Full time work + Full time school

[gunito]

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How do some of you do this? I would like to take as many classes as possible, but I am concerned that I may bite off more than I can chew. I wont be working full time ( probably close, 30ish hrs a week) and I would like to take at least 12 credits so my gpa can sore. I just wanted to get some tips and advice on how I can improve.
Heres how this semester went:

Bio I: A
Chem I: B

Summer:
Physics I
Chem II

I need to do better and get all As. I have been looking up study tips for reading science textbooks and how to study more effectively. I have began reading for my summer classes already to get a head start (its also information I enjoy). So, any advice you have I appreciate. Cant wait to get to where Im going!!

 

[BK611]

Definitely take your time to apply. Don't rush and fire the gun before you are ready. That being said, it does feel like the clock is ticking. I get it!

Are these classes retakes or are they your first go? I would recommend taking at most two classes with the sort of job hours you are talking about if you are actually wanting to get A's in the classes. The upper level sciences aren't going to be something you can coast through and taking three at a time will almost guarantee you get a B in something.

The best advice for studying I can give is to trying everything once. Try outlining chapters, try re-writing notes, try straight memorization skills, become an efficient reader. The process of learning unfortunately takes time for each individual to figure out. It will come to you, don't give up!

Good luck with the classes this summer! Physics is alot of memorization (formulas and rules)

 

[mspeedwagon]

Definitely don't work full-time and take a full-time load of classes. That just spells disaster (GPA-wise) to me. I suggest, like me, working full-time and taking part-time classes or vice versa.

I know people that pull it off, but they tend to be that 'one' insanely smart kid that you wonder about (I remember at my Ivy undergrad there were tests in organic chemistry were the class average was a 30% and a kid scored a 100%... are you normally that kid? The 'B' in Chem I makes me believe not. So definitely take your time).

I agree with the limit yourself to two classes suggestion. This is not a race. Do it once and do it properly.

I would love to give you advice on how to get As in all classes, but since this is not something I've accomplished, I don't feel like I can speak with any authority on the subject.

 

[SoftwareKevin]

Don't get yourself into a situation where school work suffers. If you find yourself doing poorly in the classes, adcoms aren't going to be interested in excuses. If you're confident you have the ability to get A's and work that much, then go for it. If you're unsure, cut back on one or the other. If this is your first semester back, maybe ease into it with just one class and see if you can handle more.

 

[njbmd]

How do some of you do this? I would like to take as many classes as possible, but I am concerned that I may bite off more than I can chew. I wont be working full time ( probably close, 30ish hrs a week) and I would like to take at least 12 credits so my gpa can sore. I just wanted to get some tips and advice on how I can improve.
Heres how this semester went:

Bio I: A
Chem I: B

Summer:
Physics I
Chem II

I need to do better and get all As. I have been looking up study tips for reading science textbooks and how to study more effectively. I have began reading for my summer classes already to get a head start (its also information I enjoy). So, any advice you have I appreciate. Cant wait to get to where Im going!!

You essentially get one shot at doing well in your courswork. If you have to work to support yourself, then cut back on your coursework. A year or two extra doesn't make much difference if your work is excellent. Trying to take on more than you can do with mediocre results will add more time (and expense) in the long run because you will be doing "damage-control".

Summer courses move faster under the best of circumstances. Adding full-time work makes this nearly impossible unless you have plenty of down-time on your job where you can study and work at the same time. Even under those circumstances, you are still dividing your brain (not good for mastery of your work).

When students overload, it's not work but school performance that suffers. Listen to those above who recommend starting slowly, doing excellent work and then adding more if you can handle the load.

 

[gunito]

Alright got it. I was going to try to take three classes in the fall but i found out the ochem + lab are 6 credits. The retakes are classes that I already took. Ill just tack on an extra year to make sure everything is done smoothly and I dont burn out or get bad grades. I spent a lot of time studying, but I think i can be more efficient and do better. Im getting a jump start on my summer courses by reading and taking notes so i can get ahead and not be stressed out.

 

[fireflygirl]

I agree with what everyone has told you so far but I spent my first year and a half in the post bac as a full time student and got all the core classes out of the way and did well in then. The other year and a half I actually worked full time and did part time classes but those were things like labs where the work load wasn't as much and I could juggle two classes a semester. And the benefit to that was that I could get my necessary research/clinical experience in but also the hospital where I worked offered tuition reimbursement for these classes. So I would say that work on the core classes full time but if you need money and/or experience, I think you could juggle labs that only meet once or twice a week and don't involve as much hard core work as the major classes.

 

[7starmantis]

I agree with whats been said. I would say that 2 courses a semester is going to add considerable time to your education depending on where you are (sorry can't even remember the OP...need sleepy).

That being said, it can be done and not only by the insanely smart. I worked full time (40 + hours) was married and graduated summa cum laude so dont let your circumstances get you down. I'm not even very smart. 😳

It is true that you can do serious damage to your application by getting poor grades. While adcoms generally factor in your work load, its not going to overcome poor grades more than likely. Take your time, its not a race. Just show that you can handle heavy loads, med school isn't easy. Doing two classes for a long time might look bad as well.

 

[gunito]

I agree with whats been said. I would say that 2 courses a semester is going to add considerable time to your education depending on where you are (sorry can't even remember the OP...need sleepy).

That being said, it can be done and not only by the insanely smart. I worked full time (40 + hours) was married and graduated summa cum laude so dont let your circumstances get you down. I'm not even very smart. 😳

It is true that you can do serious damage to your application by getting poor grades. While adcoms generally factor in your work load, its not going to overcome poor grades more than likely. Take your time, its not a race. Just show that you can handle heavy loads, med school isn't easy. Doing two classes for a long time might look bad as well.

Ill be 24 in 2 weeks, so i have a good amount of time; however, i would prefer to apply in 2012. I was planning on taking some retakes in addition to my two sciences classes each semester. I can always give it a shot and drop a class if things get to bonkers. Im not trying to hurry, per se, i just want to take a solid course load and do well. If taking two classes can hurt me if i do it for too long, I dont think three will be a problem. If my playstation didnt play blu rays i would get rid of it. Ill probably take my time to add on more classes. An extra year wont be the end of me.

 

[BK611]

Ill be 24 in 2 weeks, so i have a good amount of time; however, i would prefer to apply in 2012. I was planning on taking some retakes in addition to my two sciences classes each semester. I can always give it a shot and drop a class if things get to bonkers. Im not trying to hurry, per se, i just want to take a solid course load and do well. If taking two classes can hurt me if i do it for too long, I dont think three will be a problem. If my playstation didnt play blu rays i would get rid of it. Ill probably take my time to add on more classes. An extra year wont be the end of me.

Careful with that route. Most classes you don't really find out how you are performing until after the drop dates and then you get into having withdrawals on your transcripts and having to explain why you withdrew from a class every semester. Just something to think about. My advice would be start with two sciences. Your Physics and Chemistry this summer will be a good test. If you think you can handle that then MAYBE try three in the fall. Or try a lab and two classes cause you still have to fulfill that require too I assume.

 

[dahlmarino]

I've been working full time while going to school full time for the last 2 and a half years. The first semester I pulled off a 3.91 GPA and I've been a 4.0 student every semester since. The key is good time management, finding a job that is flexible enough to work around school while still pulling in enough hours to pay the bills (I drove a cab for the last couple years, now I'm waiting tables in a bar), applying for grants/scholarships as often as possible, and just knowing how much of each you can handle each semester.

Oh, and don't panic. That's a big one. 🙂

 

[punkiedad]

Ill be 24 in 2 weeks, so i have a good amount of time; however, i would prefer to apply in 2012. I was planning on taking some retakes in addition to my two sciences classes each semester. I can always give it a shot and drop a class if things get to bonkers. Im not trying to hurry, per se, i just want to take a solid course load and do well. If taking two classes can hurt me if i do it for too long, I dont think three will be a problem. If my playstation didnt play blu rays i would get rid of it. Ill probably take my time to add on more classes. An extra year wont be the end of me.

be carefule with thinking of dropping classes. Good theory, but what are you going to do if you have a B by drop date? Might be tempted to put extra pressure on yourself by thinking you can bring it up.....then boom. both classes blow up.

I did it working full time and it took a full three years.
applying alone took a year. Now, first year winding down. Time flies.

 

[mspeedwagon]

In the words of Chris Rock: "Yeah, you could do it [working and taking classes full-time], but that don't mean it's to be done! ****, you can drive a car with your feet if you want to, that don't make it a good f**king idea!"

If you take two classes and ace them, then follow this advice, but you haven't been getting all As (reference 'B' grade in Chem I), so you are not going to be in the same boat at this poster. My advice would be different if you told me you were always a 4.0 student.

Start slow and build on it. If you get As in two classes easily, then attempt taking on more than that. Otherwise, stick to two at a time.

I've been working full time while going to school full time for the last 2 and a half years. The first semester I pulled off a 3.91 GPA and I've been a 4.0 student every semester since. The key is good time management, finding a job that is flexible enough to work around school while still pulling in enough hours to pay the bills (I drove a cab for the last couple years, now I'm waiting tables in a bar), applying for grants/scholarships as often as possible, and just knowing how much of each you can handle each semester.

Oh, and don't panic. That's a big one. 🙂

 

[MoElyassi]

agree with mspeedwagon, just remember you can't go just like this with no plan. you need to make up your mind and live with it. spend some more time and talk to more people. good luck

 

[FrkyBgStok]

I have been reading this thread and while I somewhat agree with many, you need to do what works for you. I know it sounds cliche but in my situation, when I did work less (20-30 hours/week) and took 12 credits, I got lazy and didn't do well. I am a complete workaholic though and I live for overextending myself. It's how I succeed. When I work 50-60 hours/week and take 16-18 credits, I do very well. But I had to learn this.

And I am fully aware that most people aren;t like this, that is why these guys/gals have good advice. Some people drink, some play golf. Work calms me down and keeps me motivated.

 

[mzblue]

I'm your average student. i've worked full-time 36hrs a week and taken full time load of 3 science classes with lab including upper level classes. The one hour drive to school sucks. i've class 4 days a week but i think i manage it cuz i work nights, though on a very stressful floor. You need a lot of discipline and the love of God to pull it off. No, my gpa didn't suffer. It's hard and i don't have a family so i can pull it off. if you have kids or a spouse, it might be harder. But i'll go with the advice of most people here and do what you think you can do without wrecking your GPA. Might i add i took 20 credits in a quarter system and worked full time in college but i don't think that's why i can pull it off now. i only take 13 credits now and i think it's harder than when i was just a nurse extern. i could sit down and read between vitals and Is & Os. As a nurse, i ran around all night and don't even get off on time most days. Plus taking a year off college sent my brain into hibernation.

I see you're looking at summer classes. Those are hard. i took two sciences in the summer working full time. i had class 6days a week. my weekends were all day. If you're used to going long hours without sleep, kudos to you. But it's hard, there are times when i sleep for 12hrs straight because i'm soo tired.
I'll agree with most people here and say take it easy the first time around. Your grades are more important. Good luck

 

[dahlmarino]

I'm your average student. i've worked full-time 36hrs a week and taken full time load of 3 science classes with lab including upper level classes. The one hour drive to school sucks. i've class 4 days a week but i think i manage it cuz i work nights, though on a very stressful floor. You need a lot of discipline and the love of God to pull it off. No, my gpa didn't suffer. It's hard and i don't have a family so i can pull it off. if you have kids or a spouse, it might be harder. But i'll go with the advice of most people here and do what you think you can do without wrecking your GPA. Might i add i took 20 credits in a quarter system and worked full time in college but i don't think that's why i can pull it off now. i only take 13 credits now and i think it's harder than when i was just a nurse extern. i could sit down and read between vitals and Is & Os. As a nurse, i ran around all night and don't even get off on time most days. Plus taking a year off college sent my brain into hibernation.

I see you're looking at summer classes. Those are hard. i took two sciences in the summer working full time. i had class 6days a week. my weekends were all day. If you're used to going long hours without sleep, kudos to you. But it's hard, there are times when i sleep for 12hrs straight because i'm soo tired.
I'll agree with most people here and say take it easy the first time around. Your grades are more important. Good luck

Yeah, I'd recommend staying away from summer courses all together unless you absolutely have to take them. I took one summer semester, and while I survived, I definitely lost a lot in my personal life (including a very serious relationship) because of how much time and energy it consumed.

 

[eablackwell]

I'm a high school chemistry teacher, and this past fall/spring I took a full load of courses. It was HELL! Very hard, tiring, and I'm sure I was a pita to live with (though my husband would never admit it). I managed to keep my grades up, though I was not completely happy with them. They were as follows:

Fall:
Orgo I: B
Physics w/calc I: A
Calc 2: A

Spring:
Orgo II: A
Physics w/calc II: B
Calc 3: A

I would not suggest this, especially if you are planning an MCAT any time in this period. I planned my MCAT on 4/10 and was so unbelievably worn down that I neither prepared correctly nor did as well as I would have liked.

MCAT: 26M

I've written 2 novels for God's sake. I should have never scored an M in writing, though with the way I felt by test day it's not surprising.

Now, I have to pay another 230 bucks and take it again in June. Luckily, with prereqs done and work winding down to finals, I have the time to study the way I should have been months ago.

Full time work and school is doable, but I wouldn't advise it unless you

A) Have no life.

or

B) Want no life.

And DO NOT take the MCAT while doing this unless you're a genius with amazing time management skills and 100% family/friend support.

 

[brdmadgrl82]

My advice is to wait with the summer classes (or take only one and see how it goes). I know all about working full time and school full time and I cannot imagine doing science classes and working (between the commute/time spent working you won't have many hours left to study!), OR if you can- cut down the hours to 20 per week...I think you can split the sciences in two summer sessions so you are taking 1 science + 1 lab for each half for a total of 4 classes. Take your time! I figure I'm already older so why not take my time (extra 6mo-1yr) and do well 😀 whats another year!!!! Med school will be our life...

 

[sharmi]

Its possible to work full-time and take a full-time load of classes. I did it this spring and paid for it with a good portion of my sleep.

Did I mention that I have a family with 2 small children (one of which was 6 months when I started the semester) ?

I work full-time - not just work - I have a career in Software enngineering built over the past 10 years - so I cannot study while at work and often have to work odd hours with the global work culture.

The classes that I took were:
Physics I with lab (A+ in both lecture and lab)
Chem I with lab (A+ in lecture and A in lab)
Embryology (developmental biology) (A in lecture - no lab)

Now, you can probably see that:
work (career) + school (need A's) + kids + husband = no sleep
Well, its behind me now (at least for the next few weeks) and I am getting ready for the summer when I am registered to take:
Statistics
Human Anatomy

For the fall, it will be any 2 of these 3 (depending on how the schedule works out for me)
Physics II with lab
Chem II with lab
Orgo I with lab

 

[wagmanager]

Its possible to work full-time and take a full-time load of classes. I did it this spring and paid for it with a good portion of my sleep.

Did I mention that I have a family with 2 small children (one of which was 6 months when I started the semester) ?

I work full-time - not just work - I have a career in Software enngineering built over the past 10 years - so I cannot study while at work and often have to work odd hours with the global work culture.

The classes that I took were:
Physics I with lab (A+ in both lecture and lab)
Chem I with lab (A+ in lecture and A in lab)
Embryology (developmental biology) (A in lecture - no lab)

Now, you can probably see that:
work (career) + school (need A's) + kids + husband = no sleep
Well, its behind me now (at least for the next few weeks) and I am getting ready for the summer when I am registered to take:
Statistics
Human Anatomy

For the fall, it will be any 2 of these 3 (depending on how the schedule works out for me)
Physics II with lab
Chem II with lab
Orgo I with lab

keep it up sharmi. I love to see this as it is very encouraging. I too am a mother(3 kids) and work full time and have to take a full course load.Sometimes I get off work and head straight to an exam but it can be done. Do you have any pointers ?

 

[sharmi]

Well, for the bio courses, I record the lectures and listen to them on my drive. That's pretty much covers 70% of how I studied for all my bio classes. Then I read through the slides and make a few additions on the slides from on-line version of book if I can manage a half hour off on a couple of days at work during lunch time. Though I always buy the book - I barely get to read it.

I can only study or do my homework over the weekends - early morning (up until 8:30 or 9:00 am) and then in the afternoon (between 2:00 and 4:30 pm-ish) and late at night after the kids are in bed (so after 9:00 pm). Well, this is sometimes disrupted if I have to finsh my son's school projects or help out in his home work or have to entertain guests or something unexpected. If that happens - then it would mean even less sleep. On weeknights, sometimes, if I don't have to work at night (after a full day of work and school) and still have the energy - I can squeeze in a hour or two of study time after the rest of family falls asleep.

As for the study, I did not study much for chemistry - only did the homework assignments. I had taken chemistry (from a foreign school) over 12-13 years before and have already taken the MCAT - and thankfully, have retained quite a bit of chemistry in me (though my work over the past decade has had nothing to do with chemistry). I used most of my study time to practice Physics problems.

 

[wagmanager]

Well, for the bio courses, I record the lectures and listen to them on my drive. That's pretty much covers 70% of how I studied for all my bio classes. Then I read through the slides and make a few additions on the slides from on-line version of book if I can manage a half hour off on a couple of days at work during lunch time. Though I always buy the book - I barely get to read it.

I can only study or do my homework over the weekends - early morning (up until 8:30 or 9:00 am) and then in the afternoon (between 2:00 and 4:30 pm-ish) and late at night after the kids are in bed (so after 9:00 pm). Well, this is sometimes disrupted if I have to finsh my son's school projects or help out in his home work or have to entertain guests or something unexpected. If that happens - then it would mean even less sleep. On weeknights, sometimes, if I don't have to work at night (after a full day of work and school) and still have the energy - I can squeeze in a hour or two of study time after the rest of family falls asleep.

As for the study, I did not study much for chemistry - only did the homework assignments. I had taken chemistry (from a foreign school) over 12-13 years before and have already taken the MCAT - and thankfully, have retained quite a bit of chemistry in me (though my work over the past decade has had nothing to do with chemistry). I used most of my study time to practice Physics problems.

thanks so much for this. I think i will start recording lectures as I too do not have much time to put in. thanks once again