Expert: J.P. Saleeby, MD - 12/18/2006

Question
Hey, how are you doing? I am a sophmore pre med student with a a 4.0 gpa .I am worried, however, that I haven't been taking enough hours and this will hurt me with the med school admissions. Do you think I should push myself more by taking more hours and risk losing a 4.0 ,or stick with taking about 14 hours a semester in order to mantain my gpa?

Thanks------

Answer
Mustafa,

I rushed through undergraduate and finished my Biology degree (BS) with a minor in Chemistry in 3.25 years.  I was told to slow down and relax because after undergrad, graduate school, residency and a career in medicine would offer no time off.  So I headed my older classmates and took 2 more quarters and devoted them to the study of philosophy (not part of my pre med requirements)... and I actually enjoyed college and raised my overall GPA a bit.  So my advice is not to overload yourself, but rather take a load that you can manage and enjoy your school years.  Don't rush, it will only frustrate you.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net