Question About Taking Grad Classes

[Nutmegger]

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I'm currently taking a full course load of masters degree biology classes this semester as a non-matriculated, non-degree student for my own interest. In other words, I'm not currently enrolled as a full time student in the Masters biology program at the local university, and I have no real desire in continuing beyond this semester to pursue a master's degree.

My question is: how would the admission officials for medical schools perceive it if I just took graduate classes for one semester? For example, I have heard anecdotally that med school adcoms don't like it when an applicant starts a graduate program and then subsequently drops out, believing that is shows a lack of commitment. However, in my case, I was never formally enrolled in the graduate program to begin with; I'm just taking classes as a non-matriculated student. So would this still be perceived negatively?

Thank you for any advice.

 

[Catalystik]

I'm currently taking a full course load of masters degree biology classes this semester as a non-matriculated, non-degree student for my own interest. In other words, I'm not currently enrolled as a full time student in the Masters biology program at the local university, and I have no real desire in continuing beyond this semester to pursue a master's degree.

My question is: how would the admission officials for medical schools perceive it if I just took graduate classes for one semester? For example, I have heard anecdotally that med school adcoms don't like it when an applicant starts a graduate program and then subsequently drops out, believing that is shows a lack of commitment. However, in my case, I was never formally enrolled in the graduate program to begin with; I'm just taking classes as a non-matriculated student. So would this still be perceived negatively?

Thank you for any advice.

This coursework would be viewed as "Postbac" and should be entered onto the application as such (rather than designating it as "Grad"). It will be included in your overall undergrad GPA along with your college classes. There is no negative ramification to taking such coursework when you are not an advanced degree candidate.

 

[Nutmegger]

This coursework would be viewed as "Postbac" and should be entered onto the application as such (rather than designating it as "Grad"). It will be included in your overall undergrad GPA along with your college classes. There is no negative ramification to taking such coursework when you are not an advanced degree candidate.

Are you sure about this? I just checked the AMCAS website and it said this:

Assign Graduate (GR) status to any professional or graduate-level course work that is not applied to an undergraduate degree.

I already have a bachelor's degree; I'm not enrolled in any specific graduate program, and I am currently taking graduate classes as a non-matriculated, non-degree student. Accordingly, since the graduate courses are not being applied to an undergraduate degree, they still have to be assigned graduate status (and NOT postbac status) and are counted towards graduate GPA.

 

[Catalystik]

I already have a bachelor's degree.

I believe the classes still be would be considered as Postbac if your transcript doesn't designate the classes as Graduate (as you are supposed to enter them the same way they appear on the transcript). Schools often charge more if they think the classes are "graduate level" than they do otherwise. Would they have any reason to think you might continue and attain degree-seeking status?

If they are labeled as Graduate, you might still consider calling AMCAS to clarify this, since you are not an advanced degree candidate, as it seems odd that the same level course before the baccalaureate and after would not be considered in the same category, if you are not in a masters program. I expect the main reason this would make a difference for you is if you're trying to boost your uGPA.

Regardless of the categoy (PB vs GR) since you are not a masters candidate, there is no predjudice against you in the application process for taking only one semester's worth for your own interest.