I am an Incoming freshmen at my state university and am on the pre-med track. I am aware that it is a bit early to think about applications, but just wondering, when applying to medical schools, do they consider the GPA only, or thoroughly look through your transcript/record for honors courses or a heavy course load to see that you challenged yourself.
For example, in my university, I am placed into an advanced molecular science sequence that finishes within 3 semesters while the regular gen chem sequence finishes within 4 semesters. While this does seem great, will the medical school admissions even consider that I challenged myself here? I can undoubtedly maintain an A- or A in both classes, however, I am nervous that the extra stress won’t do me any good. Also, this is only the second year that they have implemented such a course so the curriculum itself is a bit chaotic and I have not heard the best things about the professor either.
Also, would taking the lower course, gen chem, put me at a disadvantage?
Basic Question: Do medical schools evaluate the transcripts and academic coursework thoroughly or is it just the GPA and the letter grades that matter? Not the coursework. Please keep in mind that I will regardless be having the same course load (15-18 credits here are the norm and 18 = max) - its just I would be under a bit less stress and could enjoy what college has to offer (like a job hopefully) much more leniently rather then stressing myself out.
By the way, I am aware that its a bit too early but I am just trying to lay out all my options. The advanced gen chem sequence is something that I like since I enjoy chem, but maybe the extra time offered in the regular gen chem sequence would help me on my MCAT too - or vice versa - where the extra time offered by the advanced chem sequence could offer me an extra semester course I can take in a specific subject have trouble in.
Any help is appreciated and any other suggestions too! Thanks all
Oversimplified answer: only the grades matter assuming a full, standard course load is present.
If a quick scan of the course titles makes it clear your transcript is a joke that’s one thing, but taking the super advanced courses over the standard intros doesn’t get you any points, especially not the kind that compensate for a bad GPA
in your example, if your school allows you to take regular gen chem as a pre med (for example if what you really mean is chem for non science majors then you probably can’t) then take it if you want. If you want to take advanced chem you should do that though. For example I didn’t take a single Chen/physics/math course beyond the minimum required of me for my degree (after using AP scores to skip a couple classes).
This is very individual and school dependant. Son took “honors” chem 1 and 2 that was more difficult and had more credits. He didn’t have to. But he likes chemistry and probably would of been bored with regular chem. He had smaller classes and got a great research opportunity out of it which he wouldn’t have gotten if he took regular course. He also got to know his professor really well since it was 50 people class instead of a regular 200 people course. But from what I seen so far, just by taking an easier course you don’t necessarily guarantee yourself an A.
I do not think that rigor is important, GPA is important.
Honors classes though are not more rigorous, they are a bit more work with the benefit of having more accessible prof. If in doubt, make sure to talk to current pre-meds and pre-med advisor at YOUR school. Every college and even the requirements of every major at the same college are different. The answers here may not reflect what you actually need in your specific situation at your college in your major. Having Honors classes or not in your application has no effect on Med. School admission.
@iwannabe_Brown I’m actually a biochem major the gen chem class is a one year requirement for all premed students and the advanced one is not a requirement. @momworried that’s really amazing! I understand that it is impossible to guarantee a certain grade in a class, however, I know that if I do take the regular sequence, I will have the drive to do well in the course. @MiamiDAP I see. I think it’s a bit of high school mentality that honors classes do benefit you. My school doesn’t allow me to see my pre-med advisor until my sophomore year but I’ll try my best to contact her via email or something.
“Do medical schools evaluate the transcripts and academic coursework thoroughly or is it just the GPA and the letter grades that matter?”
A med school application has multiple GPAs. One, it’s broken down cumulatively and by each by year (eg fresh, soph, etc.). Next, a GPA is calculated by year and cumulatively for all science courses (bio, chem, physics, math). You might see references to BCMP courses or a sGPA (s = science). Next a GPA is calculated for all non science courses (AO, all other) by year and cumulative. All college courses ever enrolled in (even in high school) must be reported whether taken for grade, or you receive W, I, etc… All courses with grades of below C must be retaken and both grades get calculated into GPA. So your coursework/GPAs are sliced and diced thoroughly.
“I think it’s a bit of high school mentality that honors classes do benefit you.”
-Being in Honors has a great benefit - priority registration. Do not dismiss it. For some people with crazy schedules, who wants to avoid taking summer classes, priority registration is huge, it has nothing to do with HS.
…just have all As, the life will be so much easier, nothing to calculate, you always will know your GPA, unless you have whole ton of A-, but I cannot imagine that lots of A- will bring your GPA too much down.
