Specialization in degree

[Valtun]

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I came in to college with a couple extra classes taken care of due to high school credit so I am able to take some more classes farther along in undergrad and realized that some of the classes I'll be taking coincides with classes required to complete a specialization in my degree.

Basically, if I were to complete these classes I would graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a specialization in Cell/Molecular Biology as opposed to just a B.S. in Biology. Outside of the classes I have already taken and what I already plan on taking regardless of specialization, I would have to take 2 extra labs and choose 2 out of the 3 (Biochem 2, Virology, Molecular Biology) These 3 courses are the 400 level courses at my institution and would limit my choices of what I want to take.

What I'm asking is that is it worth it at all for admissions that I have this specialization? Will it mean anything? I am interested in these classes and the specialization itself but if at the end of the day means nothing to admissions then I would love not to have to take 2 extra labs and have more choice on what upper level classes I would like to take.


Thanks and sorry if it's confusing at all!

 

[Catalystik]

I came in to college with a couple extra classes taken care of due to high school credit so I am able to take some more classes farther along in undergrad and realized that some of the classes I'll be taking coincides with classes required to complete a specialization in my degree.

Basically, if I were to complete these classes I would graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a specialization in Cell/Molecular Biology as opposed to just a B.S. in Biology. Outside of the classes I have already taken and what I already plan on taking regardless of specialization, I would have to take 2 extra labs and choose 2 out of the 3 (Biochem 2, Virology, Molecular Biology) These 3 courses are the 400 level courses at my institution and would limit my choices of what I want to take.

1) What I'm asking is that is it worth it at all for admissions that I have this specialization?
2) Will it mean anything? I am interested in these classes and the specialization itself but if at the end of the day means nothing to admissions then I would love not to have to take 2 extra labs and have more choice on what upper level classes I would like to take.

1) Adcomms won't care if you earn it or not.

2) No. Take the classes if you want too, not because they will do you any good in the admissions process. But be sure to earn A grades so your GPA isn't negatively affected, as it would be a downside to let your GPA drop from higher level classes.

 

[freedoctor17]

Your major doesn't matter. Take classes you'll enjoy instead.

 

[Valtun]

1) Adcomms won't care if you earn it or not.

2) No. Take the classes if you want too, not because they will do you any good in the admissions process. But be sure to earn A grades so your GPA isn't negatively affected, as it would be a downside to let your GPA drop from higher level classes.

Your major doesn't matter. Take classes you'll enjoy instead.

Alright, so if I do go along with this I'll be switching Microbiology lab out and taking Anatomy lab. Is microbiology lab a huge deal breaker for medical schools? Is it a hard requirement for any medical school? I checked my state schools quickly and none say anything about it being required but from what I heard from people it looks good? Not really sure.


Thank you.

 

[sunshine859]

Never took microbiology (class or lab) and applied to 25 MD schools. It wasn't a pre-req at any of them. I haven't seen any schools where microbiology is required.

 

[deleted480308]

No one cares

(Gpa=mcat)>everything

 

[Catalystik]

Alright, so if I do go along with this I'll be switching Microbiology lab out and taking Anatomy lab. Is microbiology lab a huge deal breaker for medical schools? Is it a hard requirement for any medical school? I checked my state schools quickly and none say anything about it being required but from what I heard from people it looks good? Not really sure.

Anatomy is more difficult than Microbiology. You might check RateMyProfessor or some such to see what's said about each at your school.