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Which is better? A difficult degree with a slightly lower mark or an easier degree...

 
Old 06-02-2010 at 07:20 PM   #1
Porsche
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Which is better? A difficult degree with a slightly lower mark or an easier degree...
Hi Guys,

I was just wondering if some upper years could weigh in on this:

Right now I'm trying to decide between which I would consider more difficult degrees (GPA wise) such as Honours Chemistry/Honours ChemBio versus something less difficult such as Honours Life Sci (no cut-off, hence my assumption). My aim at the end of the 4 years is to gain a spot in professional school (i.e. med, optometry, naturopathy, etc). In order to do so most schools have told me the DEGREE itself doesn't matter BUT the GPA, particularly the GPA for the required admission courses do. I have a hard time believing that though... is that true? Let's assume I did ChemBio and finished 4th year with a cumulative average of B/B+ versus I took Honours Life Sci and finished with a A-/A average. Will the fact that one degree took more work (even though the amount of effort put in is the same) resulted in a different grade opposed to had I got another degree route?

Please let me know what you think!
Thanks, Porsche!
Old 06-02-2010 at 07:22 PM   #2
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Marks are marks, unfortunately. If you need a certain average to get into a professional school (which will be an A- average, minimum), you have to get the required average.
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Old 06-02-2010 at 07:24 PM   #3
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Thanks! I actually meant, however, that let's assume the cut off for entrance was say a B- ... assuming I got a higher mark in one degree versus another degree, even though both were acceptable marks.... would I be favoured even then if I had the higher mark in an easier degree?
Old 06-02-2010 at 07:36 PM   #4
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I doubt it. Marks are marks, and they're not supposed to be subjective from program to program e.g. one is not supposed to be "harder", but focus on things an individual person may find easier than another.

If you take me for example, I would fail math or Eng. And it's not because I'm stupid, it's because my brain doesn't learn the way you need to for those courses.

Comprendes?

Also...why not ask the programs you're thinking of applying to their opinions on each program?
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Old 06-02-2010 at 07:38 PM   #5
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For programs, they will just be looking that you meet their requirements. Which background/degree you have in order to fulfill the course and grade requirements does not matter. Other factors however may include lab or work experience, to which then one degree may offer more benefits than another.
Old 06-02-2010 at 07:40 PM   #6
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Academically, having a high GPA is all the matters. The program "difficulty" doesn't.

The only one that cares about difficulty is U of T, and all they want to see is that you take at least 3/5 courses at your "year level". E.g. taking 3rd year courses in 3rd year as opposed to 1st and 2nd year courses.

Last edited by Lij : 06-02-2010 at 07:42 PM.
Old 06-02-2010 at 07:42 PM   #7
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Also...why not ask the program which they prefer?
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Old 06-02-2010 at 07:43 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lorend View Post
Also...why not ask the program which they prefer?
For med schools they're in the FAQ. I think the OP is just having a hard time believing it. =p

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Old 06-03-2010 at 12:30 AM   #9
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I would point out though that Chem Bio, while it might give you a lower mark, will help you a lot more in supplementary applications. Having lab experience and participating in coop will look good; and you'll get more individual attention which could make it easier to find references.

However, if you don't make the minimum marks none of that will matter. Its also possible to get those things while in Life Sci from other things like volunteering in a lab and doing extracurriculars.
Old 06-03-2010 at 11:17 AM   #10
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If all you want is GPA and you can find a way to do all the things in chem bio while being in life sci (get lab skills, do research projects, etc), then I'd pick life sci. You might have more flexibility to volunteer and get extracurriculars and such with an easier degree.

Otherwise, probably chem bio because it is a good program.
Old 06-03-2010 at 04:44 PM   #11
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I doubt they'd ever be able to consider the difficulty of the program. Getting thousands of applications for spots every year, how is the admission pannel going to assess the difficulty of every program against one another? WOuld they start considering which school has the tougher program? Doubt it. All about GPA.
Old 06-03-2010 at 05:45 PM   #12
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A concentrated stream like Chem or Chem Bio means more professor/TA - student interaction which can only be a good thing for you. Not only do you better learn the material, you actually have professors that are going to write papers to fit what they're teaching you. You won't have 3 profs teaching 3 cores and each writing one "section" of the exam, nor will you be in a room with 250 kids all trying to ask the prof a question at the same time. You'll also be more motivated to learn in a program you like. I took Business, an "easier" degree because I was afraid my marks would plummet in university (partially). I switched over to the Life Sci workload completely in a few weeks and while commuting and severe sinus infections, did better than I would ever have done in Business becuase I liked the material even if I did fall asleep in class and on people on the GO more than I would have wanted to. Yes, Life Sci may be less 'intense' if you want a better GPA but it's also not all about the marks. Graduate school is not going to be a smooth ride and it's better to adapt to a harder workload now, and its also about what you learn along the way. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have my doctor have as much knowledge about the human body as he or she possibly can and I think a program where you challenge yourself helps make that happen.

Remember that your eventual goal is not "med school" but to "be a doctor" (from what you've stated) which are two very different things. One is an acceptance, and the other is a responsibility with an oath and I would imagine you would want to be as prepared for that career as you possibly can since you demonstrate a passion toward it.

If you do choose Chem Bio, I look forward to meeting you next year. Best of luck with your choices
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Old 06-04-2010 at 08:28 PM   #13
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Go with what you love. Marks are not just a function of the perceived difficulty of your program (I say perceived because some things are harder to different people), but of your passion and love for a subject. If you are truly passionate about something you will work far harder at it than something you kinda like.

On a side note, GPA is VERY important but don't let it side track you. A 4.0 with no experience outside of sitting through lectures is not very likely to get into med school.
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Old 06-04-2010 at 10:25 PM   #14
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do what u want and screw the marks
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Old 06-04-2010 at 10:57 PM   #15
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I agree with Alasdair about making sure you pick a program that you enjoy rather than focusing on the difficulty of a program.

I think the OP's initial question may not have been addressed properly. If you're below the cut-off, regardless of how difficult the program is you won't get interviewed. If someone has a higher GPA than you and is in an easier program than you,, they will still get a higher academic score than you.

Schools don't have the time to assess difficulty of programs, they can only see your progression from introductory courses to advanced courses. That said, chem bio isn't necessarily a harder program than life sciences. It depends on your strengths and weaknesses.



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