I have the opportunity to teach a section of general biology 2 in the fall. It would entail going to the main lecture 3 x a week, running 3 discussion sections, and grading tests/quizzes. I would enjoy doing it and would get 3 credits for doing so. I know that this is an excellent extracurricular, however I am slightly worried about only being in 11-12 "Academic credits". You see, I plan to take 14-15 credits total, however 3 would be for this class, which isn't really "academic credit" in the traditional sense. I could always switch this class out for some 3 credit upper cell bio course. So what do you think? Would taking this class be advantageous or deleterious in terms of admissions. Thanks. 🙂
Should I teach a section of gen bio?
- Thread starter Iapyx
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Do you get a grade for it? If it's an easy A, some undergrads get an easy A for doing research, do it. Totally do it.
If its pass or fail, it's a waste of time.
If the teacher is a boss and a letter of rec from him/her would carry weight, then yea. It may be worth it, maybe.
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It could be a cool experience and look good on your med school app, so I say that you should do it.
A note of caution in case you aren't aware: In academics there is a concept called "instructor of record." This is the person who has the final authority in terms of planning the class, assigning the grades, etc.
If you are going to someone else's lectures three times a week, I'm guessing that you aren't going to be the instructor of record for your section. When you describe this activity in your application, it wouldn't be true to say that you taught the class. Instead (if you want to be honest) you have to say that you were the Teacher's Assistant (or whatever your real title was) for a class taught by Professor _____.
A note of caution in case you aren't aware: In academics there is a concept called "instructor of record." This is the person who has the final authority in terms of planning the class, assigning the grades, etc.
If you are going to someone else's lectures three times a week, I'm guessing that you aren't going to be the instructor of record for your section. When you describe this activity in your application, it wouldn't be true to say that you taught the class. Instead (if you want to be honest) you have to say that you were the Teacher's Assistant (or whatever your real title was) for a class taught by Professor _____.
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Teaching has been one of my memorable experiences in UG. The "ah ha" moment that your students will undoubtly experience is truly priceless. Furthermore, it's an interesting position to stand in front of the room to teach.
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At worst, this would look neutral on your app but it could help you. Especially if you have any inclination of practicing medicine at an academic hospital, where teaching becomes a big part of doctoring.
From my experience (formerly taught), a lot of medical schools really liked that I had experience teaching, as I will be teaching patients in the clinical part of my career (and, obviously, teaching while I'm a researcher)... However, if you don't think that you will be able to devote your time to it without academic issues in other classes, it might be worth reconsidering.
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I've instructed/TA'ed something like 7 courses over the past 4 years. I would say that it was a very good experience. Do it. 👍
Sorry for the delay in responding... But to those who have posted, did you take a full credit load (15 credits or so) in addition to your job as an AI. It is something I really want to do and think it could be a great experience, but it could also be overwhelming. I am still trying to decide. Thanks!
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You forgot the part about dealing with some obnoxious premeds and their grade-grubbing abilities. Aside from that, I think that it is a good opportunity.
Nice. I personally am confident that I can pull a 4.0 at 14-16 credits. Anything over that and it might drop, which is an unnecessary risk. But more power to ya.
So here's an update. The semester in reference will be just before I take the MCAT and apply. I can either teach this section or take molecular bio. I've heard that mol bio is good on mcat and would be a good looking a on my app. However, I think teaching this course would be a good experience and imagine I will go that route. Unless anyone thinks that molecular bio is a must... Thanks for the insight
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Too bad it is preceded with "huh?....blah blah blah doesn't listen to what you just said"
