I'm starting a post-bacc in the fall and my advisor suggested that I only take 9 hours. Should I be taking more to prove to admissions committees that I can handle it?
Should I be taking more than 9 hours in my Post-bacc?
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what classes are they?
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I have struggled with this question as well. I ultimately decided the fewer hours were a necessary evil. I came to the conclusion that making an A in every class was not optional. If it meant taking fewer hours (the fewest I ever took was 10), so be it. GPA, however, is not the weak part of my application. I used those semesters to beef up clinical experience and volunteer work which were severely lacking. If I am ever put on the spot, I don't think it will be difficult to make a case for this decision. On the other hand, overloading my self with classes and being forced to take some Bs may not even give me the chance to do the explaining. This is likely the rationale used by the councilor giving you the suggestion.
The previous poster has excellent advice - don't blindly take a max of 9 hours because someone has arbitrarily decided on this number. No one knows you better than you. Besides, if three of those hours are freshman biology or something similar - feel free to take more if you think you are able. I use that class as an example because it required far less time than general or organic chemistry.
The previous poster has excellent advice - don't blindly take a max of 9 hours because someone has arbitrarily decided on this number. No one knows you better than you. Besides, if three of those hours are freshman biology or something similar - feel free to take more if you think you are able. I use that class as an example because it required far less time than general or organic chemistry.
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thats pretty good advice. it honestly is your own predeliction. Do you also intend to finish this post-bac in a year or two? Adcoms do appreciate students who can handle a large workload of intense classes, but not if that means you're going to kill urself doing it and have your grades suffer.
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favored said:
If you are overcoming a low GPA you need to show adcoms that you can handle a rigorous course load so you need to take the necessary credits to be considered a full-time student. Med school is going to be way harder. I went through this process and adcoms have told me that exact advice.
Tooth
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An issue that I'm dealing with when it comes to this problem is working part-time, in addition to engaging in clinical and volunteer experience. What are everyone's recommendations when it comes to this? I would like to work part-time to have some pocket money (esp. since my parents are currently supporting me), take 2 sciences per semester, plus volunteer work. However, I am also keen on avoiding the glide year and would like to finish in a year and a summer.
Another complication - I have a B and a C for 2 semesters of advanced biology from my undergrad years. Should I retake bio? If I do, I may not be able to avoid the glide year. If I don't, I can....please help.
Another complication - I have a B and a C for 2 semesters of advanced biology from my undergrad years. Should I retake bio? If I do, I may not be able to avoid the glide year. If I don't, I can....please help.
