HES: Bio before Chemistry?

[Maxprime]

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I know it's suggested to have gen chem 1&2 b/c bio's taught at the molecular level, but here's my situation:

Planned classes - chem I & physics I. I've already read both books (didn't know the chemistry book is divided into 2 semesters so I went halfway into chem II by accident) and done all the problems in the books - I feel I have a very strong understanding of the material in both classes. I haven't done the problem sets given out by the professor for chemistry (and IIRC we'll have one for physics too).

Dilemma:
I feel like taking those two classes is going to be a lighter load than I can handle. I REALLY need GPA points - so I was going to take an additional class. My thinking is:

Bio: It seems arrogant in the face of so many suggestions to not take 3 classes, let alone 3 science classes. But, if I started the Bio sequence this Fall, I could have all my pre-reqs done by the end of summer (assuming I survived orgo) or at the very least only have orgo left. This would leave the possibility for an August MCAT next year and skipping a glide year (probably wouldn't get in anywhere - but would have an MCAT to apply to SMP's with).

English: (I need an English class) Much lower time commitment and risk of getting a B in another class.

W/ bio, I could take biochem the next fall and free myself up to take more classes - is it worth the risk? Thanks.

 

[Maxprime]

I also wanted input on saving physics for a summer session and taking gen chem & bio this year - it seems like taking intro bio opens up so many courses for you that it's great to get it out of the way ASAP.

 

[Sundarban1]

I know it's suggested to have gen chem 1&2 b/c bio's taught at the molecular level, but here's my situation:

Planned classes - chem I & physics I. I've already read both books (didn't know the chemistry book is divided into 2 semesters so I went halfway into chem II by accident) and done all the problems in the books - I feel I have a very strong understanding of the material in both classes. I haven't done the problem sets given out by the professor for chemistry (and IIRC we'll have one for physics too).

Dilemma:
I feel like taking those two classes is going to be a lighter load than I can handle. I REALLY need GPA points - so I was going to take an additional class. My thinking is:

Bio: It seems arrogant in the face of so many suggestions to not take 3 classes, let alone 3 science classes. But, if I started the Bio sequence this Fall, I could have all my pre-reqs done by the end of summer (assuming I survived orgo) or at the very least only have orgo left. This would leave the possibility for an August MCAT next year and skipping a glide year (probably wouldn't get in anywhere - but would have an MCAT to apply to SMP's with).

English: (I need an English class) Much lower time commitment and risk of getting a B in another class.

W/ bio, I could take biochem the next fall and free myself up to take more classes - is it worth the risk? Thanks.

I can guarentee you will be singing a different tune come Sept. 21. I've said this a million times, but it's worth repeating. The number 1 pitfall for incoming HES students is overloading classes, then withdrawing. There is a reason that the administrators tell the students to take 2 classes at the most.

Also, there is really no need to start several different threads for every HES question you have. The best way to get your questions answered by HES students is posting in the official thread.

I'm also confused by your assertion that you will be somehow avoiding the glide year by taking classes out of order, etc. There is no way to skip the glide year. If you take the August 2007 MCAT, you will not start medical school until August 2008.

 

[jays2cool4u]

The problems in the chemistry book are much easier than the problem sets you will get for homework. On top of problems sets you will also need to do problems in the Logan Notes. Also the book doesn't have any mixture problems which are defintely going to be on the first test in Chemistry.

"Students who read the book and make highlights through out the chapter usually earn a grade of C. Students who use the book as a reference but spend most of their time studying the problem sets and Logan Notes usually earn a grade of A or B." - Logan

You seem very aimed at skipping a glide year. Take your time and do the very best that you can because these classes are challenging. Unless you have taken a Chemistry course in the past I would not jump right into Fixsen's biology course.

You'll see what I'm talking about next month. Good luck with Newburgh in physics! HA!

 

[Sundarban1]

The problems in the chemistry book are much easier than the problem sets you will get for homework. On top of problems sets you will also need to do problems in the Logan Notes. Also the book doesn't have any mixture problems which are defintely going to be on the first test in Chemistry.

"Students who read the book and make highlights through out the chapter usually earn a grade of C. Students who use the book as a reference but spend most of their time studying the problem sets and Logan Notes usually earn a grade of A or B." - Logan

You seem very aimed at skipping a glide year. Take your time and do the very best that you can because these classes are challenging. Unless you have taken a Chemistry course in the past I would not jump right into Fixsen's biology course.

You'll see what I'm talking about next month. Good luck with Newburgh in physics! HA!

Perfect. This is exactly what I am saying. People just assume there is not enough work and don't realize how time consuming it is to do homeworks (which are not out of the book in chemistry and only partially book related in physics) while doing pre-labs, readings, lab sections, discussion sections, help rooms, etc. There is just NOT enough time in a day to take 3 classes. Don't underestimate the work.

 

[Maxprime]

Sorry about the multiple threads - will start posting all HES questions in the official HES thread.

I wasn't looking to skip the glide year, just move it up a year I suppose.

I trust you guys more than my assumptions - I will stick with two classes. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing an opportunity.

 

[Maxprime]

I forgot (and probably forget too often) to say thanks, you guys really help prevent wasted time/effort.

 

[Sundarban1]

BTW there is an add/drop period. If you feel the courseload is too light you can always add classes after a few weeks. We just don't like to see people fail here for the wrong reasons, and overcommitting is a big problem. We are not doubting anyone's abilities, but it is just not common to see people take 3 classes and do well.

 

[Maxprime]

BTW there is an add/drop period. If you feel the courseload is too light you can always add classes after a few weeks. We just don't like to see people fail here for the wrong reasons, and overcommitting is a big problem. We are not doubting anyone's abilities, but it is just not common to see people take 3 classes and do well.

Question removed and posted in HES thread - sorry guys.

 

[jays2cool4u]

Quick question - is it better to add the max you think you can handle and drop one or to wait and add one if you have capacity? I guess my question is more - if you're not enrolled in a class, can you attend the first few meetings just in case you may add it? Thanks.

Maxprime

I urge you to please post all questions you may have about HES in the Offical: Harvard 2006 forum. This forum gives other potential HES students ONE comprehsive and efficient place to view almost every question/answer raised by other students. The questions that you are asking could be of particular interest to another potential student. It can become cumbersome to fish around between 3-4 threads when one thread can eliminate this problem. It is highly doubtful that Surdarban1 will continue to answer your inquires outside of the Official: HES 2006 thread.

 

[sharona1121]

Hi guys,

I'm relatively new to this... have been thinking of med school in the past few days and someone mentioned I could start HES now (i'm still at my job)... I looked at the website, and I see that I can indeed start now although the next 2 weeks would probably be the most hectic of my life.

I also noticed in the past threads that taking 3 classes is not advisable. I understand the vigor of the classes but aren't there one year post bac programs like bryn mawr? Is HES more rigorous than bryn mawr or is it just generally not advised simply because of the fact it is really rigorous?

If I were to do HES starting 2 weeks I would probably not do volunteer work but focus on getting the courses done and doing them well - I had 4 years of significant volunteer work in health related fields during college and would focus on that during my glide year. Would that be OK?

I'm so impressed by all of your guys' commitment to this forum! If I do end up at HES hope I get to meet some of you guys...