Advice on class selection

[DocMcMommy]

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Hi,

I understand this is very subjective and it all depends on what I can handle, but I would still like opinions on what others would choose.

So, next semester I am transferring from a CC to a University. Pretty much all of my credits will transfer, except for my General Bio classes. I am going to have to retake the first year of Biology then. But I also need Organic Chem and Physics 2. I was planning on taking Physics 2 over the summer, but I don't think I'm going to do that.

Okay, now the question. Would you take Gen Bio 1, Orgo Chem 1 and Physics 2 in the same semester? Keeping in mind you've already taken Bio (and received As).

 

[Hospitalized]

Definitely doable, especially given you have already taken bio. I was in a similar position and neglected to do physics and did an elective instead, and I somewhat regret it. Mostly because I think I could handle physics right now, and if I had done it I would be able to weigh the options of gap year vs no gap year. Instead, I'm forced into a gap year because I can't take the MCAT this summer.

If you are set on a gap year, there's no reason to overload on required sciences in one semester. You should be able to balance it to only taking 2 per semester at most.

 

[Holmwood]

Hi,

I understand this is very subjective and it all depends on what I can handle, but I would still like opinions on what others would choose.

So, next semester I am transferring from a CC to a University. Pretty much all of my credits will transfer, except for my General Bio classes. I am going to have to retake the first year of Biology then. But I also need Organic Chem and Physics 2. I was planning on taking Physics 2 over the summer, but I don't think I'm going to do that.

Okay, now the question. Would you take Gen Bio 1, Orgo Chem 1 and Physics 2 in the same semester? Keeping in mind you've already taken Bio (and received As).

That is going to be hard for someone who still needs to transition from CC-level coursework to uni-level coursework. You may be gifted, I know. But I'm just speaking from the perspective of other transfers I've tutored.

It's doable, but you're going to need to be well prepared well beforehand.

Ochem & Physics - read chapters and do practice problems before lecture.
Bio - address any problems with note taking. You might have to read chapters beforehand, get lecture recordings (free apps on smartphone/ipod), etc.

 

[Catalystik]

So, next semester I am transferring from a CC to a University. Pretty much all of my credits will transfer, except for my General Bio classes. I am going to have to retake the first year of Biology then. But I also need Organic Chem and Physics 2. I was planning on taking Physics 2 over the summer, but I don't think I'm going to do that.

Okay, now the question. Would you take Gen Bio 1, Orgo Chem 1 and Physics 2 in the same semester? Keeping in mind you've already taken Bio (and received As).

You run the risk of sabotaging your GPA by taking on difficult, time consuming classes before you're solidified the changes in study strategy necessary to do well at the university level. Three labs will be a huge time sink that will take away from learning difficult material, essential for you to master in order to do well on the MCAT.

I'm not saying it's impossible for anyone to succeed with this potential course load, but many would struggle with it and see their GPA take a dive.

 

[baxt1412]

I'd space them out if I was you. It's very easy to get overwhelmed when changing many variables at once.

 

[caffeinemia]

I've met two types of people when it comes to physics -- those that get it or those that don't. God save you if you're doing Orgo, Bio and Physics and you don't.

 

[baxt1412]

I took dat algebra-based physics and it was much easier IMO.