• Practice your interview with the new SDN AI Interview Coach. Choose a school, answer by voice or typing, and receive a personalized feedback report. Available now to all SDN members. Try the AI Interview Coach.
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Reaching19

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi all!

Because of my poor gpa and results last quarter, I want to focus on the classes I need most which are my chem lab (first one in fact known to be tough too), chem 3, and writing 2. All total 10 units. And I work too. Also, on board for two clubs!!!

I'm doing this because it is best for me (aiming for straight A's this quarter) however, I do not want MD and DO schools to think the other way around such as I am not able to handle a load of class/information etc...

What do you all think? :shrug: Does the amount of units I take per quarter matter/affect my app/chances?
 
The difficulty of your coursework will have some impact, but the effect of your GPA will be much much more.
So would you say I should just go ahead and take 10 units? I am promising *crossing my fingers* myself just this quarter I will take 10 units, in the future 12 is the minimum!
Last quarter I took 18 units, on top of work flow, and on being board. Went at it too quick! Should have paced myself. I'm a first year btw.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
So would you say I should just go ahead and take 10 units? I am promising *crossing my fingers* myself just this quarter I will take 10 units, in the future 12 is the minimum!
Last quarter I took 18 units, on top of work flow, and on being board. Went at it too quick! Should have paced myself. I'm a first year btw.

I don't know exactly what you should do, but in terms of general advice, I would not jeopardize your GPA just to take a harder courseload, within reason. If there are extracurricular activities you could cut to give yourself more time, I would do that first. It's easier, cheaper, and faster to make up ECs later than it is to repair a GPA.
 
I don't know exactly what you should do, but in terms of general advice, I would not jeopardize your GPA just to take a harder courseload, within reason. If there are extracurricular activities you could cut to give yourself more time, I would do that first. It's easier, cheaper, and faster to make up ECs later than it is to repair a GPA.
Omg, thank you!!!! That really helped me see my choice in a different way! Right now my priority is my GPA. And yes I definitely do not want to jeopardize it! So I should do what keeps me away from it instead of thinking of things I can always make up later. Thanks a millionn!!! 🙂
 
So would you say I should just go ahead and take 10 units? I am promising *crossing my fingers* myself just this quarter I will take 10 units, in the future 12 is the minimum!
Last quarter I took 18 units, on top of work flow, and on being board. Went at it too quick! Should have paced myself. I'm a first year btw.

18 is a lot. Take the average 15 and call it a day with a couple of those credits being an easy elective or something. Gotta pace yourself out.
 
18 is a lot. Take the average 15 and call it a day with a couple of those credits being an easy elective or something. Gotta pace yourself out.
I agree It was sooo not a good quarter....learned from my mistake. Thanks!
 
I agree It was sooo not a good quarter....learned from my mistake. Thanks!

Also, on occasion, I used to take a light spring semester (~12 credits) and follow up with a class in the summer to add up to 15 credits. Not all schools like classes in the summer so be careful.