I’ve seen multiple differing advice on here about the acceptability of taking lighter course loads. Hoping to get some advice on my specific scenario (with more context this time) due to the concern that my history of having lighter course loads might cause a red flag.
My previous loads look like this:
(fall, spring, summer)
Freshman: 14, 14, 6 = 34
“Sophomore”: 13, 10, 0 = 23 (while working full-time)
---Insert gap years here---
“Junior”: 13 (this past spring semester) Started with a lighter load here on purpose to test out the waters after being away from a classroom for so long.
As a nontrad community college transfer, I am left with only major requirements to complete. These major requirements consist of all science courses that take a lot of time: upper division biology, organic chemistry and physics.
My tentative upcoming four-semester credit count looks like this.
(fall, spring, summer)
Junior: 13, 12, 0 = 25
Senior: 13, 14, 0 = 27
Outside activities would include volunteering, shadowing and working part-time or having a leadership role. Have read that adcoms can’t see what my courses would have been and may not come to the conclusion that my schedule was rigorous...so I'm concerned about pursuing this option (especially with my previous low credit load history).
My second option would taking a higher credit load. This would result in graduating a semester earlier.
(fall, spring, summer)
Junior: 16, 16, 3 = 35
Senior: 17, 0, 0 = 17
Outside activities for this second option would likely be limited to volunteering and shadowing (due to averaging more labs per semester and those taking up chunks of time).
My advisor and a few students I've consulted are strongly advising against this second option. To balance things out, I have considered not working a job if I pursue the second option.
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I guess the question is...if one had to give (due to not having enough time), and assuming I'd do well either way, would adcoms rather see lighter credit loads and higher involvement in extracurricular activities? Or would they rather see 15+ credits and minimal involvement in extracurricular activities?
Given my past history on having lighter credit loads, would the second option be better than the first?
My previous loads look like this:
(fall, spring, summer)
Freshman: 14, 14, 6 = 34
“Sophomore”: 13, 10, 0 = 23 (while working full-time)
---Insert gap years here---
“Junior”: 13 (this past spring semester) Started with a lighter load here on purpose to test out the waters after being away from a classroom for so long.
As a nontrad community college transfer, I am left with only major requirements to complete. These major requirements consist of all science courses that take a lot of time: upper division biology, organic chemistry and physics.
My tentative upcoming four-semester credit count looks like this.
(fall, spring, summer)
Junior: 13, 12, 0 = 25
Senior: 13, 14, 0 = 27
Outside activities would include volunteering, shadowing and working part-time or having a leadership role. Have read that adcoms can’t see what my courses would have been and may not come to the conclusion that my schedule was rigorous...so I'm concerned about pursuing this option (especially with my previous low credit load history).
My second option would taking a higher credit load. This would result in graduating a semester earlier.
(fall, spring, summer)
Junior: 16, 16, 3 = 35
Senior: 17, 0, 0 = 17
Outside activities for this second option would likely be limited to volunteering and shadowing (due to averaging more labs per semester and those taking up chunks of time).
My advisor and a few students I've consulted are strongly advising against this second option. To balance things out, I have considered not working a job if I pursue the second option.
-----
I guess the question is...if one had to give (due to not having enough time), and assuming I'd do well either way, would adcoms rather see lighter credit loads and higher involvement in extracurricular activities? Or would they rather see 15+ credits and minimal involvement in extracurricular activities?
Given my past history on having lighter credit loads, would the second option be better than the first?
