taking grad level courses to boost chances of admission

[runrunaway83]

I know that some people consider taking graduate level courses to help build up their application and show they can do grad level work. I've been out of my undergrad for a little while, and have been considering taking one or two at the local university. There are two different courses that I feel would benefit me, and ideally, I would like the take both. I'm not sure if my financial situation will permit that, so I will probably only be able to take one.

I had taken one of the courses (biostatistics) during my undergrad at my school, but did not do so hot in it. My question is: do you think it would be better to take the course that I didn't do well in and try to make up for my poor grade from my previous school, or should I take the course that I don't have any prior experience in (gis)? I will need to know the material of both eventually. I'm in ecology, and in everything I do, I'm going to need to be proficient in statistical analysis. Although, profs I've contacted at schools I'm interested in have also been asking me what experience I have with gis.

For those who have taken graduate level courses before grad school, did you feel that it was one of the important factors in your admission? I don't have research experience; would that be more beneficial to me than trying to make up a poor grade?

Thanks to all, and hopefully everyone is still keeping somewhat sane!