Is it okay to take only 14 credits for third semester of premed?

[Medigal]

I have taken 15 credits my first semester and am currently taking 16 credits for my second semester. I will be applying to become an undergraduate instructional aide (TA) which requires a flexible and manageable schedule to be accepted for the job (The professors want us to maintain good grades). Also, I will be taking ochem 1, A&P 1, Psyc 101, and Sociology 101 for a total of 14 credits next semester. I feel that since all these courses are premed prereqs, I should focus more on having a successful semester rather than struggling with the courses (like ochem), adjusting to the demands of the job, and not getting As. I may also get involved with research at my institution this summer that will continue for a course credit which can increase my credits to 15+. But I am not going to factor this right now. I don't know if medical schools will look down on the credit load for next semester, since I gradually increased my credits during freshman year and am doing well in the courses with all As. I am asking this because I have read somewhere that medical schools prefer at least 15 credits per semester.

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[ciestar]

You’re fine.

 

[907914]

Full time is all that matters. 12 looks eh but still ok. 18 could make you look like you are not doing anything outside of school.

 

[Medigal]

You’re fine.

Thanks!

 

[Medigal]

Full time is all that matters. 12 looks eh but still ok. 18 could make you look like you are not doing anything outside of school.

Ya I have seen people take 18 credits and it makes me feel I am not good enough. But it sure does affect their GPA when they try to balance the classes, attend club meetings, or do things outside of school just to graduate early or to look good for the app

 

[907914]

Ya I have seen people take 18 credits and it makes me feel I am not good enough. But it sure does affect their GPA when they try to balance the classes, attend club meetings, or do things outside of school just to graduate early or to look good for the app

My second quarter back in school was Bio 2 (5), Physics 2 (5), Ochem 2 (4), Ochem lab (2), bio lab (1), research lab (1) . I was doing perfectly fine that quarter until half way through I had an out of state training for reserves and my dumb self thought I would have time to study for ochem test the following monday. Nope - books/luggage got lost on the way back, ended up missing one ochem lab that morning so I could go get my luggage and pulled a solid 67% on the Ochem test....I was still able to pull a 3.7 and 3.8 in those two classes, but had to work my a** off to make up for it. Ever since then, it has been 2 classes and a lab or 3 classes (Both with research credits to act as a GPA buffer) because 3 classes plus 2 labs is just insane when you have other non-school obligations.

I definitely know that 18 credit feeling. It is possible to get 4.0 and 18 credits at the same time, but any wrench in the system makes it all collapse.

 

[TempuraOreos]

You’re fine.

2nd this.

Also, can't stress this enough. Don't do things like take 18+ credits a semester just because other pre-meds are doing it and you want to keep up with them. Unless it's a required course or a really cool "once a every few years" course, don't put yourself through that type of stress.

 

[sunshinefl]

It’s fine. I usually took ~15

 

[HomeSkool]

I took anywhere from 14 to 16 all the way through undergrad. You can even take less than 14 as long as you devote the extra time to something worthwhile like volunteering or working.

 

[subdermallight]

The credit load thing is way overhyped. Take at least 12 and do great ECs, get all A’s and you’ll be fine. You can even take less than 12 as long you had some kind of part-time job to explain it. It is WAY more important to preserve the GPA than take on a bunch of credits. 12 credits of all A’s beats out 17 credits with all A’s and one B.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I took 12 credits the whole last two years of my undergrad. No one even asked about it. I was working full time (active duty military) and had a reason, but I didn’t even get asked. No one cares as long as you’re full time.

 

[capriccio]

It literally doesn't matter. I had several semesters where if I hadn't signed up for lab credits and/or an easy 1 credit filler, I would've been around 12 or so credits, and it has never ever come up. You're completely correct in following your gut and adjusting your credit load in preparation for difficult classes—your focus should be on getting good grades, not fulfilling some imaginary and arbitrary premed credit standard.

 

[DiscusKeeper]

Ya I have seen people take 18 credits and it makes me feel I am not good enough. But it sure does affect their GPA when they try to balance the classes, attend club meetings, or do things outside of school just to graduate early or to look good for the app

Do yourself a favor and stop comparing yourself to other people.

 

[Medigal]

My second quarter back in school was Bio 2 (5), Physics 2 (5), Ochem 2 (4), Ochem lab (2), bio lab (1), research lab (1) . I was doing perfectly fine that quarter until half way through I had an out of state training for reserves and my dumb self thought I would have time to study for ochem test the following monday. Nope - books/luggage got lost on the way back, ended up missing one ochem lab that morning so I could go get my luggage and pulled a solid 67% on the Ochem test....I was still able to pull a 3.7 and 3.8 in those two classes, but had to work my a** off to make up for it. Ever since then, it has been 2 classes and a lab or 3 classes (Both with research credits to act as a GPA buffer) because 3 classes plus 2 labs is just insane when you have other non-school obligations.

I definitely know that 18 credit feeling. It is possible to get 4.0 and 18 credits at the same time, but any wrench in the system makes it all collapse.

I agree! Life is not predictable and we need to factor that in choosing our credits