Jump to content
Premed 101 Forums

Full course load in 4th year undergrad?


xeffect

Recommended Posts

I'm currently just finishing 3rd year, and I'm applying to Ontario med schools this Sept. I've taken a full course load every year and some summer courses too, so I'll only actually need a part-time schedule in 4th year in order to graduate. However, I'm hesitant to do this because I don't want this to put me at any kind of disadvantage if I don't get in the first time I apply.

 

I know the effect might vary depending on the school I'm applying to, but what would you recommend? Should I save myself money and allow myself to relax a bit more in 4th year? Or is it crucial that I keep the full course-load? Maybe I should point out that my #1 choice for medicine is U of T.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well let's put it this way... (and this is one of the reasons I'm confused about it):

 

Without the U of T weighting formula, I'm probably below 3.8, but with the weighting formula, I think I'll be well above 3.8. I had around 3.6 in first year, but in 2nd year I was close to 3.9, and this year I will probably finish slightly above 3.9.

 

I don't know if the weighting formula will be applied if I apply again after 4 years without taking a full course-load in my last year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd take a full courseload in 4th year in your position.

 

You want to maximize your chances of getting in. It looks like taking an additional worst full credit off of your cGPA could help a lot.

 

What's another couple thousand bucks if it helps you get into med school in the end? I'm assuming you're open to the idea of attending other medical schools in Canada. Taking a full 4th year will help your GPA for a lot of other schools as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I agree with you; I would definitely regret it if the reason I was rejected was that I didn't get to use that weighting formula. I think my situation is a dilemma because if I do get in the first time apply, I'll regret stressing myself out with another full course-load in 4th year.

 

But in the end, I can probably find some nice, interesting bird courses to fill up my 4th year schedule so the stress will not be as bad as it would be with more difficult courses. I think I'll just do that. Thanks for your help!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was in the same situation - i.e. only needed part-time schedule to graduate. I only needed one full semester's worth of courses to finish. I still did a full course load for 4th year and graduated with 5 extra courses. My reasoning? Better safe than sorry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But in the end, I can probably find some nice, interesting bird courses to fill up my 4th year schedule so the stress will not be as bad as it would be with more difficult courses. I think I'll just do that. Thanks for your help!

 

That's a good idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...