Do number of units per semester taken really matter for applying?

[UnderMyDesk]

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I know they'll look into number of units taken to see what kind of courseload you can handle.

The first half of my time spent in college, I only took 12 units per semester. Second half, I took 16. That's an overall average of 14. Will the 12 units I took per semester in my first half be a problem? Or will adcom people look at my 16 units per semester in my second half and take that as proof I can handle a decent courseload?

 

[bluestreaks]

I did the same thing and it didn't hurt me at all this application cycle.

 

[pv515]

No. I have not taken more than 13 credits since freshman year, and I'm now a fifth year senior. Granted, I am a varsity athlete at my school, but I don't think it would matter anyway.

 

[Osteoth]

While I assume that they look at the average credit load per quarter, if it comes up in interviews there are many ways to explain it (having to work, extra curricula's, family situation).

 

[Aerus]

Yes, courseload does matter, but if your application is otherwise stellar and your interview skills aren't bad, you'll still get in somewhere. If you have some semesters where you took 12 units, I wouldn't even worry about that.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

It matters, but it's more important to get a high gpa than to take a heavy load.

 

[Lollygag]

it matters, but it's more important to get a high gpa than to take a heavy load.

+1

 

[bollywoodlover]

Ya GPA matters more than the load. I took two classes one semester because I had withdrawed from one and they didn't question me at all about it. I've also had like 3 or 4 Ws and it wasn't even brought up in my interview. I doubt most schools look that hard at the details mostly your overall cGPA or sGPA. And I think it's very rare for an interviewer to look that closely at your app that you will be asked about that unless your GPA is alarming. I've had one DO interview and several MD interviews out of 8 schools I applied to..so you'll be fine.

 

[cuculici1]

LizzyM has said that she takes it into account, but obviously GPA is the most important aspect. Worry about quality before quantity.

 

[bluestreaks]

I did the same thing and it didn't hurt me at all this application cycle.

^^^ Parrot