Is 23 credits manageable?

[pillowbunny]

Hi there,

I'm shortly entering my junior year of undergrad and I'm planning on taking 23 credits during the coming fall semester.

My overall GPA is a 3.93. My science GPA is around a 3.88 (all A's, except for a B+ in genetics that I took with an extremely hellish professor).

schedule:

major science courses:
Organic Chemistry I & Lab(4 credits)
Physiology (4 credits)
College Physics II & Lab (4 credits)

kind of relaxed courses but mildly difficult:
Principles of Development (3 credits)
Beginning Spanish 2 (4 credits)

throwaway courses:
University Colloquium (3 credits)
Seninar in Medicine (1 credit)

As some background, I'm taking Beginning Spanish 2 because of my Spanish minor -- I love the culture and the language. University Colloquium & Seminar in Medicine are throwaway classes in the sense that they're just "show up and pass". Principles of Development is an online behavorial science course that is relatively easy -- just answer short-response posts online and read the textbook as needed.

Is this manageable or should I hold off on a course (i.e. College Physics II) until spring/summer?

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated!

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[maplecookie]

Hi there,

I'm shortly entering my junior year of undergrad and I'm planning on taking 23 credits during the coming fall semester.

My overall GPA is a 3.93. My science GPA is around a 3.88 (all A's, except for a B+ in genetics that I took with an extremely hellish professor).

schedule:

major science courses:
Organic Chemistry I & Lab(4 credits)
Physiology (4 credits)
College Physics II & Lab (4 credits)

kind of relaxed courses but mildly difficult:
Principles of Development (3 credits)
Beginning Spanish 2 (4 credits)

throwaway courses:
University Colloquium (3 credits)
Seninar in Medicine (1 credit)

As some background, I'm taking Beginning Spanish 2 because of my Spanish minor -- I love the culture and the language. University Colloquium & Seminar in Medicine are throwaway classes in the sense that they're just "show up and pass". Principles of Development is an online behavorial science course that is relatively easy -- just answer short-response posts online and read the textbook as needed.

Is this manageable or should I hold off on a course (i.e. College Physics II) until spring/summer?

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated!

Is there a pressing reason why you're taking so many credits at once? If not, your time would probably be better spent taking less classes and doing more ECs

 

[pillowbunny]

Is there a pressing reason why you're taking so many credits at once? If not, your time would probably be better spent taking less classes and doing more ECs

I'm in the LECOM 3+4 track (3 years of undergraduate and 4 years at medical school, where the first year of medical school counts towards your bachelor's degree). I'm trying to finish up all the requirements in my 3rd year and go to LECOM. As for extracurriculars, I volunteer on the weekends at a local hospital and will be the secretary of Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society. On top of that, I am going to be a Learning Assistant for General Chemistry II.

 

[stubblesmcgee]

Honestly I wouldn't recommend this. You have a great GPA but attempting 23 credits on top of everything else could really backfire on you.

 

[maplecookie]

I'm in the LECOM 3+4 track (3 years of undergraduate and 4 years at medical school, where the first year of medical school counts towards your bachelor's degree). I'm trying to finish up all the requirements in my 3rd year and go to LECOM. As for extracurriculars, I volunteer on the weekends at a local hospital and will be the secretary of Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society. On top of that, I am going to be a Learning Assistant for General Chemistry II.

That honestly sounds like a lot. If you can do all of them fabulously kudos to you but I don't see the point of pushing it all together and possibly burning yourself out; better to lessen the load and do them all perfectly with some breathing room. Especially since you've mentioned you can take one or more of those classes in the next semester. If any of those classes are truly throwaway that you don't need them for your degree/minor, don't take them when you already have a full load. If you take less classes and find you have more time than you thought and are anxious about being free then take up another EC though I suspect that won't be the case.

In short, I strongly recommend against this course load. Too much risk and not enough possible benefit.

 

[bbdylan87]

nope

 

[dillpicklechips]

23 credits of easy courses vs 23 credits where 12 is hard sciences (and I mean HARD sciences) is a lot different. Organic chemistry, physics, and physiology is very difficult, especially if you have no previous exposure to any classes. If you plan to take the mcat junior year, hold off on physiology. If you're taking a gap year, I recommend holding off on physics. The downside to holding off on physics is if you have a year break between physics I and physics II, you might have a **** time remembering stuff from physics I.

TL;DR: Shorten your semester. Don't take classes you don't want to take/you don't need to take.

 

[deleted480308]

Nope.

 

[pillowbunny]

Okay! Sadly, the throwaway courses are required by the university so I do have to take them at some point during my third year. I don't need to worry about taking the MCAT because LECOM does AIS scores, where ACT/SAT along with a high enough GPA can exempt you from having to take it. I think I'll wait to take physics in the spring or summer. Thank you!

 

[rdyotz]

A lot of it depends on the person too. If you have been taking over 20 credits a semester with similar loads it might be fine. If you just decided to jump from 15 to 23 credits, then no, it is a horrible idea.

 

[Saifa]

Slightly off topic but it sounds like you're doing great and might want to consider applying out of your linkage program if possible.

 

[Blanky]

I think its certainly doable with your GPA. You might find yourself in regret if you drop that GPA with a couple B's. Also consider that you are going to be rushed and busy and may not retain as much of the material as you want, especially for orgo1 as that class I feel translates to orgo2 and biochem.

 

[pillowbunny]

Slightly off topic but it sounds like you're doing great and might want to consider applying out of your linkage program if possible.

Thank you!! I've considered doing so, but LECOM has the cheapest tuition compared to most other D.O. schools, and not having to take the MCAT is a huge plus for me. I'm not aware of any other programs that have the MCAT exemption, so that's mostly why I'm sticking with LECOM. If you have any suggestions, I'll definitely check them out.

 

[pillowbunny]

I think its certainly doable with your GPA. You might find yourself in regret if you drop that GPA with a couple B's. Also consider that you are going to be rushed and busy and may not retain as much of the material as you want, especially for orgo1 as that class I feel translates to orgo2 and biochem.

I see where you're coming from, I was considering taking an extra semester for biochemistry and the like so I could get in all the pre-requisites and have a solid foundation before entering med school. Is organic anywhere near general chemistry or is a whole different ballpark? Thank you for the insight!

 

[JustAUser]

Is organic anywhere near general chemistry or is a whole different ballpark?

Organic chemistry is very different from general chemistry, not much overlaps except for some basics.

Also I agree with the above posters. The blow off classes are what they are. But taking ochem, physics, and physiology might not be manageable. Only take them if you have enough time in your schedule to dedicate studying for each class, otherwise I would suggest postponing a class for another semester. (Or you could try to get a head start by studying for the class during the summer.)

 

[FroYoOreo]

Taking more than 21 credit in one semester means paying extra at my institute.

 

[pillowbunny]

Organic chemistry is very different from general chemistry, not much overlaps except for some basics
.
Also I agree with the above posters. The blow off classes are what they are. But taking ochem, physics, and physiology might not be manageable. Only take them if you have enough time in your schedule to dedicate studying for each class, otherwise I would suggest postponing a class for another semester. (Or you could try to get a head start by studying for the class during the summer.)

I hadn't considered doing a bit of studying for orgo during the summer to get a headstart. Thank you for the suggestion! I'm going to postpone physics until spring! 🙂

 

[pillowbunny]

Taking more than 21 credit in one semester means paying extra at my institute.

I'm covered by scholarships and financial aid at my institution almost completely, so tuition isn't too big of a deal for me (until grad school at least ).

 

[coffee&scrubs]

As some background, I'm taking Beginning Spanish 2 because of my Spanish minor -- I love the culture and the language. University Colloquium & Seminar in Medicine are throwaway classes in the sense that they're just "show up and pass". Principles of Development is an online behavorial science course that is relatively easy -- just answer short-response posts online and read the textbook as needed.

Is this manageable or should I hold off on a course (i.e. College Physics II) until spring/summer?

Any thoughts or advice are greatly appreciated!

I agree with the above posters. Those three sciences courses are critical to your sGPA. I recommend you take one of them in the summer (could be this summer (second session hasn't started yet at most schools) or next). While many people choose to take organic during the summer, I think taking it during the semester gives you the extended time to absorb the material (ie. 3 weeks between exams in the semester vs less than a week during the summer depending on the structure of the course). I say take physics II over the summer, which is what I did after my sophomore year so I wasn't taking 21 credits in the spring with organic, organic lab, and biostats among others.

 

[coffee&scrubs]

I hadn't considered doing a bit of studying for orgo during the summer to get a headstart. Thank you for the suggestion! I'm going to postpone physics until spring! 🙂

Just saw that you decided to postpone it to the spring. Best of luck OP! 🙂

 

[pillowbunny]

Just saw that you decided to postpone it to the spring. Best of luck OP! 🙂

TYSM!

 

[Saifa]

Thank you!! I've considered doing so, but LECOM has the cheapest tuition compared to most other D.O. schools, and not having to take the MCAT is a huge plus for me. I'm not aware of any other programs that have the MCAT exemption, so that's mostly why I'm sticking with LECOM. If you have any suggestions, I'll definitely check them out.

I understand not wanting to take the MCAT, it's a lousy experience. It will pay you dividends if you knock it out of the park though. Not to be the devil on the shoulder, but if LECOM doesn't have to know if you take it or something I would go for it.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

The only person who can answer this is you. I took 21 credits for a semester and did fine. I had no life that semester though.

 

[mistafab]

If you think it is doable for you, then it probably is.

 

[pillowbunny]

I understand not wanting to take the MCAT, it's a lousy experience. It will pay you dividends if you knock it out of the park though. Not to be the devil on the shoulder, but if LECOM doesn't have to know if you take it or something I would go for it.

They don't have to know 😉. I'll try my hand at the MCAT and prepare a bit for it then, and hopefully I get a decent enough score to find some better opportunities!

 

[jdc647]

No

 

[FroYoOreo]

I think you should rethink it. I pretty much took 21 throughout my college years (challenging engineering major, plus double major). It was very hard to manage all the volunteering, studying, research, my own hobby, and yet have a social life (without which you get depressed). Looking back, I wish I had a more balanced curriculum, and could enjoy life a little more. You will have plenty of opportunities to burn yourself out in the future as a medical profession. Right now, don't focus so much on taking a gazillion classes, enjoy your ECs, enjoy your college experience.

 

[theKingLT]

I strongly recommend dropping the Spanish minor. Minors are meaningless pieces of paper, and you can learn the language and culture more efficiently through native media (news, movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc.) with the added bonus of being able to hold off on your language learning when your classes get tough around midterms/finals

 

[pillowbunny]

I strongly recommend dropping the Spanish minor. Minors are meaningless pieces of paper, and you can learn the language and culture more efficiently through native media (news, movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc.) with the added bonus of being able to hold off on your language learning when your classes get tough around midterms/finals

That's a fair point with being able to hold off on language learning when the workload gets too heavy. Personally, I learn foreign languages better and more efficiently in a classroom setting since you're under the guidance of a native speaker and practicing the language in both written/oral/listening for about an hour during class each week. I'll definitely consider dropping the Spanish minor, but being relatively fluent in Spanish now will be beneficial to me later on since the area I live in and will be working in as a doctor is a hotspot for Hispanic people who speak English as a second language.

 

[FroYoOreo]

a hotspot for Hispanic people who speak English as a second language.

If you just started learning Spanish, then I don't think you will be fluent enough to practice in Spanish by just doing a minor. It is great if you can understand some basics.
Just FYI, doctors that I shadowed, who are fluent in Spanish but not like native-speaker fluent, have to use the interpreter iPad anyway. This is just for insurance/documentation purposes. If you are not native-speaker fluent (I remember you have to be certified or something), you will have to use the interpreter.

 

[pillowbunny]

If you just started learning Spanish, then I don't think you will be fluent enough to practice in Spanish by just doing a minor. It is great if you can understand some basics.
Just FYI, doctors that I shadowed, who are fluent in Spanish but not like native-speaker fluent, have to use the interpreter iPad anyway. This is just for insurance/documentation purposes. If you are not native-speaker fluent (I remember you have to be certified or something), you will have to use the interpreter.

I haven't just started learning Spanish, I've been studying it since high school and I've been taking classes to reinforce what I learned. I just wanted to hone in on my weak spot which is communicating verbally, since I don't have as much trouble when it comes to listening or writing. Apologies if I come off as disrespectful or ignorant in any way. 😕

 

[FroYoOreo]

I haven't just started learning Spanish, I've been studying it since high school and I've been taking classes to reinforce what I learned. I just wanted to hone in on my weak spot which is communicating verbally, since I don't have as much trouble when it comes to listening or writing. Apologies if I come off as disrespectful or ignorant in any way. 😕

No worry. What I mean is if you are unlikely to achieve bilingual fluency (which requires you to start learning as a kid), it is highly unlikely that you will be able to practice medicine in Spanish. However, language skill is always a great asset. I agree with @theKingLT, you don't have to take classes to learn Spanish. Language classes in college are time-consuming (5 credit when I took it), inflexible (took up time spots for my other core classes), and potential GPA killer (self-explanatory). You can try websites like Duolingo, which allows you to have a flexible learning schedule, and is also organized like classes.

 

[Cece-bean]

Hi Pillowbunny!

I was also in the LECOM 3+4 program with my school! Way to go!

I can tell saving money is a priority for you so that extra year will save a nice chunk of tuition.

If you really love the Spanish culture and are passionate about learning, I would really recommend studying abroad!
Your stats and EC's are great, however remember to stock up on your experiences too!

In fact, just as a suggestion in case you haven't considered this: You could switch to the 4+4 program, graduate a semester early in December of the 4th year, and research/travel/or do an immersion trip in a Spanish country while working at their clinic for the remaining semester before you matriculate in July. In fact, working full time that remaining semester (i.e. in a lab or hospital) could help save money for graduate school.

Best of luck

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Is LECOM guaranteed program? If so, what's the GPA requirement?

 

[Cece-bean]

Provisionally* guaranteed upon clearing the gpa and science gpa thresholds for each successive semester. (These thresholds differ depending on which early acceptance track you're in)

I think the science gpa threshold for freshman year was >3.1, then increases by .1 every semester or so.

 

[FreeRadicals]

As mentioned above, I wouldn't limit yourself to the LECOM program. Have you thought about applying out? Also, I'd take the 23 credits, if you see yourself not doing well a few weeks in, then simply drop a few classes.

 

[dr_kateb]

How do people even get this schedule to fit to the point where they actually consider following through with it? Every semester it's a pain in the ass to get my 4-5 (15/16 credits total) classes to not overlap.

 

[theKingLT]

Hi Pillowbunny!

I was also in the LECOM 3+4 program with my school! Way to go!

I can tell saving money is a priority for you so that extra year will save a nice chunk of tuition.

If you really love the Spanish culture and are passionate about learning, I would really recommend studying abroad!
Your stats and EC's are great, however remember to stock up on your experiences too!

In fact, just as a suggestion in case you haven't considered this: You could switch to the 4+4 program, graduate a semester early in December of the 4th year, and research/travel/or do an immersion trip in a Spanish country while working at their clinic for the remaining semester before you matriculate in July. In fact, working full time that remaining semester (i.e. in a lab or hospital) could help save money for graduate school.

Best of luck

Do this ^!!! Look into scholarships or a website called workabroad (I think that's the name). You can get free housing and food in exchange for things like english lessons or help around the house. Then spend your free time volunteering, working, language immersion or doing whatever you want.

 

[TheDappGoesWild]

No it's not

 

[Select All That Apply]

How do people even get this schedule to fit to the point where they actually consider following through with it? Every semester it's a pain in the ass to get my 4-5 (15/16 credits total) classes to not overlap.

Special access codes. Alternative schedule planners. It's a huge investment burner. I think I've lived at least 5 different alternate realities before starting a semester with a 20+ credit load.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

How do people even get this schedule to fit to the point where they actually consider following through with it? Every semester it's a pain in the ass to get my 4-5 (15/16 credits total) classes to not overlap.

It might take a lot of convincing, but if you can talk the ministry of magic to lend you a time-turner, anything is possible.

 

[drbatsandwich]

Really depends... my cousin is a double major in biochemistry and chemistry and regularly took upwards of 20+ credits, and is graduating a year early with nearly a 4.0 despite also doing extensive undergrad research and being a peer tutor. Nobody but you can truly decide whether or not you can handle that course load!

 

[pillowbunny]

Hi Pillowbunny!

I was also in the LECOM 3+4 program with my school! Way to go!

I can tell saving money is a priority for you so that extra year will save a nice chunk of tuition.

If you really love the Spanish culture and are passionate about learning, I would really recommend studying abroad!
Your stats and EC's are great, however remember to stock up on your experiences too!

In fact, just as a suggestion in case you haven't considered this: You could switch to the 4+4 program, graduate a semester early in December of the 4th year, and research/travel/or do an immersion trip in a Spanish country while working at their clinic for the remaining semester before you matriculate in July. In fact, working full time that remaining semester (i.e. in a lab or hospital) could help save money for graduate school.

Best of luck

Thank you so much! Your advice is extremely helpful, and I'll definitely consider studying abroad. I've actually been thinking about doing the 4+4 instead of the 3+4! I recently found out that I am receiving excess financial aid, which would be lost if I finished my undergrad in 3 years. And as you said, I can take on a job to save up and/or do research and gain those valuable experiences. If I may ask, how is/was your experience in the 3+4 program?

 

[pillowbunny]

How do people even get this schedule to fit to the point where they actually consider following through with it? Every semester it's a pain in the ass to get my 4-5 (15/16 credits total) classes to not overlap.

Not too big of a university and priority registration does the job pretty well.

 

[pillowbunny]

Do this ^!!! Look into scholarships or a website called workabroad (I think that's the name). You can get free housing and food in exchange for things like english lessons or help around the house. Then spend your free time volunteering, working, language immersion or doing whatever you want.

I will DEFINITELY look into this! I've never heard of workabroad, and it seems like such a great opportunity. Thank you!! 🙂

 

[pillowbunny]

Is LECOM guaranteed program? If so, what's the GPA requirement?

Early Acceptance Programs - LECOM Education System

High school GPA of 3.5 or higher, or if you're attending an affiliate institution -- overall 3.2; science 3.1 or higher. Those are just minimum, however. I applied as a high school senior to their early acceptance program and was able to visit LECOM Bradenton for an interview in May and got in! I did dual enrollment so I already had two years of undergrad completed by the time I got back the provisional letter of acceptance. They essentially save you a seat if you have a successful interview and if they like your stats. Definitely look into it if the institution you're attending is linked with LECOM. No MCAT requirement. Let me know if you need any help! 🙂

 

[Select All That Apply]

@pillowbunny Just a quick reflection:
[1] You have a great position to invest into other schools with your cGPA and sGPA.
[2] You have a great hedge position to rely on without needing the MCAT via LECOM.

However, the caveat is that you're in a good position and it's rational to be afraid of losing that position. Will investing time into the application process cost you time and energy just to wind up staying with LECOM from your own cost-benefit analysis? Do you want to be stuck in another medical school thinking about what it would have been like if you stayed at LECOM? There's a lot of baggage that comes with investing time and having a great position that other people don't acknowledge when they attribute your situation to being a sunk cost fallacy. Pretty interested in knowing what your thought process is as you make decisions going forward. Best wishes.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

High school GPA of 3.5 or higher, or if you're attending an affiliate institution -- overall 3.2; science 3.1 or higher. Those are just minimum, however. I applied as a high school senior to their early acceptance program and was able to visit LECOM Bradenton for an interview in May and got in! I did dual enrollment so I already had two years of undergrad completed by the time I got back the provisional letter of acceptance. They essentially save you a seat if you have a successful interview and if they like your stats. Definitely look into it if the institution you're attending is linked with LECOM. No MCAT requirement. Let me know if you need any help! 🙂

I am a parent and my son's school is not linked to LECOM. He gave up BS/MD so not interested in early assurance programs.

 

[pillowbunny]

@pillowbunny Just a quick reflection:
[1] You have a great position to invest into other schools with your cGPA and sGPA.
[2] You have a great hedge position to rely on without needing the MCAT via LECOM.

However, the caveat is that you're in a good position and it's rational to be afraid of losing that position. Will investing time into the application process cost you time and energy just to wind up staying with LECOM from your own cost-benefit analysis? Do you want to be stuck in another medical school thinking about what it would have been like if you stayed at LECOM? There's a lot of baggage that comes with investing time and having a great position that other people don't acknowledge when they attribute your situation to being a sunk cost fallacy. Pretty interested in knowing what your thought process is as you make decisions going forward. Best wishes.

Thank you for the insight. I've decided to do the full 4 years of undergrad, and I'm definitely going to consider my options as they stand during that time. I'm aware that I am in a strong position to apply to other schools, but I'm not currently aware of any other opportunities similar to the one that LECOM offers -- let alone with such security. In my opinion, so long as I'm receiving the proper knowledge necessary to practice medicine at LECOM, there is no real purpose in spending time and energy into trying to aim for schools that are "better." Everyone leaves medical school as a doctor, all the same.

As it stands, the most that I would consider outside of LECOM would probably be an MD/PhD program, but we'll see! Best wishes to you as well! 🙂

 

[pillowbunny]

I am a parent and my son's school is not linked to LECOM. He gave up BS/MD so not interested in early assurance programs.

Ah, I see. If he is interested in applying to a different medical program, then I believe he should do research and find a school that best suits his interests and ideals.