Working when you return

[heartsink]

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Specifically aimed at non-trads who worked while they took their pre reqs and got accepted: how much (hours / week) were you working while you took classes? What kind of gpas did you come out with?

I had planned on quitting my retail job when I begin classes again next January but I unexpectedly got an interview for a job offer for a paid research position at a nearby hospital. I couldn't imagine a better opportunity to build experience and network but I don't want my gpa to suffer for it. Obviously right now it's all hypothetical as I haven't been offered anything but I wanted to hear some thoughts, thanks in advance for any input

 

[Balantidiumcoli]

I'm not accepted but maybe this could prove to be of some value:

When I first started two years ago I was working ~ 40 hour weeks with a full science course load (stupid as hell in hind sight) Wound up with a 3.06 (28 credits).

This past year I cut my hours down to ~ 16 - 24 hours a week while doing a full science course load and bumped up to 3.50 (29 credits).

I think it varies with how rigorous the classes you plan on taking are but finding a work-school balance is really important and to be honest I really had to sharpen up a few of my study skills.

 

[pretzels]

I should note the position is 20 hours a week, definitely not a full time deal. So that actually makes me feel a bit more confident about this if you had more luck with a lighter work schedule.

Were you taking full time course loads after you dropped your hours?

 

[Balantidiumcoli]

Yep.

 

[pretzels]

Cool. Well that's encouraging, thanks for posting. Anyone else?

 

[dfib slim]

.

 

[ClinPathDO]

Specifically aimed at non-trads who worked while they took their pre reqs and got accepted: how much (hours / week) were you working while you took classes? What kind of gpas did you come out with?

I had planned on quitting my retail job when I begin classes again next January but I unexpectedly got an interview for a job offer for a paid research position at a nearby hospital. I couldn't imagine a better opportunity to build experience and network but I don't want my gpa to suffer for it. Obviously right now it's all hypothetical as I haven't been offered anything but I wanted to hear some thoughts, thanks in advance for any input

I worked full time as a lab assistant while taking a full course load every semester for about 3 years as a post bach then SMP student. While I didn't complete my pre reqs I took advanced coursework and did very well. It took a great deal of time management and many sleepless nights but I think I learned how to study much better this way then in undergrad. In medical school you have to learn how to study after being in class 8-5 so if anything it will help you when that time comes.