Upper Levels vs Senior Thesis

[srs33]

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I'm new to this forum and just wanted some input. Currently my science GPA and overall GPA are both around 3.2. I've been doing research for the past 2 1/2 years and I have the opportunity to do a senior thesis. The thesis is graded so I figured that this would be a good opportunity to raise both of my GPAs but I've heard that adcoms would much rather see an A in a harder, upper level science class rather than an A in a research course. Should I do a thesis my senior year or take more upper levels?? I'm waiting a year or 2 and then applying to medical school to get a better chance at admission.

Thanks!!

 

[DrEnderW]

If it was me, I would complete your research and top things off with a thesis. Perhaps this will even be able to be used for a publication?

I'm assuming your research course is upper level on your transcript and I know my GPA thoroughly benefited from 8 credits worth of As in research senior year. Take a biochem class or molec bio during your gap years if you're really interested in upper level courses. In my opinion, research begets more research opportunities, which will serve to make you more competitive and round out your CV later on.

Good luck!

 

[PanRoasted]

I doubt adcoms would care that much about another bio or chemistry course added on top of the things you've already done. A senior thesis is something you could actually talk about during an interview, and the GPA boost is good whether from research or science.

 

[plumhill]

I would do both, assuming you can manage it. If you can't then I'd go for the thesis.