Full course loads

[perfectmoment]

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How do american med schools look at people who take less than a full course load? I know that in Canada, they basically discredit any year you've taken that has not had 10.0 classes (5 per semester) or more from your cumulative GPA score. Is this the same way in the american schools? or do they not care if you took 4 classes or whatever per semester?

 

[ultimateend]

10 classes a year, at least at my college, would be very time consuming and very difficult to do. considering that the average class is 3-4 credits x 5 = around 17/18. the limit that the school will allow is 19.
Basically 4 classes is normal. I'm in fact taking 3 (+1 1cr class) next semester as physics, ochem 2, and ochem lab are enough credits in themselves to make me a "full-time student," according to the school.
Med schools also take into account if you are working and other factors contributing to the course load, but if you're asking if they will mind if you take 4 or 3 major classes in a semester as opposed to 5, then I think that they probably wouldn't.
Just my opinion and also would like an answer on this subject, thanks.

 

[Spitting Camel]

I took 9 quarter units one quarter (translates to 7.4 semester units, I believe) an I got in just fine. As long as you're not taking 7 years for undergrad b/c you're constantly taking 9 units, you're ok.

 

[exilio]

I'm taking 20...is that wrong?

One professor made us do a "reality check" the other day, as it was the beginning of the Winter quarter.

He said he told his kids to do no more than 15 units per semester/quarter...and I agree...but I have little choice, I put myself behind the eightball so now I need to make up for lost time...and hopefully do well...I'm new to this thing called education. 😛

It wouldn't be the first time I've bitten off more than I can chew.