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

Comments

[adequaticus]

I took several graduate courses as an undergrad. I'm sure it did boost my application some, but it certainly wasn't a primary factor in grad schools admitting me. It just looked nice.

Research >> making up a poor grade.

[runrunaway83]

I guess I kind of had the feeling that research would carry more weight. I've been exploring my options as to what I can do to gain experience in research; I'll be working more on that aspect now. Thanks so much for helping put it into perspective!

[hallow000]

i've heard that they help you. i'm finding out myself, i'm actually applying with graduate credits under my belt this year. it may depend on what the classes were and how they could be applied to the program you're applying for. if they were just electives, i don't think they would make much of a difference. i would say if it's in simliar research, it couldn't hurt. research will make up for a bad grade anyday but that depends on your profession too. good luck.

[runrunaway83]

The courses contain concepts that apply all the time in my field, but like you and others have said, research would be a better deciding factor. If I don't get accepted in this round, then I will hopefully get research experience for next time. Thanks for your advice!

[theeurophile]

Might sound a bit obvious, but if you do well, they'll help you, as it proves you can do graduate-level work. Then again, if not, it implies the opposite.

[mbwahl]

Take gis - whatever that is. Schools probably won't be impressed that you did better in biostatistics the second time through, even if it is at the grad level this time. Better to take some gis and get a good grade, showing you can learn brand-new material at the grad level and perform well.

On the other hand, as an ecology student, how much coursework would you take if accepted to a grad program? In my department (straight-up "Biology"), there are almost no course requirements for grad students, and profs would much rather have you cranking out papers full-time than enrolling in courses, doing problem sets. Ask yourself: is one grade in one course really going to convey aptitude for grad-level coursework, and do you really need to convey that at all? (Note: not applicable if you're applying for Master's programs)

[ny_yn]

Research experience, along with a great SoP from your research supervisor, is the best thing to have in your background. I think it is a great idea to take a graduate-level class, but it should be more about expanding your horizons, defining your interests and doing graduate-level work than "making up a poor grade".