How does this current plan sound?

[drdoom12]

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I recently graduated in May with my BS and am in the process of finishing up medical school prerequisites. Last semester, my first postbac semester, I was full time taking some courses I needed and some courses to enhance my application. This semester however there just is not a lot for me to choose from that would actually benefit me. Thus, I'm only taking general chemistry 2 and lab. Is this okay? I've been full-time for the past 9 semesters and graduated magna cum laude. My GPA is fine, and I'm on track to finish my prereqs in 2 more semesters after this one, which will consist of physics and organic.

Also, I work in an ICU, tutor, do research, and volunteer. Will these extracurricular activities offset the fact that I'm taking a lighter course load? I figured I could spend this lighter semester really nailing my EC's.

 

[silleme]

The full-time work, coupled with the other activities should look just fine. I'm sure others will chime in here, but it's when you're steadily taking the minimum of courses and don't have anything else filling up your time that they begin to question your ability to work with the time commitments required by medical school, and medicine as a whole.

 

[drdoom12]

The full-time work, coupled with the other activities should look just fine. I'm sure others will chime in here, but it's when you're steadily taking the minimum of courses and don't have anything else filling up your time that they begin to question your ability to work with the time commitments required by medical school, and medicine as a whole.

That's reassuring. I am actually PRN at work due to needing to have a fairly precise schedule. However, I average about 8 shifts a month during semesters, which is a little less than full-time people (they work 3 12 hour shifts per week). This allows me to work as a research intern, volunteer, tutor, etc. In May, I will be going on a medical outreach trip to South America for a week, which my PRN status allows for.

Question: When I list my work on the AMCAS application, do they want to know how many hours per week you work? I ask because my work schedule varies by the season, where some weeks, like over Christmas break, I work 50-60 hours, and other weeks I am not scheduled to work at all.

 

[Juan Solo]

I think you are good. Even though you are a part-time student you have a nice assortment of other activities that you are pursuing which I am sure keep you plenty busy. Keep up the hard work! Looks great!

Good Luck!

 

[drdoom12]

I think you are good. Even though you are a part-time student you have a nice assortment of other activities that you are pursuing which I am sure keep you plenty busy. Keep up the hard work! Looks great!

Good Luck!

Thank you! I was also thinking about going ahead and beginning content review for, at least, chemistry and biology through TPR or something similar. Is this a good idea, or would I be wasting resources?

Also, is there any decent resource for getting a jump on organic and/or physics?

 

[Juan Solo]

Thank you! I was also thinking about going ahead and beginning content review for, at least, chemistry and biology through TPR or something similar. Is this a good idea, or would I be wasting resources?

Also, is there any decent resource for getting a jump on organic and/or physics?

Well, that's up to you and your commodity level. If you can handle it all and balance being a happy human then I say go for it. Studying for the mcat takes time and Studying too much is rarely a bad thing.

As far as getting a head start on o chem and physics, have you taken these courses already?

 

[Juan Solo]

Sorry not commodity level. I meant to type comfort level.

 

[drdoom12]

Well, that's up to you and your commodity level. If you can handle it all and balance being a happy human then I say go for it. Studying for the mcat takes time and Studying too much is rarely a bad thing.

As far as getting a head start on o chem and physics, have you taken these courses already?

I have taken Bio 1 & 2 and Chemistry 1. I am currently taking Chemistry 2. I will be taking Organic and Physics over the next two semesters.