Quick question: take cell biology online and keep working in lab? Or opposite?

[warypremed]

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Kind of iffy on this:

Should I try and make a case to take cell biology online at my university in fall 2011, so I can keep working in a research lab at a prominent teaching hospital? I am doing actual research, not just all lab upkeep and autoclaving, that just comes with being part of the lab. I've been in the lab since August 2010, and we're developing a paper that I should be coauthored on. I don't think my co-authorship will depend on whether or not I continue next year, but I enjoy working in the lab. People are great, the stuff I'm working on is interesting, gives me chances for good networking, etc. I should be continuing through at least the summer (assuming my funding is granted...)

My only concerns are...

A) I don't think the course will be listed as online in my transcript, but has anyone here taken cell biology online? Is this the kind of class that would be fine to take without sit-down lectures? If admissions can't see it on the transcript, will they ever know unless you tell them? I think this also loses the opportunity for a letter of recommendation, IMO.

B) I have essentially 0 clinical experience. I'm entering my senior year and only recently decided to pursue an MD/PhD, so am somewhat late in the game. I think my research portion will be fine (working in my current lab + summer internship at Harvard, where my letter of recommendation should be fine + another small semester project in organic chemistry), but I need to find time to do something clinical... not working in the lab would probably allow this. I don't know how you crazy people do it all at once.

C) My GPA is on the lower side: ~3.5 cumulative, ~3.2 science; I could give you a whole explanation on why science is so low, but that's for another day... it is on the rise though. So I really need other aspects of my application to be strong, particularly the research experience. I think staying in the lab would definitely pay off, but working there is also a pretty heavy burden on my bank account. I work ~25 hrs/wk + full course load, and the commute is pretty long; costs around $250/month for gas and parking. Fortunately this year I've gotten a small monthly stipend that was graciously set up by my PI and will be listed as a scholarship, but I don't know if this will continue next year. I've looked at other funding opportunities but they are scarce, including at my university.


I suppose it's possible to take cell biology on campus, but it is right in the middle of the afternoon, so taking in the commute it seems kind of a waste to drive to lab then come back only after a couple of hours. For those who work in a cellular/molecular biology lab, I'm sure you know experiments often take the entire day, or require waiting...

Initial thoughts anyone? Just want an opinion on what you'd do. I DO plan on taking a year off either for possibly a fellowship or a job (possibly NIH IRTA/Academy) while applying to schools, FYI.

Thanks!
😀

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

do you need the cell bio class in the fall? is the afternoon the only time it is offered that semester?

as a budding MD/PhD applicant, i think your priorities should be:
1. GPA. yours are in the lower range for MD/PhD.
2. Clinical. You have zero, and you need some, even for combined degree programs. Also, you don't want to do this last minute.
3. Research. What you have done so far sounds adequate. Your proposed additional year will make you solid.

i only mention these things because it sounds like you are commuting and probably spreading yourself a little thin between your classes and research. and when do you expect to get clinical? i would consider if you actually NEED to take this class in the fall and how intense of a schedule you would have. maybe shuffle some classes around or develop a nontraditional work schedule. your research position sounds pretty good, so try to hold onto that for awhile.

i would steer away from an online course while enrolled in undergrad: it just seems a bit odd to me, personally, but i guess people do it. anyway, my understanding is that ALL college level coursework must be listed on your application (it may or may not be indicated as "online" but it definitely should appear on a transcript).

 

[raltima07]

For my school, it doesn't show up as "online"

 

[warypremed]

do you need the cell bio class in the fall? is the afternoon the only time it is offered that semester?

Yep, it's required for my major. And unfortunately that's the only time it's offered.

i only mention these things because it sounds like you are commuting and probably spreading yourself a little thin between your classes and research. and when do you expect to get clinical? i would consider if you actually NEED to take this class in the fall and how intense of a schedule you would have. maybe shuffle some classes around or develop a nontraditional work schedule. your research position sounds pretty good, so try to hold onto that for awhile.

Thanks for the advice. The commute isn't TERRIBLE, but it's a serious pain, that's for sure. Other classes will be 2 anthropology, microbiology, and a biology seminar course. This is pretty similar to what I'm doing now. Work+classes has been okay so far and my grades should turn out fine, but there's always room for a bit more dedication to my studies... my biggest dilemma is getting the clinical. I've been trying to figure out how to work both into my schedule but it's been tough this year since I've been working in the lab so much, and just started a Kaplan MCAT course on the weekends. Ideally, I would rather take the course on-campus. I guess I should talk with my PI about how much he expects of me regarding work hours. He is really accommodating, so we'll see what happens.

Appreciate the response!

 

[deleted357625]

For my school, it doesn't show up as "online"

Yea i know what your talking about. Go for it, i think that's how my physics class is going to be and it doesn't show up as an "online" class because it technically is both.