Adcoms POV on high number of credits plus working?

[ohword3]

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Do taking heavy course loads impress admissions committees? I took 20 credit hours last semester. I'm currently enrolled in 18 for this semester that I need to take, but really want to add a computer science class online that'll put me at 21. How do Adcoms view overloaded schedules; is it even that beneficial?

One of the reasons I ask is because I also have a part time job. Is it easy for adcoms to make the connection that you are working while in school when they view your application? Or do they have to connect the dates themselves?

 

[Planes2Doc]

Do taking heavy course loads impress admissions committees? I took 20 credit hours last semester. I'm currently enrolled in 18 for this semester that I need to take, but really want to add a computer science class online that'll put me at 21. How do Adcoms view overloaded schedules; is it even that beneficial?

One of the reasons I ask is because I also have a part time job. Is it easy for adcoms to make the connection that you are working while in school when they view your application? Or do they have to connect the dates themselves?

It only looks good if you get good grades. If you took a lighter course load, you can load up on more ECs that will look better than "just" classes. Plus don't forget the volunteering on top of this.

 

[Claudin]

Sometimes you can hit two birds with one stone. e.g applying for work-study positions at a lab

 

[kimposibl]

I think adcoms look at course load no matter what. Does taking 21 hours with a 4.0 say more than 16 hours at a 4.0? Mmm, probably, but not by much. Don't specifically cater your course load based on what adcoms might think. Do what you have to do, and do your best to obtain the best GPA. GL.

 

[ohword3]

Well I work part time as an emt for our health center. I took 20 hours last semester and did well. 21 this semester would be harder, due in part to a harder class or two. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if its worth taking the 21 or should I drop down to 18? Two classes are online and I work much better at my own pace but I also have the mcat may 30th to think about plus two textbook chapters and a research project to work on back home..

..I guess I kind of just answered my own question haha

 

[BABSstudent]

Well I work part time as an emt for our health center. I took 20 hours last semester and did well. 21 this semester would be harder, due in part to a harder class or two. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if its worth taking the 21 or should I drop down to 18? Two classes are online and I work much better at my own pace but I also have the mcat may 30th to think about plus two textbook chapters and a research project to work on back home..

..I guess I kind of just answered my own question haha

You have the MCAT on May 30th and you want to take 21 credits? I would cut that almost in half! I only took 14 credits while studying for the MCAT. It is almost like studying for four classes that you don't get credit for! Actually, that is exactly what it is.

 

[JoshuaGuit]

An admissions committee member compared the work in medical school to be the equivalent of 30-34 credits. Sounds like a nice challenge

 

[gyngyn]

Nobody looks that deeply until perhaps late in the process.

 

[deleted357625]

Do taking heavy course loads impress admissions committees? I took 20 credit hours last semester. I'm currently enrolled in 18 for this semester that I need to take, but really want to add a computer science class online that'll put me at 21. How do Adcoms view overloaded schedules; is it even that beneficial?

One of the reasons I ask is because I also have a part time job. Is it easy for adcoms to make the connection that you are working while in school when they view your application? Or do they have to connect the dates themselves?

good only if you did well simply because it shows responsibility and time management skills while participating in other activities. I averaged around 18-20+ but could never find time to work, I would of fell through the gutter.