Will Med Schools not accept Summer Courses?

somemom
Sat, 23 Nov 2013 21:37:10 +0000

Wow, guys. A bit more washed up knowledge here.

I think IWBB and Princess Dad are correct and that could be taken to correlate with other comments, but the point is, "Yes, sometimes there is a very valid reason to take a non regular term class. OK, fine. BUT, there is NOT always a reason that it is OK. Don’t do it unless there is a very strong reason which can be made obvious without sounding like making an excuse.

A real risk would to have a generic post online saying that it is fine to take online or summer courses, something that any old applicant might take as true. Most applications can handle a bump or two, but with MCAT, GPA, LORs, ECs, etc., MOST applicants would be better off not taking a summer class, UNLESS as PDad says, they can show a valid reason so they don’t give the impression they are looking at easier options.

If your kid has had an unusually productive application cycle, it may be difficult to understand the situation for other average applicants. If you are not from CA it may be difficult to realize how difficult it is to gain entry there. So much of the process is an unknown and it is never good to be neurotic (SDN?!), but it is smart to be careful and not dilute the strength of your application unless there is any weakness.