Course Load for Varsity Athlete?

[Tippyboat]

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Hi guys,

So at my school, 12 units a quarter is a full load. I've been trying to take 16 a quarter because that's a more standard trend.
In any case, I am on a very intense varsity sports team, averaging 25-30 hours a week, plus events on weekends. So my question is two-fold:

1. If I take 12 units, do med schools frown upon taking the minimum? As in, would they rather see a 3.8 average from 12-units or 3.6 from 16?
2. Does doing a sport change or add anything to the answer to number 1?

Thanks for your input.

 

[nogolfinsnow]

Hi guys,

So at my school, 12 units a quarter is a full load. I've been trying to take 16 a quarter because that's a more standard trend.
In any case, I am on a very intense varsity sports team, averaging 25-30 hours a week, plus events on weekends. So my question is two-fold:

1. If I take 12 units, do med schools frown upon taking the minimum? As in, would they rather see a 3.8 average from 12-units or 3.6 from 16?
2. Does doing a sport change or add anything to the answer to number 1?

Thanks for your input.

Take 12 in season (probably 2 quarters??) and 16 during your off season (I realize you're never truly "out" of season). Sports is a great EC on your application IF your numbers match up. Sports does not make up for a lower GPA (or MCAT or lack of clinical experience/volunteering).

 

[RySerr21]

If you dont think you can do very well with 16 units plus your sport, then dont do it. The goal is to get as high a GPA as possible. If you can take 12 units each quarter you are in season and you can meet all the pre reqs and have enough credit to graduate on time, then by all means take 12 units a quarter.

 

[stixx]

There is no reason to go for the 16 credits unless you're adamant about graduating on time. Most athletes do take longer than normal and the schools won't mind it. And they won't care about the course load as long as you're full time.

 

[mmmcdowe]

There is no reason to go for the 16 credits unless you're adamant about graduating on time. Most athletes do take longer than normal and the schools won't mind it. And they won't care about the course load as long as you're full time.

They won't care for YOU about your course load, so long as you are also playing varsity. Step it up if you aren't for a given semester, because they do like to see heavy course load capacity.

 

[rmsgolfer]

Ahh the things to think about as a varsity athlete. My advice to you is evaluate what YOU think you are capable of. If you believe that 12 is enough than by all means do it. If you realize that after a semester or two you could handle 16 then give it a shot. I have always been the type who is more successful when I have a lot on my plate so I had at least 16 each semester. Don't let someone tell you how much YOU can handle, it's entirely up to you. Also, don't forget to enjoy the experience of competing as an athlete. Some of the very best experiences of my life have come as a result of traveling the country on my schools dime and competing with my teammates. Try not to think of it as something else you have to worry about, enjoy the opportunity you have.

 

[chillyphilly]

I was a varsity athlete too so I have some idea what you are dealing with. Take as many credits and you think you can or as many as you need to (some quarters I had to load up, b/c a certian class was only offered once a year or something) but also keep this in mind... if you have to drop a class for any reason, you CAN NOT fall below 12 credits and still be eligible by the NCAA. That was always a catch for us when we were scheduling and I wouldn't want you to become ineligible over something so silly. I'd say schedule for 16, and if its too much, then you can drop one!

 

[wawawa]

When I played, I just made sure to evaluate what type of courses I was taking during a term. Obviously, it would not be wise to take too many labs at once (especially in season). Sign up for 16 and drop to 12 if you have to. If 12 feels right, I don't think schools will frown at it. Playing a sport in college is a full time job. Just do well in those 12 credit terms.

 

[mterp45]

I played intramural b-ball all 4 years. We used to average about 25-30 hours of practice per week also (ok maybe more like 3-5). We even had groupies (ok maybe they were more girlfriends than groupies) at our games every week. My team never got any respect, but it was probably due to the fact that our center came to games high off is butt on game days. We had to put with it, the guys was 6,6 and always threatened to quit. Our Shooting guard was bigger than Big Daddy Wilkinson. We only had six players so just imagine a short and pudgy 270 pound guard running up and down the court for 30+ minutes and not to mention that half of our team would be hung over whenever we played on Saturdays (the good times 😀).

I know this doesn't answer your question but the thread made me reminisce my times in the big leagues 😀.

 

[PandaBrewMaster]

Ahh the things to think about as a varsity athlete. My advice to you is evaluate what YOU think you are capable of. If you believe that 12 is enough than by all means do it. If you realize that after a semester or two you could handle 16 then give it a shot. I have always been the type who is more successful when I have a lot on my plate so I had at least 16 each semester. Don't let someone tell you how much YOU can handle, it's entirely up to you. Also, don't forget to enjoy the experience of competing as an athlete. Some of the very best experiences of my life have come as a result of traveling the country on my schools dime and competing with my teammates. Try not to think of it as something else you have to worry about, enjoy the opportunity you have.

I think this is sound advice. Start low, and then work your way up to what you think you can handle. It's a personal thing, but you wanna try to experiment and find that optimal course load number where you can be taking as many courses as possible, still getting A's in them, but still have enough time for practice and games/meets/regattas or whatever. Whether that's 12 or 16 or what, that;s up to you to decide. Don't overload though, because sports are great, but wont make up for a low GPA. I'm kinda crazy and took course loads in the 20+ credit range every semester but that's cuz I'm doing a double degree.....and again...cuz I'm crazy.

But yeah, varsity athletics is one of the greatest experiences in college I think, and like the above poster said, some of the best experiences come with travel and competition with your teammates. I think that some of my most profound lessons and experiences in college have come from being an athlete, and it certainly adds a depth to your application and hell, its just fun. There will be lifelong lessons found there that certainly apply to medicine and your future career.

Good luck!

And Go Terps! (Since we're talking about athletics...)