[Deleted post]

[carrot395]

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[Catalystik]

Hi I recently dropped a class that I was taking in order to better prepare for my MCAT. I am just wondering if my easy schedule will disadvantage me from applying to medical school? I took 14 credits last semester, and I am only taking 15 credits this semester. I took about 20 both semesters in sophomore year, so I am just worried that my junior year schedule is too easy. What are your junior year schedules like? (PS, my university is pretty famous for having grade deflation)

-last semester:
-biochemistry - 4cr
-physics 1 - 4cr
-social sciences (nutritional science perspective) - 3cr
-research - 2cr
-honors thesis class - 1cr
-total = 14 cr

-this semester:
-nutrient metabolism (biochemistry + physiology, upper level class) - 4cr
-physics 2 - 4cr
-intro to sociology - 3cr
-honors thesis research - 3cr
-swing dance - 1cr PE
-total 14 cr academic, 15 cr total

I was going to take 19 credits but the other class got too stressful and I didn't want my grade to drop. My science GPA is about 0.1 below my total GPA, so I am very worried.
Thanks

How many labs are included in each term. Is the research credit for writing a term paper or for being involved in a hypothesis-driven, scholarly pursuit of new knowledge?

How many EC hours are you involved in each week?

Adcomms will be looking for the total load you're carrying, not just the academic commitments.

 

[PlaqueBuster]

looks fine. as long as you meet the requirements and are doing EC's no one cares about your semester load as long as you are around the 14-16 credit classes range

 

[palatopharyngeus]

Hi I recently dropped a class that I was taking in order to better prepare for my MCAT. I am just wondering if my easy schedule will disadvantage me from applying to medical school? I took 14 credits last semester, and I am only taking 15 credits this semester. I took about 20 both semesters in sophomore year, so I am just worried that my junior year schedule is too easy. What are your junior year schedules like? (PS, my university is pretty famous for having grade deflation)

-last semester:
-biochemistry - 4cr
-physics 1 - 4cr
-social sciences (nutritional science perspective) - 3cr
-research - 2cr
-honors thesis class - 1cr
-total = 14 cr

-this semester:
-nutrient metabolism (biochemistry + physiology, upper level class) - 4cr
-physics 2 - 4cr
-intro to sociology - 3cr
-honors thesis research - 3cr
-swing dance - 1cr PE
-total 14 cr academic, 15 cr total

I was going to take 19 credits but the other class got too stressful and I didn't want my grade to drop. My science GPA is about 0.1 below my total GPA, so I am very worried.
Thanks

I think you made the right choice by taking fewer credits. honestly, as long as youre a full time student and are taking 4 or 5 classes a semester, no one really cares whether you're taking 15 credits vs 18. the important thing is that you do well in your classes and on your mcat, and of course meet all the prerequisites

FWIW, I took 13.5 and 12.5 credits my sophomore year. no one ever brought it up during any of my interviews. you'll be fine. just do well in your classes and ace that mcat.

 

[hmockingbird]

Similar situation, except I took a class p/f junior year instead of dropping it. Nobody asked me about that on my interviews.

 

[Catalystik]

Hi I am doing 2 laboratory experiments in each semester, in addition to physics labs from my class
1) a 4 year longitudinal study on obesity prevention model, epidemiology related
2) my honors thesis study - on negative food priming and how to reduce obesity at a population level. I had to write my own proposal, recruit 100 students, train some research assistants, get money. This is actually very time consuming >_>

Yes the research credit is for a hypothesis-driven, scholarly pursuit of new knowledge. I am not sure if I can get published, but I will produce an honors thesis by my graduation, which is next semester. I will graduate in 3.5 years because I don't have enough money to finish 4 years + apply to medical school.

I am also vice president (just became president) of a science/medical debate club on campus. I participate in all the debate events or plan them.
I am an e-board member for a premed honors fraternity. We do a lot of stuff, such as premed info session, social events, charity, fundraising, interviews, etc.

As for EC hours, I have no idea because it varies from week to week. I would say on average, 5-10 hours of EC, and at least 4-5 hours of research. I am not doing volunteer this year because it eats up my time and I rather just do them over the summer.

When you fill out the application, you'll be including total hours of all your activities, so they will be evident to those screening your application. From what you've described, you have no worries about the perception that your "schedule is too easy."

 

[MrLogan13]

You're full-time, you're fine. No need to be neurotic over this.