Chem Prep Course and 2 Lab classes

[FitnessFreak99]

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Hey all,

Two really quick to the point questions.

My JC I'm at offers a Chem prep class for Chem 1A. The lady said its highly recommended for those who never took Chem in high school or haven't taken it in a long time.

I fit that bill and signed up for this summer. However I'm wondering if its really necessary. Can I do well in Chem without the prep course? I am average at math, definitely have to work at it to get it right, but otherwise I pick up on concepts quickly.

Next, is it GPA suicide to take 2 labs like Physics 2 and Physio in the same semester? Keep in mind I would likely be working but only about 10 hours a week. So nothing major.l

I know I've read of some who take on huge class loads and I admire you guys, I just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for failure. I know it depends on the individual, but I just wanted to get an idea of what kind of class load you guys are putting yourselves through to get done with your pre-recs in time to meet deadlines for applying.



Thx


Sunny

 

[djb051]

It really just depends on if you think you can handle it. I know someone who was able to do a lot of science classes at one time, work at the same time, and still be able to get good grades. I also know others who are not able to do that much at once. So it just depends on your strengths.

Personally, I do not think gen. chem is hard to learn even if you have never taken chem before as long as you have the time to devote to learning it. I have known a lot of people that have said it is difficult to do well in gen. chem if you are taking a lot of others classes at the same time in addition to gen. chem.

The way my schedule is set up...I am taking three prerequisite classes right now, two of the three have labs in addition to the lecture. I am not working now so that I can concentrate on the application requirements. I am, however, also volunteering at a pt outpatient center now for 4 hours a week. I am also doing a few extracurriculars for a few more hours each week. This schedule keeps me pretty busy. I will have about the same schedule during the summer as well, three more prerequisite classes, two of them with labs... and the volunteering and studying for the GRE. So I should be done with everything around august just in time to apply.

I do not think the schedule you are proposing sounds unreasonable. But then again, I am post-bacc now, and I was a biology undergrad major so I was used to having like 4 science classes lectures and 2 science labs in one semester. If you do not have a strong science background, the schedule you are proposing might seem difficult to you at first but not impossible. If you have a lot of time to devote to it, I think you will be fine.

 

[Gradschool]

Taking the prep course really depends on your math skills. I'm a kinesiology major with a biochem minor. I took gen chem my freshman year in college and it hit me hard. There was a lot of calculations and that's wat made it most difficult for me. I think it would be best to take two "opposite" lectures/labs (i.e. physics and physio or gen chem and physio) I think it allows your mind to rest more. I know I wouldn't have made it if i did physics and gen chem or another math class at the same time.

 

[pa3cia15]

The prep course would probably help you but I personally believe it would be a waste of time. If I were you, I would just take Chem 1a and if help is necessary just try to be resourceful (youtube videos, AP chem book, khan academy).

Regarding Physics 2 and Physio, I'm taking Phys 1 and Physio right now along with other somewhat classes and volunteer works. Not my best semester, but i'm doing okay so I think you should be fine. Just know your priorities and sacrifice social life if you need to.

 

[okramango]

They recommend this course at my community college as well, but hardly anyone in my Chem 1A/B class took it. Most of us just went straight to Chem 1A. There was one guy in our class that had a hard time during the first few weeks in Chem 1A, and he transferred to the introductory course, but most of us did fine. I'm sure it would be helpful to take, but probably not necessary.

Also, right now I'm taking 3 classes with labs (Chem 1B, Physics 2, and Physiology), and volunteering at PT clinics about 8 hrs/week. It is a crazy schedule and a ton of work, but I'm maintaining As in all my classes so it's definitely doable if you want to finish quickly!

 

[bustedgrill]

I took an intro chem class and it did nothing. My teacher was horrible and the class average was "right where she likes it to be, 70". Needless to say I got a C in that class and I feel it didn't do squat to help me in chem 1. It was just a waste of time and money for me. I would look up the professor in rate my professor and see what other students have to say.