Is taking 12 credits per semester all throughout undergrad bad?

[MoostacheMan]

I have heard that taking 15 credits per semester is recommended, but I do not need to do that much. I have taken a lot of dual credit courses during high school, so I am still able to graduate in 4 years by taking 12 credits per semester. I will also be taking one 3 credit course during every summer, so would this technically be 15 credits per semester? I am just worried that this will be looked down upon.

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[Catalystik]

I have heard that taking 15 credits per semester is recommended, but I do not need to do that much. I have taken a lot of dual credit courses during high school, so I am still able to graduate in 4 years by taking 12 credits per semester. I will also be taking one 3 credit course during every summer, so would this technically be 15 credits per semester? I am just worried that this will be looked down upon.

The summer term is separate from the usual academic year.

Adcomms won't care if you took 12 credits per semester, provided you are otherwise busy. They will look at the entire load you carry, including coursework, ECs, work, sports, research, volunteering, family responsibilities, etc. If you spend your spare time on video games, eg, it won't be a good look.

 

[LizzyM]

Do keep in mind that these light loads could cause you to be deconditioned as a scholar which could make medical school all the more difficult because it will have been a long time since you have taken a heavy course load.

 

[Goro]

At my school you'd be at a disadvantage.

 

[LondonVibes]

At my school you'd be at a disadvantage.

How many credits would they need per semester to not be at a disadvantage?

 

[Goro]

How many credits would they need per semester to not be at a disadvantage?

15+ oh, but maybe fourteen would do if it were two four credit lab courses and two three credit courses

 

[LondonVibes]

15+ oh, but maybe fourteen would do if it were two four credit lab courses and two three credit courses

OP, I would look into taking some online 3 credit course if I were you. Many of these take like an hour or two a week, and would keep you competitive at more schools.

 

[MedScat]

@Goro probably knows better so I'd listen to him by saying its a disadvantage but, just a personal story, I did 12 credits most of my college career but also worked about 30 hours a week which I felt made taking 12 credits less of a red flag so maybe if you're doing something else to fill the time, it's less disadvantageous?

 

[deleted1017749]

I took about 12 credits every semester and did fine admissions wise. Not sure how it will go when I'm actually in school though