Confused on taking less than 12 credit hours

[JKiran]

Hello, I am a junior who is planning to apply this upcoming cycle. I will be balancing scribing part time (25-35 hours per week) along with studying for my MCAT and taking coursework. I am confused if taking less than full time (12 hrs) would be viewed negatively. All of my past semesters, I have worked 14-16 credits per semester.

I am wondering if taking less than 12 credits would harm me. Also would I need to take at least 1 science course during this upcoming semester as well?

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[zorcandpals]

35 hours is a full time job but it is alot.

I dont think taking less than 12 credits would harm you though. I've also taken a handful of semesters with no science classes and I dont think thats harmed me. If you have other semesters that show you can handle a rigorous science load one semester of 12 credits/part time semester is fine.

 

[JKiran]

I've had people tell me otherwise which is why I am confused

 

[deleted889094]

It depends on how few credits and what else you're doing. 11 is NBD, but 7 might look bad. 11 with a ton of EC stuff is different than 11 without.

 

[zorcandpals]

I've had people tell me otherwise which is why I am confused

Ultimately whatever minimal harm you get, if there is any in your case, from taking <12 credits will be outweighed if you do well on your MCAT and courses. Another way to look at it is that taking 12+ credits and getting Bs in them and not reaching your MCAT potential will probably be worse than taking 10 and getting As and reaching your MCAT potential.

 

[frogbait]

Have you already completed all of your prerequisites? If not, then I'd make sure that at least one class is a prerequisite. You don't want to apply this summer with a bunch left. One or two left to take after applying is ok, but more might be a red flag.

 

[LizzyM]

The way your coursework shows up on the application is typically by academic year: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior. If you did not take the typical 28-32 credits/yr (for example, you were part-time for several years) or if you had a 5th year, then it is a little different but for the most part it is by year, not by semester or quarter.

Provided the other semester that year is a typical load, you aren't likely to raise any eyebrows with a single term that is "light" in terms of academic load.

 

[Catalystik]

Provided the other semester that year is a typical load, you aren't likely to raise any eyebrows with a single term that is "light" in terms of academic load.

. . . especially when you are working 25-35 hours per week and may be participating in ECs as well.

 

[hang50]

i only took 3 credits my last semester and i wasn’t even asked about it

 

[jamaica jan sun princess]

I took two classes one semester and still received multiple acceptances.

 

[JKiran]

Have you already completed all of your prerequisites? If not, then I'd make sure that at least one class is a prerequisite. You don't want to apply this summer with a bunch left. One or two left to take after applying is ok, but more might be a red flag.

I have never heard this point before? Is this true?
My plan is to take 1 science class and 1 class for my major which is 6 credits. Yes, I am participating in ECs and have a leadership position as well.

 

[deleted1040417]

I have never heard this point before? Is this true?
My plan is to take 1 science class and 1 class for my major which is 6 credits. Yes, I am participating in ECs and have a leadership position as well.

I can see it being a red flag if you haven't demonstrated your capability to survive rigorous science coursework before and have just been taking random easy classes with one pre-req at a time. However, most would argue to stay away from the MCAT until you have completed all the pre-reqs beforehand anyway.

Taking something like genetics with a pre-req and whatnot would be totally fine. 8+ science credit semesters are good -- if you've already had these semesters I'd think you're set. Don't lose any financial aid or anything though. Make sure you know what you are doing before falling below full-time, but working 25-35 hours while in school can be tough!

 

[Rachapkis]

As you have explained, this semester is an exception for you, not the norm. As a result, it will not cause any concerns. Even if you are asked about it, you could explain that you were loading up on ECs and studying for the MCAT.

 

[shark bait hoo ha ha]

I took six credits second semester senior year to study for the mcat and do research. I had multiple acceptances and not one person asked why I only took six!

 

[JKiran]

I have taken pre reqs like Ochem, Bio, physics, and biochem, so I hope taking a light semester will be ok. Thank you for the responses!