure derived from learning the theoretical stuff in that class outweighs the risk of doing worse than by all means go for it. But couldn't you just learn that theoretical stuff when you're a surgeon on vacation in a yacht on the Mediterranean?

 

[Web MD]

Ecology vs immunology? Yeah, I went with immuno because seriously, **** plants. When they told me I already had calc credit and I could choose between stats and calc II? I chose to relearn confidence intervals and histograms. Everyone at some point takes an easier class for a solid grade, and everyone has probably at some point taken a somewhat more difficult class over one that would be boring as ****.

 

[Narmerguy]

People don't get rewarded for trying harder things as much as they get punished for failing at harder things.

And that's why you have that mentality.

It's true. Sadly for someone that's not confident about whether they can get into a med school or have super high expectations, this kind of reality is hard to forget.

I would take classes that are more interesting to you. Yes, GPA matters, but I would think that you're more likely to succeed and do well if you're genuinely interested in the material.

Everyone at some point takes an easier class for a solid grade, and everyone has probably at some point taken a somewhat more difficult class over one that would be boring as ****.

To Nick I would say that as a physics major, there's a plenty of classes where if you take them, it is unlikely you will get an A in the class no matter how much you love it or try hard. I imagine this is actually similar also in a lot of humanities classes where professors simply don't even give A's and feel like a C is a good grade (the view of my philosophy professor).

Nonetheless, I have never regretted classes of the nature I've mentioned above. I've really enjoyed the classes despite those sorts of grading policies and even though I've had this boy genius ruining the curve in all my physics courses. However, in addressing WebMD, even though I take these sorts of classes I always pair them up with those sorts of "fluff" classes that I'm most likely going to get an A in (stats being one for me). Sure, I enjoy these classes (I've taken only 2 classes that I didn't enjoy) as well, but I include them over others because I know I can and most likely will get an A in them.

You've got to have a balance. Craft your schedule so that you take those hard but fun and stimulating classes in the same semesters when you've got some softies. This not only allows you more time to devote to the hard stuff, but it keeps your semester GPA ever from really sinking that far. I encourage people to take more classes that challenge and stress them but you have to be smart about it...seek out some softies too.

 

[raltima07]

Ecology vs immunology? Yeah, I went with immuno because seriously, **** plants. When they told me I already had calc credit and I could choose between stats and calc II? I chose to relearn confidence intervals and histograms. Everyone at some point takes an easier class for a solid grade, and everyone has probably at some point taken a somewhat more difficult class over one that would be boring as ****.

I too hate plants lol

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Are you interested enough in Linear Algebra to ensure you will have an A/A- in it? I know that, personally, if I don't find a class interesting, I'm less likely to well in it--even if it isn't difficult. If I am interested, it's easier for me to find the motivation to get a good grade.

 

[Anesthetic]

I've seen Nutrition majors at CalState schools with really high GPA's and borderline MCAT scores get in to UC med schools over chem and engineering majors at Berkeley with low (3.4) GPA's and high (33-35) MCAT

A major in nutrition is by no means an easy major, almost all required "pre-med" classes are also required for nutrition regardless if you want to go to graduate school or not. Also, nutrition like chemistry and biology has a lot of confusing multi-dimensional concepts. So dont rip on my major :]

 

[Lil Mick]

Personally, I always took the "hardest" classes I could. Most of the time, they were easier for me to follow than the "easy" classes where you had to memorize stuff and didn't go in depth with explanations (proofs...). As long as you do well, I don't think it matters that much, except that you will be happier taking courses that interest you (for me, that would be differential geometry or social deviance and control). I've never really understood how people can be content without challenging themselves or pushing the limits on what they can do...

If linear algebra interests you and you won't get a bad grade in it, take the class. Jacobians and eigenvectors can be really useful in understanding multivariate statistics, and they might help you someday when you're pooring over research articles in your field 🙂

 

[JonnyL]

People don't get rewarded for trying harder things as much as they get punished for failing at harder things.

Truth.

 

[Eric01]

As a physics major you'll have PLENTY of challenging courses to take.

To put in perspective, quantum physics and fields and waves made organic chemistry look like elementary english class.

Don't go out of your way, the monster is coming towards you.