Light course load for MCAT studying

[pooppooppoop]

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Hey guys!

I've done some looking on these forums regarding this topic but I was hoping to get some advice regarding my particular situation. Essentially, I am wondering if it is frowned upon for me to take a pretty light course load while I study for the MCAT.

I am a junior now and am planning on taking the MCAT next January (after my first semester of senior year). The semester before I take them MCAT I am planning to take Biochem, physics II, and another elective class. With physics lab, and research credit, and another 1 credit class I would be taking 13 or 14 credits this semester (12 is the minimum to be a full time student and 18 is the maximum before overloading). Although I would have a low-ish, but still decent number of credits, I would only be taking 3 real classes (5 is normal).

I am wondering if this is frowned upon. During this semester I will also be studying for the MCAT, working on two senior theses, volunteering, and maintaining my other extracurriculars. I just don't want to spread myself too thin with these things, so I hope to take this lighter course load.

Is this alright? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mclovin0351]

I would take as little as possible to maintain full time status but maximize mcat studying. Also I think it's a great move taking biochem right before the mcat since it's so pervasive.

 

[confidentandgood]

The MCAT is huge, so it's definitely fine to reduce your credits. Many students do.

 

[theonlytycrane]

ace the MCAT, doing whatever it takes

 

[begoood95]

I had 13 hours: physics II (plus a one hour honors add-on), adv. cell & molec., biochem., and was in a lab that counted towards my credits. I made a schedule, stuck to it--studying about 3-4/5 hours a day--and ended up scoring a 525, so you can definitely do it! Prioritize the MCAT, don't fall behind in your courses, and you'll be in good shape.

 

[aprilfools]

Prioritize the MCAT.

This.

I scored a 519 and there were many times I prioritized the MCAT over my other classes (and I was still only taking 12 credits), even if I would have a test the next day. I definitely could have done better than a B+ in Biostats, but whats the difference between a B+ and an A in one or even 2 classes over the course of four years compared to doing very well on the MCAT?

 

[pooppooppoop]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Would you guys also recommend easing up a bit on the extracurriculars to really prioritize the MCAT then?

 

[deleted804295]

Is four classes and 13 credits too much? I'm basically done with my major and I'm taking psychology to be a full time student. If this is too much of a course load I can lop off psychology. My MCAT is my number 1 priority.

In Class
Philosophy
Genetics

Online
Psychology course
Cell Bio

I've been taking 16-17 course loads this past year and I got all As in them. I would be able to get all As in these courses without the MCAT but I'm not sure with the MCAT.

Edit: revised to say 13 credits.