Value of Specialization/Concentration

[Markobenin]

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I am finishing up with my Biomedical Engineering degree after this Spring quarter along with minors in Management and Biology at UC Irvine. I am currently enrolled in the final BME class of an "optics" series to obtain a Specialization in Biophotonics. However, this class is very difficult, time consuming (weekly homework) and a burden to my already difficult 22 unit load. I am debating whether to drop this class or not and just forget about the specialization. Is there any value in doing it and obtaining this additional "concentration"?

As far as GPA goes, it would have a negligible impact by +0.003 (provided that I even get an A) - 3.825 cGPA w/o the class to 3.828 cGPA with the class.

Any suggestions? I feel like this added specialization to my degree will be irrelevant on my application for when I apply to MD school next year, but I would like a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[RySerr21]

I am finishing up with my Biomedical Engineering degree after this Spring quarter along with minors in Management and Biology at UC Irvine. I am currently enrolled in the final BME class of an "optics" series to obtain a Specialization in Biophotonics. However, this class is very difficult, time consuming (weekly homework) and a burden to my already difficult 22 unit load. I am debating whether to drop this class or not and just forget about the specialization. Is there any value in doing it and obtaining this additional "concentration"?

As far as GPA goes, it would have a negligible impact by +0.003 (provided that I even get an A) - 3.825 cGPA w/o the class to 3.828 cGPA with the class.

Any suggestions? I feel like this added specialization to my degree will be irrelevant on my application for when I apply to MD school next year, but I would like a second opinion. Thanks!

you are correct. its irrelevant. If the class is a burden on you and you are not doing welll, then drop it.

 

[Alvarez13]

you are correct. its irrelevant. If the class is a burden on you and you are not doing welll, then drop it.

Agreed. Minors are absolutely worthless as a "resume/application" booster. They're good if it's something you're interested in and want to learn more. I was mech engineering and did a minor in biomechanics because I found it really fascinating. It has come up 0 times in my interviews (both work after I graduated and during the med school app process).

Don't stress yourself out any more than you have to (med school will give you plenty of it). Instead, ace the rest of your classes and use the extra free time to work on your drinking 😀

 

[Markobenin]

That's what I like to hear! I've been living by the beach in Newport all year and have hardly had the chance to enjoy it. I think I'll go in and drop this nonsense tomorrow! Thanks for the advice 😉