<p>Is it correct that astronomy is included in the BCMP gpa? If it is, then would it look suspicious if I took it as a psychology major? What if I just want to be a well-rounded student because honestly, I don't know much about space.</p>
<p>1.) Depends probably on what department it's offered under.</p>
<p>2.) If it's in the physics department and is officially designated as being "for non-majors", it should be avoided.</p>
<p>If you have a genuine interest though, take it. I don't think you should let med schools make all the decisions for you.</p>
<p>See, I happen to think there's enough flexibility in your non-science curriculum that you should in fact let your science curriculum be mostly dictated to you.</p>
<p>You want to take whatever you want outside of your BCPM, knock yourself out. And you want to take interesting but serious courses in it, that's great too. But non-core science classes* are not for premeds to take and should be avoided.</p>
<p>*(Definition: If you were trying to major in that subject, this class would not count towards your major requirements.)</p>
<p>I guess the question here is will you be seen as trying to "pump up" your BCPM GPA by taking this class. From there the question follows, if yes, what sort of detriment would that be to your application?</p>
<p>I guess my feeling is that interests should trump doing things just for medical school purposes. Whether those interests are related to clinical experience, research, extra-curriculars, or classes, the point remains the same. I guess it's easier to see this distinction when people are talking about joining the rugby team vs. going to biology club meetings.</p>
<p>Certainly if someone is doing poorly in their standard BCPM classes, taking a bunch of extra, low-level courses is suspicious, but taking one or two extra? I don't like the idea of being faulted for it. I guess a lot of it comes down to if admissions committees make note of it.</p>
<p>the only way med schools will know that a course is for non-majors is if the title of the course is, for example, "astronomy 15: for non-majors." However, i agree with BRM that taking more than a handful of these courses would look a little suspicious, especially if you are a solid B/C student and suddenly your gpa jumps to like 3.5 in a year.</p>