I am currently a junior (graduating may 2020), majoring in Nutrition with no minors. However, I do want to minor in biology and I need 3 more upper-level classes to declare a bio minor. Here is the gist of each class:
Class 1: I need an easier version of his class for my major but if I take the harder version it counts for both major and minor
Class 2: a little difficult
Class 3: also difficult but have taken this professor before so it will increase my rapport between us and maybe get me a rec letter
I talked to my academic advisor and she said I can graduate on time even with a minor while taking about 18 hours a semester (for 2 more semesters). I also have enough BIO credits for the prereqs for medical school.
My problem in minoring in bio is I will be studying for my MCAT during the semesters so I don’t want to take too hard classes. also, I have a job so if I take too many hard classes, my class schedule gets all over the place so it doesn’t give me time to work.
My question is: Is going through that much effort for a minor in Biology worth it? Will it be a good asset to my application for medical school?
There are many moving parts to a successful medical school admission. A good GPA with evidence of academic rigor is more important than a minor in biology; then there’s the MCAT, the recommendations, the shadowing, the ECs…it’s a total package, beginning with GPA/MCAT.
From your past posts, it’s clear that you have had a great deal of difficulty earning a strong GPA. You’ve had multiple retakes in your pre-reqs.
What exactly are you trying to accomplish with the bio minor?
Do you need to to boost your sGPA?
Will it allow you to finish your pre-reqs?
Will a bio minor make your more employable should you not get a med school school admission?
Med schools are not going care if you have bio minor or not. Having one will not improve your chances for a med school admission.
Your #1 goal is have a strong GPA and a great MCAT.
What exactly are you trying to accomplish with the bio minor?
-Honestly, nothing. I only need about 3 classes to declare a bio minor so thought it would be worth a shot.
Do you need to to boost your sGPA?
- Yes I do. I’m not applying to med school anytime soon so I was thinking of a masters or a post-bacc after graduation.
Will it allow you to finish your pre-reqs?
- I am actually done with my pre-reqs for medical school. Not having this minor will still fulfil my biology requirements.
Will a bio minor make your more employable should you not get a med school school admission?
- I want to take some time and maybe do a post-bacc or do a research internship or be a scribe and then apply for medical school so no, I wont need this minor for those plans.
- Do NOT take your MCAT until you are close to finishing your post-bacc. MCAT scores are forever. Any and all MCAT scores you earn will be sent to every med school you apply to–even if they’re old & expired. Most med schools average all MCAT attempts (even expired scores) and use the average as your “real” MCAT score.
MCAT scores are only valid for 3 years from the test date. If you take it next year, then do a post-bacc, it will probably expire before you can use it.
Lastly, there are annual and lifetime limits on the number of MCAT sittings you’re allowed. If you know you don’t have a competitive application, don’t take the MCAT and use up one of your attempts. Wait until your CV is polished and you’re ready to apply.
- If you think taking 3 additional bio classes will help raise your sGPA (you’re sure you’ll get As) and it won’t increase your undergrad debt – go ahead and add the minor.