Courseload intensity?

[NP545]

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I've heard that adcoms can see through light courseloads and fluff to your schedule...but I don't know exactly what this means.

Is a "light courseload" to an adcom taking 1 science class each semester with the rest of your classes other easy ones, 2 science classes each semester, or something else?

If I take 2 science classes each semester (prerreqs) and added some gpa boosting courses and other major requirements around them, would they view it as light?

what constitutes a negative "fluff" class and how big of an impact does this have on your admissions?

 

[virtualmaster999]

If you take one science class for a semester or two don't think it'll be a problem, especially if you have other things going on. If it's every semester it might look like you're not challenging yourself enough. Take what you can, and push yourself if you know you can handle it!

 

[Alucard6]

You can tell just by the type of classes, like for example people who just take 1 astronomy class or 1 random middle eastern class. I would only worry about it if you are taking multiple types of those classes and doing it consistently. It is perfectly fine to take 1 class like that a semester because everyone needs some breathing room.

However if it is something they see happening all throughout your years it might stand out. But to be honest I really doubt many of the admissions places look individually at your schedule because that just takes a lot of time and effort.

 

[baxt1412]

agree with @Alucard6. 99.9% of the time they won't be looking that in depth into your schedule. moreso they would see if you are taking orgo/physics/biochem from a community college or even just over the summer and that would probably raise an eyebrow if you are consistently taking difficult courses by themselves or from an "easier" school

 

[Goro]

Fluff =
Ecology
Art History
Psychology of Modern Americans
Creative Writing
History of the Film

Total = 15 credits

Rigor =

Physics + Lab
Genetics + Lab
Biostats or Biochem
Creative Writing OR Art History
History of the Film OR Psychology of Modern Americans

= 17 credits

I'm leery of anything like Ecology courses. Evolution and Astronomy are OK by me...even Nutrition!

I've heard that adcoms can see through light courseloads and fluff to your schedule...but I don't know exactly what this means.

Is a "light courseload" to an adcom taking 1 science class each semester with the rest of your classes other easy ones, 2 science classes each semester, or something else?

If I take 2 science classes each semester (prerreqs) and added some gpa boosting courses and other major requirements around them, would they view it as light?

what constitutes a negative "fluff" class and how big of an impact does this have on your admissions?

 

[Lamel]

It's sad to see astronomy gets the "fluff" description so many times. The actual content of the course is super fascinating, and often very math heavy.

 

[Alucard6]

It's sad to see astronomy gets the "fluff" description so many times. The actual content of the course is super fascinating, and often very math heavy.

I would say basic level of astronomy is very straightforward and simple. But anything upper level (3000+ in my university) it is very intensive, I agree!

 

[baxt1412]

Lol i took an ecology course but it was with a lab and 5 credit hours. idk if that matters at all, it certainly wasn't fluff exactly.

 

[allantois]

I'm leery of anything like Ecology courses. Evolution and Astronomy are OK by me...even Nutrition![/QUOTE

Damn I am planning on taking 2 Eco courses because they are one of the easiest in the biology department. Didn't expect adcoms to catch on this.

 

[Radon XP]

Fluff =
Ecology
Art History
Psychology of Modern Americans
Creative Writing
History of the Film

Total = 15 credits

Rigor =

Physics + Lab
Genetics + Lab
Biostats or Biochem
Creative Writing OR Art History
History of the Film OR Psychology of Modern Americans

= 17 credits

I'm leery of anything like Ecology courses. Evolution and Astronomy are OK by me...even Nutrition!

What if someone's major is film or creative writing or psychology? Will their schedule still look like "fluff"?

 

[Goro]

There's a difference if one is majoring in something other than the typical pre-med Bio or Chem etc. We take allowances that you might have the bare minimum of pre-reqs. That's OK!

But someone who is a Bio major should be loading up on the challenging coursework.

I realize that I am holding pre-meds to a double standard, but so be it.

Having done some film-making myself, I'd be welcoming to film majors!

What if someone's major is film or creative writing or psychology? Will their schedule still look like "fluff"?

 

[Radon XP]

There's a difference if one is majoring in something other than the typical pre-med Bio or Chem etc. We take allowances that you might have the bare minimum of pre-reqs. That's OK!

But someone who is a Bio major should be loading up on the challenging coursework.

I realize that I am holding pre-meds to a double standard, but so be it.

Having done some film-making myself, I'd be welcoming to film majors!

There are challenging courses outside of the sciences. Some of my upper-level polisci classes are incredibly rigorous and challenging, with few people getting A's.

 

[blackroses]

Fluff =
Ecology
Art History
Psychology of Modern Americans
Creative Writing
History of the Film

Total = 15 credits

Rigor =

Physics + Lab
Genetics + Lab
Biostats or Biochem
Creative Writing OR Art History
History of the Film OR Psychology of Modern Americans

= 17 credits

I'm leery of anything like Ecology courses. Evolution and Astronomy are OK by me...even Nutrition!

For the "fluff" classes, are you just referring to the lower division courses in those areas, or upper division as well?

 

[Goro]

Lower division. Then again, Oceanic Biology and Limnology were upper level Bio courses at my UG school, but I'm not feeling any love for coursweork of that ilk.

Now Comparative Anatomy? Immunology& Serology? Radiation Biology?
That's I'll respect!
(courses taken from goro's course catalog, 1976).

For the "fluff" classes, are you just referring to the lower division courses in those areas, or upper division as well?

 

[blackroses]

Lower division. Then again, Oceanic Biology and Limnology were upper level Bio courses at my UG school, but I'm not feeling any love for coursweork of that ilk.

Now Comparative Anatomy? Immunology& Serology? Radiation Biology?
That's I'll respect!
(courses taken from goro's course catalog, 1976).

Do you take into account whether or not the coursework is required as part of the major and/or required to fulfill Gen Ed credits? My school required a ridiculous number of Gen Ed credits, all lower division, and my major requires several classes I'd definitely consider "fluff". (Last question for you, I promise!)

 

[baxt1412]

Do you take into account whether or not the coursework is required as part of the major and/or required to fulfill Gen Ed credits? My school required a ridiculous number of Gen Ed credits, all lower division, and my major requires several classes I'd definitely consider "fluff". (Last question for you, I promise!)

I dont think the application will reflect that your school is a liberal arts school. Mine was. and I definitely have some classes that could be considered fluff... but they filled requirements and fit my schedule (ie Guitar Class, Wellness for Life, Christian Moral Life).. but none were more than 1 per semester.

 

[Goro]

Yes, you're expected to be well-rounded too, and that's a good thing. Overall, keep in mind that we are looking for evidence of being able to handle a heavy course load like a medical school throws at you.

Do you take into account whether or not the coursework is required as part of the major and/or required to fulfill Gen Ed credits? My school required a ridiculous number of Gen Ed credits, all lower division, and my major requires several classes I'd definitely consider "fluff". (Last question for you, I promise!)

 

[blackroses]

Alright, thank you for your time!