Is this too much?! or can it be done!

[DoctorLacrosse]

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Hello all, I've really enjoyed my stay here at SDN so far, and really love all of the great advice being given day in and day out here. Kudos to all 👍 But here is my dilemma...

I am one of the many who did not take my first couple years of undergrad seriously enough, and have also dealt with my share of life problems, but who hasn't? I am currently fighting the uphill battle of getting my grades up, learning how to study and do well, and will be retaking classes starting next semester. My plan is as follows, but is subject to change as well. I will be finishing my labs over the summer and winter sessions...

Retake Semester 1:
Orgo 1
Bio 1
Chem 1
BS class

Retake Semester 2:
Orgo 2
Bio 2
Upper Bio
BS Class



I have changed my life around this semester and so far have been getting VERY good grades, even in my human physiology class which is widely regarded as the "hardest undergrad class" at my school, and my anatomy class which has taken a ton of studying to remember all of the material. I guess studying really does help

Does this seem like way too hard of a courseload? Or can this be done with a good work ethic? Do these classes make the others make more sense? Anyone can chime in who has had experience with these classes. I will take any advice that is given. Thanks guys, and good luck with the rest of your semesters!

 

[GimpGenius]

If you're still in the process of learning your study habits, I'd say take your time. I assume you've taken all of those courses before, and have good enough grades in, say, Bio II to take an upper-level course?

Even if you could do that, it might be a good idea to focus on those fundamental classes (doubly so since you're retaking them). It's more important to get the basics down than to try and rush things; and the chances of you doing poorly in the higher-level classes are compounded if you have a poor showing on the retakes.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

If you're still in the process of learning your study habits, I'd say take your time. I assume you've taken all of those courses before, and have good enough grades in, say, Bio II to take an upper-level course?

Even if you could do that, it might be a good idea to focus on those fundamental classes (doubly so since you're retaking them). It's more important to get the basics down than to try and rush things; and the chances of you doing poorly in the higher-level classes are compounded if you have a poor showing on the retakes.

Sorry, I was not too clear about a couple things. I have never taken any of the orgo classes before, so this will be my first time. As far as chem and bio go, I simply did not put any work in at all to receive good grades, though I have never received anything below a C. I think for those classes it will just come down to me studying more, which I have started doing this semester (better late than never, right? ), but for orgo it may take a bit more work for me. I believe in my mind that the plan is doable if I work hard, but I certainly agree that I should wait until later to take any upper division bios or anything. Thank you for that piece of advice.

 

[Iliketoytles]

Hello all, I've really enjoyed my stay here at SDN so far, and really love all of the great advice being given day in and day out here. Kudos to all 👍 But here is my dilemma...

I am one of the many who did not take my first couple years of undergrad seriously enough, and have also dealt with my share of life problems, but who hasn't? I am currently fighting the uphill battle of getting my grades up, learning how to study and do well, and will be retaking classes starting next semester. My plan is as follows, but is subject to change as well. I will be finishing my labs over the summer and winter sessions...

Retake Semester 1:
Orgo 1
Bio 1
Chem 1
BS class

Retake Semester 2:
Orgo 2
Bio 2
Upper Bio
BS Class



I have changed my life around this semester and so far have been getting VERY good grades, even in my human physiology class which is widely regarded as the "hardest undergrad class" at my school, and my anatomy class which has taken a ton of studying to remember all of the material. I guess studying really does help

Does this seem like way too hard of a courseload? Or can this be done with a good work ethic? Do these classes make the others make more sense? Anyone can chime in who has had experience with these classes. I will take any advice that is given. Thanks guys, and good luck with the rest of your semesters!

This can absolutely be done, given you work hard at it. It seems like you've legitimately got your head in the game now, so I'd say go for it. By "BS class", you mean a blowoff right? I can't help but think Biological Sciences every time I read "BS", haha. If it is a blow-off, than yeah that schedule seems very reasonable.

I don't see a problem taking an upper level bio course your second semester. Go for it. 🙂

Good luck!

 

[Iliketoytles]

Oh, and for even more incentive to do well these upcoming semesters.... the upward trend on your retakes and future classes will look really good. So take advantage of that and really work hard for those good grades from now on. 🙂

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

haha thanks for the advice man, your further solidifying your spot as one of my fav sdn members (and not just because your telling me what I wanted to hear 🙂). I think I'm going to go ahead with the plan until I give myself a reason not to. Thanks again. Updates will be posted on my other thread as I continue my battle!!

 

[GimpGenius]

Yeah... looks like I need to work on my Verbal Reasoning a little bit, since I misinterpreted things. 🙂

The first step to doing well in any class is "apply butt to chair," and it sounds like you're good to go there. The only other advice I can think of would be to get a copy of Klein's "Organic Chemistry as a Second Language" books. They're pretty small, but it's all substance and no fluff. The second book is particularly good for explaining carbonyl reactions.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

haha already bought myself a copy and plan on doing a little self teaching to get prepared before the semester even starts. again, thank you for the words of wisdom, and good luck with the verbal reasoning. 😉

 

[cougardiver]

Only you can decide what you can truly handle, but this is definitely a manageable course load. Good luck to you!

Hello all, I've really enjoyed my stay here at SDN so far, and really love all of the great advice being given day in and day out here. Kudos to all 👍 But here is my dilemma...

I am one of the many who did not take my first couple years of undergrad seriously enough, and have also dealt with my share of life problems, but who hasn't? I am currently fighting the uphill battle of getting my grades up, learning how to study and do well, and will be retaking classes starting next semester. My plan is as follows, but is subject to change as well. I will be finishing my labs over the summer and winter sessions...

Retake Semester 1:
Orgo 1
Bio 1
Chem 1
BS class

Retake Semester 2:
Orgo 2
Bio 2
Upper Bio
BS Class



I have changed my life around this semester and so far have been getting VERY good grades, even in my human physiology class which is widely regarded as the "hardest undergrad class" at my school, and my anatomy class which has taken a ton of studying to remember all of the material. I guess studying really does help

Does this seem like way too hard of a courseload? Or can this be done with a good work ethic? Do these classes make the others make more sense? Anyone can chime in who has had experience with these classes. I will take any advice that is given. Thanks guys, and good luck with the rest of your semesters!

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Thank you cougardiver. I believe in my mind that I can do it, and I won't stop working. my future literally depends on it lol. thanks for the motivation!!

 

[BenZq]

For your upper division bio class in the second semester I would advise against taking biochemistry. A lack of a strong o-chem background can haunt you in this type of class (not to mention the amount of memorization you will need to do). Look to take something more conceptual like eco-science or evolution.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

For your upper division bio class in the second semester I would advise against taking biochemistry. A lack of a strong o-chem background can haunt you in this type of class (not to mention the amount of memorization you will need to do). Look to take something more conceptual like eco-science or evolution.

I've heard stories about biochem being a nightmare, so believe me when I say I had no intentions of taking that yet, if ever haha. But I'll wait and see how orgo goes before saying that for sure. Thank you for making sure my head was on right though haha, definitely good advice.

 

[xxAtreusxx]

I've heard stories about biochem being a nightmare, so believe me when I say I had no intentions of taking that yet, if ever haha. But I'll wait and see how orgo goes before saying that for sure. Thank you for making sure my head was on right though haha, definitely good advice.

Don't write undergrad biochem off completely though. It will definitely be helpful once you get into med school.

I was in very similar shoes a couple years ago. Just put forth your best effort from here on out, and you'll be fine.

 

[antsrt4]

Bro my step dad taught me something (retired f16 fighter pilot) "slower will get you there faster"

Good luck man I'm in the same boat

 

[Iliketoytles]

I've heard stories about biochem being a nightmare, so believe me when I say I had no intentions of taking that yet, if ever haha. But I'll wait and see how orgo goes before saying that for sure. Thank you for making sure my head was on right though haha, definitely good advice.

I kinda agree with BenZq about organic; however, if you understand the concepts of organic chemistry (polarity, stability, etc.), you'll be fine in biochemistry.

And I do recommend you take biochemistry. Most DO schools either require or recommend it for coursework... but just as importantly, it's an incredible class that really takes simple biology concepts and shows you how and why they work they way they do. 👍

But yea... take it one step at a time. Get through your organics, and if you have time and feel comfortable, take biochem. 🙂

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Awesome advice all around, but really, you guys are awesome. You make me feel like this is all very possible, and im looking forward to digging myself out of this hole and one day feeling the joy of being accepted. Really gotta love the DO crew on here. Can't thank you all enough!

And @antsrt4, good luck man. It'll all be worth it in the end! Just do your best, and don't give up.

Hopefully good updates coming in the future.

 

[235788]

OP, that should be do-able.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

OP, that should be do-able.

haha yeah, i'm really glad that seems to be the general consensus, because I was NOT looking forward to trying to reschedule my plans if it was too much lol. 👍

 

[ens2k]

Hello all, I've really enjoyed my stay here at SDN so far, and really love all of the great advice being given day in and day out here. Kudos to all 👍 But here is my dilemma...

I am one of the many who did not take my first couple years of undergrad seriously enough, and have also dealt with my share of life problems, but who hasn't? I am currently fighting the uphill battle of getting my grades up, learning how to study and do well, and will be retaking classes starting next semester. My plan is as follows, but is subject to change as well. I will be finishing my labs over the summer and winter sessions...

Retake Semester 1:
Orgo 1
Bio 1
Chem 1
BS class

Retake Semester 2:
Orgo 2
Bio 2
Upper Bio
BS Class



I have changed my life around this semester and so far have been getting VERY good grades, even in my human physiology class which is widely regarded as the "hardest undergrad class" at my school, and my anatomy class which has taken a ton of studying to remember all of the material. I guess studying really does help

Does this seem like way too hard of a courseload? Or can this be done with a good work ethic? Do these classes make the others make more sense? Anyone can chime in who has had experience with these classes. I will take any advice that is given. Thanks guys, and good luck with the rest of your semesters!

Hey! I'm just a lurker on here, but I had to join and tell you what saved me in Orgo 1. http://www.freelance-teacher.com/videos.htm To warn you, the videos are LONG, and the guy can be a little dry. But, it's a pay-if-you-feel-like-it type of thing, and I would NOT have gotten through Orgo 1 without it (and I know because this was my 2nd attempt). Anyway, I made it out with a B thanks to him!

Ooh, also, he can be insultingly basic with his explanations, but it ends up being helpful in the end!

Best of luck,
Erica

 

[CopToEM]

That's a pretty heavy couple of semesters. Don't go into it half-hearted - you will absolutely study your butt off to come out with As. It can be done.

 

[ShyRem]

whether you can do it or not depends on you. There have been students who have done harder semesters, many do easier ones. You admit you didn't do well before... I would caution you about piling on the work unless you have figured out why you didn't do well and fixed the issues.

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

Thank you all for the input. I will definitely check out those videos come orgo time.

I've been working hard and doing very well so far this semester, so I believe if I keep working hard I should be fine to handle those retakes/courses. This semester entails much tougher courses than those from what I remember, though I do know orgo will be a new monster for me to tackle. I think I am going to just work hard and do my best with what I've planned.

 

[TwinsFan]

This is a reasonable courseload for a good student. Make sure you're ready if you've only done light loads since this will be a notch or two harder (medium load).

 

[DoctorLacrosse]

I've done heavy loads from day one, just unfortunately didn't work too hard from day one. Finally have my act together though, so as I said before I should be okay with this load. Thank you all for the concern and reassurance though.