Taking a course in your major Pass/Fail?

[Ja3ger]

---

Members do not see this ad.

For a friend:

If you major in Biology and have already fulfilled all of the pre-reqs (including several additional upper-level Biology courses), how does it look if you take another Biology course (that's required by your major) pass/fail?

Also, we're talking about this semester (Fall), and my friend has already submitted AMCAS and applied.

Thanks

 

[kyamh]

Your friend is probably fine. The schools he or she is applying to are going to make their decision based on their academic record before this semester.

 

[TriagePreMed]

It should be reserved for classes where you'll get a "C" otherwise. Getting P/F in optional classes is not seen positively.

 

[Ja3ger]

Getting P/F in optional classes is not seen positively.

You sure about this? Even if it encouraged the student to take a class way beyond his comfort level in a completely different department? In this sense, I think that *sometimes* P/F can be a good thing - which is why, at least in my experience, there are many premeds who take only the easiest non-required courses.

 

[theseeker4]

You sure about this? Even if it encouraged the student to take a class way beyond his comfort level in a completely different department? In this sense, I think that *sometimes* P/F can be a good thing - which is why, at least in my experience, there are many premeds who take only the easiest non-required courses.

If you are otherwise strong, it is unlikely to hurt you. If your record indicates you are likely taking it pass fail to avoid further GPA damage, it could have a negative impact. An Adcom could look at it as challenging him or her self, or they could look at it as being unable to hack it for a real grade...depends on who you talk to I am sure. Safest thing to do is take the class for a grade and do well.

 

[TriagePreMed]

You sure about this? Even if it encouraged the student to take a class way beyond his comfort level in a completely different department? In this sense, I think that *sometimes* P/F can be a good thing - which is why, at least in my experience, there are many premeds who take only the easiest non-required courses.

I don't think an otherwise good applicant will be rejected solely on this. However, P/F that are taking willingly leave room for questioning how well the student performed. If you have to do P/F for a class you can't handle and isn't required, don't take that class.

 

[Aerus]

For a friend:

If you major in Biology and have already fulfilled all of the pre-reqs (including several additional upper-level Biology courses), how does it look if you take another Biology course (that's required by your major) pass/fail?

Also, we're talking about this semester (Fall), and my friend has already submitted AMCAS and applied.

Thanks

I'm surprised they let your friend take a required major course for P/F. You cannot do that at my school.