Is two courses with FT work too much?

[wdwrn]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi all,

I'm planning to start my premed non-trad journey in Spring 2015 semester. I'm work FT at a hospital 3 days a week, and was considering going back to class two days a week taking 8 hours; two classes with respective labs. However, my local university (only one) is known for having notoriously challenging professors, ones that are great but barely give A's, without tons of studying.

I am reading on here a lot and am now hesitant to take more than one course to start with. However, so many people are telling me I can "do it". I don't want to put myself into a terrible position, but I also am already on an almost 3 year plan and don't want to keep extending it to baby my way through.

Any advice? Anyone done it?

 

[wdwrn]

FYI: I was considering taking Gen Chem I (already took it seven years ago, taking it as a refresher) and Bio II.

 

[Cawolf]

When I first went back to school I was working full time (60 hrs/ 3 days) and taking three classes - however only one had a lab. I found it very challenging and my sleep was lacking.

It is doable, but it will require you to have no other obligations except maybe a free day on the weekends if you don't have an exam.

If you think you can do it, I say go for it. I would highly recommend having the means/logistics in place to step down to part-time on a moments notice. Everyone is different and I would hate to hear that you did horrible because of work.

 

[Apollo1]

Start w/ one course (& lab, if necessary). Get an A. Slowly expand the number of courses you take until you feel that taking any more in a semester would keep you from getting A's. Rinse & repeat.

 

[danielterrones]

I am on a VERY similar path as you are (3 years left).

I am doing this with no problems at all. I'm able to get all A's so far, and I have a family of 4 kids+wife. I think that if you manage your time well and have support from your friends/family you will do great.

Essentially, I have designated "study" times every single night (about 2 hours)- I use these timeslots to do all of my reading and homework. So far, I have never felt like I was "behind"; in all reality I probably spend more time on reading/homework than the rest of the class. I feel that I actually have an advantage over them, good time management. I should add that I have also been volunteering every weekend as well, I help build parks in communities in my area (I bring my 4 year old daughter with me. I'm trying to teach her that even when we have NOTHING, you can still give SOMETHING).

Let me know if you have any specific questions, I'm sure I can help you out because it seems that we are on a similar path.