Value of TA'ing next year? Also weighted majors?

[magictouch]

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Hi, does anyone have experience with the value on a medical school application of working as a Teaching Assistant as opposed to other jobs/ECs like research? How much would this vary depending on whether one TA's an engineering class as opposed to a class like general/organic chemistry?

Also, do medical schools compensate at all for the difference in difficulties between majors? In which case, would a 3.5 Eng major look better or worse than a 3.7 Bio major when applying?

Thanks for all the input.

 

[5lippy]

Being a TA is fun! On the side, it shows that you've had experience w/ teaching--which is an extremely important quality for physicians. Physicians teach other physicians, and they teach their patients how to practice good health. I think it's more valuable than shadowing or doing menial volunteer work. I've been TA-ing for a couple years, and I think it helped me get into some of the schools that I applied to, for sure.

But do it because you like it. TA-ing is as much for the students as it is for yourself. You're not gonna do them any good if you just sit there and teach because it's your job. You gotta love it! And in return, your students will love you.

 

[Josh7]

I'm TAing an intro electrical engineering class right now and it's pretty awesome. The pay is excellent and the work is pretty minimal. It's leadership and teaching experience so it looks good.

 

[plumhill]

Hi, does anyone have experience with the value on a medical school application of working as a Teaching Assistant as opposed to other jobs/ECs like research? How much would this vary depending on whether one TA's an engineering class as opposed to a class like general/organic chemistry?

Also, do medical schools compensate at all for the difference in difficulties between majors? In which case, would a 3.5 Eng major look better or worse than a 3.7 Bio major when applying?

Thanks for all the input.

Question 1: I think TAing, regardless of the course, is a good idea. If you can TA a BCPM course that's relevant (chemistry, anatomy, etc) then that's an added plus since you get to refresh on the material as you are TAing. That being said, pick and choose the course wisely; some can be really annoying to TA

Question 2: sometimes. It's recognized that an engineering major is more challenging than other majors students present with. But that being said, your aim should always be to pick a major that you truly enjoy and one in which you perform as well as you can.

 

[cortana431]

I'm going to be a TA for biology lab next semester and I'm pretty excited. I'm not getting paid but I get 2 credits and a grade which nearly all here get an A. Definitely go for it if you have the chance!