<p>Hi, I'm a Predental math major (finished Calc1,2,3). My schedule for next semester is really tough, so I was thinking of taking one easy math class which isn't any prereq for anything (it's called "Algebra and Calculus" (class taken before calc1)). I thought it might be a good idea to raise my GPA by concentrating more on other important subjects such as linear algebra and science classes. </p>
<p>So, I believe many of you will say that it's a bad idea such as "waste of time," and so on. And, I also thinkg that adcoms would not recognize this easy class on my transcript due to their thousands of applications to go over. I would really appreciate your opinions! Please be nice to me :)</p>
<p>I’m hoping that this is a joke. There is no benefit whatsoever about taking a worthless class that you don’t even need over a bunch of classes you need. Waste of time.</p>
<p>Taking an easy class for an easy A is a good idea but I would prefer either taking a class in which you can learn new things or a class with many hot guys/girls (depending on your sexual orientation).</p>
<p>I would not waste my time taking worthless classes that you don’t need for your graduation. You have the responsibility to raise your GPA anyway - so try to do well in the future classes. One way to raise your overall GPA is to do well in your liberal art classes. If you haven’t completed your liberal art requirement, pick the easy one.</p>
<p>However, does this “easy math class” counts toward as an elective credit? If so, do it by all means.</p>
<p>DD is an applied math major with a minor in physics, plus she takes Japanese. I am forever trying to tell her to take something fun. So my suggestion would not be to take an easy math course, but as others have suggested take something that you would really like to learn about and that might fill a gen ed requirement–and raise your GPA.</p>
<p>I understand this is obviously a waste of time, but considering the opportunity costs, I believe taking this easy class would enhance my GPA for all the other classes. Suppose that I take this class next fall, what are the consequences except that it’s a waste of time? Well, I feel that it wouldn’t be a waste of time for me since I will use this studytime to study for all other important subjects. Isn’t it a smart (at least, appropriate) thing to do since, in reality, all med/dental schools care mostly on GPA, DAT/MCAT, and extracurriculum? What are the cons of taking this easy class?</p>
<p>P.S. btw, I’m only interested in math/science. And, this is the only class I can fit into my schedule b/c other courses need prerequisite of linear algebra. (and already took discrete math)</p>
<p>I think your GPA is not low. It’s pretty good. You can do better than this. Your science GPA is really good.
How are you doing this semester?</p>
<p>You said you want to use the extra time to prepare for more advanced materials. Well, how confident are you about this? Things can happen in the middle of the year (and your other classes) and then you will not have time for your preparation.
As I was saying - you should improve your GPA anyway. It can be done with your major classes. I am taking 19 credits and I manage to pull mostly B+ and A in most of my classes this semester. I have other personal things to deal with too.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t it be better off to finish your education on time, and in the mean time prepare for dental school admission???</p>
<p>Algebra and Calculus seems like a very easy class (probably another name for pre-calculus… not sure…), but I don’t think linear algebra is hard.
Just my 0.000000002 cents.</p>
<p>Linear algebra is not hard… and is absolutely useless to anyone ever doing medical school or dental school. Honestly, take a probability course. It is still easy and at least it would be somewhat useful down the road.</p>
<p>Instead of a worthless course that will look really bad (if you make too obvious that you are sandbagging for GPA, it will look bad, even though sandbagging for GPA in a less obvious fashion tends to be rewarded by professional schools), consider taking a course where math is applied, or which students good at math find interesting and do well in. For example, consider statistics, economics, or computer science.</p>
<p>If you just want credits and a good grade, take a class that’s arguably something that will fulfill an elective or core requirement. Take a CS class, or an art or music or cooking class or dance or athletics, history, English, geology, business, economics, poly sci, social science. There must be something more useful.
Remember Steve Jobs took calligraphy…
“If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, it’s likely that no personal computer would have them.”
<a href=“You've requested a page that no longer exists | Stanford News”>You've requested a page that no longer exists | Stanford News;
Take something to learn or to acquire new interests. You never know where it might lead.</p>