Fall 2013 Course-load; Acceptable?

[edgarceballos]

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I am a rising Sophomore...

BIOL 150 Human Anatomy (w/Lab) 3cr
CHEM231 Organic Chemistry I (w/Lab) 4cr
BIOL 250 Principles of Microbiology (w/Lab) 3cr
BIOL 111 Principles of Biology I (w/Lab) 4cr
MUSC 134 University Chorus 1cr
APMU151 Private Piano II 2cr

17 credits in total...I am highly considering dropping Private Piano II, which would bring me down to 15 credits for the fall semester. I will also be an Resident Assistant, tutor, worship leader, etc. on the ECs.

Is this an acceptable course-load for a pre-med student? How will it be viewed, or is it too low of a course-load?

(I AM NOT asking if it's doable, as that question's answer depends on an individual's ability and dedication)

Thanks in advance!

 

[ericksonj15]

.

 

[loltopsy]

Isn't Bio a prereq for Microbio? Probably not a good idea to take them concurrently.

 

[edgarceballos]

Isn't Bio a prereq for Microbio? Probably not a good idea to take them concurrently.

It is, however, I'm pretty familiar with Biology, and I think it will be doable if I read and study most of the Biology book over the summer take notes and read over notes from friends who had the course in the past. Also, with Bio, I feel like with the help from friends who had the course in past with the same professor, that could be a great tool to ace the class without a problem. With the other three courses, I'll simply do the same; study doggedly over the summer for each.

 

[edgarceballos]

If you're not asking if it's doable, I don't really understand your question. Are you asking if ADCOM's will look at the semester and think you slacked off? A) No, they aren't going to think it was too light if you took 4 science classes with labs in the same semester. B) I don't think when reviewing applications they typically go semester by semester seeing if you had any easy semesters. I think they're more likely to consider the classes you've taken over the course of your college career holistically.

Thank you! That was exactly the input I was looking for. I do believe it is doable with dogged preparation over the summer (now). Unless you think otherwise?

 

[chillaxbro]

Looks good
Anatomy and Organic Chemistry are time sucking courses so make sure to manage your time effectively

Good luck

 

[ericksonj15]

.

 

[sakabato93]

If you get overwhelmed, rather than dropping the piano class, I'd suggest dropping one or a few ECs. Piano will probably help pad your GPA. Since GPA is more important than ECs, you'd be better off keeping the class. Plus taking a break from an EC is no big deal, you can always return at a better time.

Also, courseload isn't that big of a factor, unless you get a stellar GPA. If you have a >3.85 GPA after consistent 17hr+ semesters, ADCOMs may be a little impressed. However, they won't let you use taking 17hr+ as an excuse for getting a subpar GPA (<3.6).

 

[loltopsy]

A bad grade in microbio/anatomy looks really bad on an AMCAS app since you take it in med school at a much faster and more intense pace. Just saying.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

Micro + Ochem + Anatomy will not be easy.

 

[AdmAckbar]

I wouldn't do that as a sophomore fall semester, no need to.

edit: is that a 100 level anatomy class? I didn't realize that was even a thing.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

I really do not think it's a wise idea to take anatomy and microbio when you haven't even taken bio I yet. You say you think you know biology well, but is this being based off of high school? Because I thought I was well versed in bio too since I was a big bio nerd in high school, but then I got to college and found out I knew nothing about real biology. The biology you learn in high school and layman books/magazines/shows/whatever is nothing like the biology you learn in college. You say you'll study for the classes over the summer, but if you're like 99% of people you won't actually follow through with that intent.

Furthermore, you'll be taking organic chemistry in the same semester. Orgo is hard enough without having to stress over two classes you don't have the background for, plus two arts classes that sound like massive time sinks (if your music classes are anything like the ones a roommate of mine took in sophomore year, they have you doing 5 hours of practice/recital for every 1 hour of instruction). Oh yeah, and then throw on all that other stuff you'll be doing.

That schedule is your golden ticket to your very own "HELP! Really screwed up my last semester, should I give up now?" thread on pre-allo.


As for your question about whether or not adcoms will like that schedule: They won't care. At all.

 

[Cinclus]

I agree that you should drop down to 15 credits. That's a lot of hard science packed into a semester.

 

[alpharez]

Anatomy with lab is only 3 credits? At my school it's 7 (and they're considering upping it to 8).

 

[kmp0410]

I would take an easier courseload.

Every undergrad student worries about stuff like this when it doesn't matter. As long as your not taking 12 credit hours every semester, you won't get penalized for less challenging semesters. And you most certainly will not get any bonus points for taking brutal semesters.

I would slow down, take your time, enjoy life. Why would you want to study all summer for classes in the fall? That sounds terrible. There is a difference between being motivated and being silly imo.

Including Labs that course load is 10 classes, with 4 major (and difficult) science classes....I mean that's just a little absurd. Labs are different everywhere, but sometimes they can be quite the pain.

And this needs to be repeated again, you will receive absolutely zero bonus points for taking brutal semesters.

 

[bigdogrob4284]

I would drop the anatomy and keep everything else.

 

[Rhino1000]

Micro + Ochem + Anatomy will not be easy.

I vouche for this. I took Micro, Ochem2, Human A&P2, as well as psychology, last semester. Coupled with a 6 hour/wk commute and weak EC's (10 hrs/wk), this was a very difficult semester. It ended up being my highest GPA semester, though (4.0). Doesn't change the fact that I was very busy.

Be prepared to work hard.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

.

 

[PanRoasted]

I would say your summers need to be spent padding your ECs/relaxing a bit. there is zero rush to fit in all your pre-reqs...you just need them by the time your MCAT rolls around. this is a really bad idea. nobody will care one way or the other if you take a really hard semester, but people will definitely care if you do poorly in core medical school pre-reqs and don't have solid ECs. I get the gung-ho super studious mentality, but it's just not worth it in the end.

 

[edgarceballos]

I really do not think it's a wise idea to take anatomy and microbio when you haven't even taken bio I yet. You say you think you know biology well, but is this being based off of high school? Because I thought I was well versed in bio too since I was a big bio nerd in high school, but then I got to college and found out I knew nothing about real biology. The biology you learn in high school and layman books/magazines/shows/whatever is nothing like the biology you learn in college. You say you'll study for the classes over the summer, but if you're like 99% of people you won't actually follow through with that intent.

Furthermore, you'll be taking organic chemistry in the same semester. Orgo is hard enough without having to stress over two classes you don't have the background for, plus two arts classes that sound like massive time sinks (if your music classes are anything like the ones a roommate of mine took in sophomore year, they have you doing 5 hours of practice/recital for every 1 hour of instruction). Oh yeah, and then throw on all that other stuff you'll be doing.

That schedule is your golden ticket to your very own "HELP! Really screwed up my last semester, should I give up now?" thread on pre-allo.


As for your question about whether or not adcoms will like that schedule: They won't care. At all.

Thanks for your input! You're right about this being a high-risk load for a semester, but I've successfully maintained a 4.0 for my first year of college with 18cr loads for each semester, along with the ECs. Fortunately, I am that 1% that follows through with the summer studying, as I've already started studying for the fall courses. I wouldn't say I'm motivated, the stuff just interests me, thus it is natural for to just study. As for practicing for the arts, I took them this semester, I literally just have to show up to class; there is no outside practice time needed (because I am a piano minor, not a lot is demanded of me that I don't already know, so I'll occasionally practice. And choir, well yeah, you show up and sing). I mainly want to keep busy to start experiencing what the course-load at medical school will be like, since "it's nothing like your undergraduate years."

HOWEVER, thank you for letting me know that ADCOMS don't really look into that much, or at all for that matter!

 

[edgarceballos]

If you get overwhelmed, rather than dropping the piano class, I'd suggest dropping one or a few ECs. Piano will probably help pad your GPA. Since GPA is more important than ECs, you'd be better off keeping the class. Plus taking a break from an EC is no big deal, you can always return at a better time.

Also, courseload isn't that big of a factor, unless you get a stellar GPA. If you have a >3.85 GPA after consistent 17hr+ semesters, ADCOMs may be a little impressed. However, they won't let you use taking 17hr+ as an excuse for getting a subpar GPA (<3.6).

See, I just finished my Freshmen year of college with a 4.0 GPA and 18cr load each semester, however, I feel as though that isn't saying much since I only took one science w/ lab during each semester, along with honors classes. Taking an all science load (pretty much), I feel will be impressive, but do you think the ADCOMs will even look at that? The "plan" is to continue the 4.0. But you never know, "**** happens." haha

 

[edgarceballos]

I agree that you should drop down to 15 credits. That's a lot of hard science packed into a semester.

Well, is it anything compared to what medical school will be like? Medical school is nothing compare to our undergraduate years, right? (At least Fr. and So. years) If so, then shouldn't I aim to take this course-load? Or is medical school easier than this?

 

[edgarceballos]

I would say your summers need to be spent padding your ECs/relaxing a bit. there is zero rush to fit in all your pre-reqs...you just need them by the time your MCAT rolls around. this is a really bad idea. nobody will care one way or the other if you take a really hard semester, but people will definitely care if you do poorly in core medical school pre-reqs and don't have solid ECs. I get the gung-ho super studious mentality, but it's just not worth it in the end.

Thank you! That's very true. I guess I would probably be clouding the new information I learn now by the time the MCAT rolls around if I took them now.

Dangit, I still feel I can do this though because I will be doing a mission's trip later in the summer as well as work as a summer Resident Assistant after that for my school's Summer Session II, and I'm currently shadowing and volunteering at hospitals, all the while studying, thus the whole weak ECs is not a problem...

I'm not rushing, it's actually just how my courses play out because if I don't take these then I really can't take anything else because the honors college courses I took during my first two semesters covered a lot of my gen. eds. and my Spanish major is now done, and so all that's left is to take science and arts courses...

 

[edgarceballos]

I vouche for this. I took Micro, Ochem2, Human A&P2, as well as psychology, last semester. Coupled with a 6 hour/wk commute and weak EC's (10 hrs/wk), this was a very difficult semester. It ended up being my highest GPA semester, though (4.0). Doesn't change the fact that I was very busy.

Be prepared to work hard.

Thank you! I am glad people like you do exist, which means it's possible. And congratulations on your hard-work! I just finished my Fr. year with a 4.0 with 18cr each semester, but I know it was not as challenging as this prospective course-load will be.

This is a weird question, but did you work out? Like stay in shape? Does staying active (going to the gym and working out) help at all with you stamina and schedule?

 

[edgarceballos]

I can already see myself...

 

[sakabato93]

See, I just finished my Freshmen year of college with a 4.0 GPA and 18cr load each semester, however, I feel as though that isn't saying much since I only took one science w/ lab during each semester, along with honors classes. Taking an all science load (pretty much), I feel will be impressive, but do you think the ADCOMs will even look at that? The "plan" is to continue the 4.0. But you never know, "**** happens." haha

Like I said, they may be a little impressed if you do well. But if you screw-up, hard courseload is not an excuse for them.