Taking a low level class?

[Daydream46]

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Ok, well its getting time to pick out my classes for next semester...

and I have to take orgo lab, and 2 other upper level bio electives for my major.

but in addition to that I need to take some additional credits to graduate.. just any classes I want

So instead of taking a random sociology, dance or other class I was thinking of taking "Chem for life" which is below Gen Chem, so it should be pretty darn easy for me (its a 100 level class for non science majors)...and should help my science GPA... but I mean is it going to look like I am trying to pull a fast one over on the adcom? Id just rather take something like that anyway.. but the effect on my science GPA doesn't hurt.

Good idea? Bad idea? Neutral?

 

[I'mFillingFine]

The admissions committee does carefully look at what you've done to challenge yourself, especially in the sciences. If you are worried about raising your GPA, I would either take a higher science that you're very fascinated in and motivated for (doesn't have to be a 500+ level, but I don't know; a 200-level medicinal plant class that looks interesting to you) or, perhaps a better idea, take a non-science course that you know you can do well in. You mentioned dance, or something else you won't have a chance to take but isn't obvious that it's JUST there for a GPA booster and will not be a learning experience. If you do well, it will boost your GPA and is a chance to take something interesting that isnt related to what you'll study in dental school.

Basically, if you take a LOWER science level than you've already taken, especially if it is for non-science majors, it will be very obvious that you've just done it for a grade boost. And if that professor ends up being a tool and gives one exam that you happen to get a C on (and no other grades), you've screwed yourself over for no benefit.

 

[burgler09]

I understand you want to somehow show your interest in chemistry to the adcoms by taking a "not-so-everyday" chem class, but I don't think they will quite see it like that because it is just such a low level class. I personally don't think you would get an fufillment out of that class... you will be doing things like calculating molar mass.. You don't have a bad idea, but it would be a better idea to take something that is a big higher of a level. Also, maybe take something to catch and adcoms eye like a foreign language you have always been interested in (if any) or just something out of the ordinary that, if in an interview were brought up you could have a nice interesting story about. Just my .02 good luck!

 

[Daydream46]

Thanks guys! Yeah I am already going to take 2 high level sciences and orgo lab... so I just needed another thing to keep me at full time and give me enough credits to graduate... I dont think I want to risk taking on another high level course with the other 2 and orgo lab... but maybe another Comp. Lit class or something...

Thanks

 

[ak47]

maybe you could try an art class - like sculpting or ceramics. apparently they like good grades in those classes

 

[Daydream46]

maybe you could try an art class - like sculpting or ceramics. apparently they like good grades in those classes

good call!!! I heard those classes at RU are no joke (because apparently the engineers have to take them or something...) but I'm going to check it out!!! Great idea!