light courseload for mcat

[ttt92]

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Hi everyone,

Here's a bit of a sticky situation. I'm a senior studying for my MCAT in March. I'm trying to take a lighter courseload this semester as I'm also working on my senior thesis (due in April) along with finishing up Biochem (which will be a time suck although it should help me on the MCAT).

The thing is, I've been studying for a looong time. So these next two months are mainly practice exams. I originally planned to take it in January but wasn't ready. Hence, I already took a lighter courseload last semester to study. What I mean by lighter is that I still took the usual 4 classes - but at this point as a senior, a lot of my friends are already taking the 1000s in the bios. I decided to take mid level classes like immuno... which can be argued to be harder.

My question is, how bad is it if I also take it easy this semester too? I know the MCAT is important and don't want to mess it up again come April because I'm too busy. But I also don't want med schools to think I got lazy my senior year. Which is awful because the MCAT has been like an extra class since I've been studying a lot.

I would be taking four classes (Bio research credit - counts as a class, biochem, an english course, and an advanced public health course). Thanks all!

 

[Narmerguy]

Only doing 3 classes (outside of research) certainly doesn't seem that challenging. However, you have to do what you have to do if you think that taking another course will compromise your MCAT score. Any negative effects from a less rigorous course load will likely be outweighed by a stronger MCAT score. That said, make sure you still do other things as well (i.e. your other ECs).

 

[medmedman]

Hi everyone,

Here's a bit of a sticky situation. I'm a senior studying for my MCAT in March. I'm trying to take a lighter courseload this semester as I'm also working on my senior thesis (due in April) along with finishing up Biochem (which will be a time suck although it should help me on the MCAT).

The thing is, I've been studying for a looong time. So these next two months are mainly practice exams. I originally planned to take it in January but wasn't ready. Hence, I already took a lighter courseload last semester to study. What I mean by lighter is that I still took the usual 4 classes - but at this point as a senior, a lot of my friends are already taking the 1000s in the bios. I decided to take mid level classes like immuno... which can be argued to be harder.

My question is, how bad is it if I also take it easy this semester too? I know the MCAT is important and don't want to mess it up again come April because I'm too busy. But I also don't want med schools to think I got lazy my senior year. Which is awful because the MCAT has been like an extra class since I've been studying a lot.

I would be taking four classes (Bio research credit - counts as a class, biochem, an english course, and an advanced public health course). Thanks all!

If your worry is that med schools will look at your senior year courseload and see it as "easy" and be turned off by it - won't happen. All med schools will see when they open your application is that awesome MCAT score (which you got because of your light courseload) and those beautiful As in your sciences. So yes, take the light courseload if that's what it takes to get an awesome MCAT score. Med schools would rather see a good MCAT and a couple semesters of easy coureloads then a bad to average MCAT with a heavy courseload. Why? MCAT is a standardized exam that is used to evaluate all students and put them on the same playing field. Your courseload may or may not be hard depending on your school and med schools usually can't tell that which is why the MCAT si so important. IT puts things in perspective.

 

[Catalystik]

I also don't want med schools to think I got lazy my senior year. Which is awful because the MCAT has been like an extra class since I've been studying a lot.

I would be taking four classes (Bio research credit - counts as a class, biochem, an english course, and an advanced public health course). Thanks all!

Adcomms will consider your whole load, not just the academic load. I think you'll be fine.

 

[Longshot6]

If your worry is that med schools will look at your senior year courseload and see it as "easy" and be turned off by it - won't happen. All med schools will see when they open your application is that awesome MCAT score (which you got because of your light courseload) and those beautiful As in your sciences. So yes, take the light courseload if that's what it takes to get an awesome MCAT score. Med schools would rather see a good MCAT and a couple semesters of easy coureloads then a bad to average MCAT with a heavy courseload. Why? MCAT is a standardized exam that is used to evaluate all students and put them on the same playing field. Your courseload may or may not be hard depending on your school and med schools usually can't tell that which is why the MCAT si so important. IT puts things in perspective.

Agree with this^

 

[gyngyn]

We don't overthink it.

 

[sat0ri]

We don't overthink it.

Which is to say what? That a light load won't be thought about too much, as is not an issue for OP? Or that you won't think about how to justify a light load that much?

 

[gyngyn]

Which is to say what? That a light load won't be thought about too much, as is not an issue for OP? Or that you won't think about how to justify a light load that much?

It's not an issue. Even if anyone noticed, a light load to study for the MCAT shows good judgement.

 

[ttt92]

thank you everyone for your advice & input!

 

[AliciaAccepted]

Hi everyone,

Here's a bit of a sticky situation. I'm a senior studying for my MCAT in March. I'm trying to take a lighter courseload this semester as I'm also working on my senior thesis (due in April) along with finishing up Biochem (which will be a time suck although it should help me on the MCAT).

The thing is, I've been studying for a looong time. So these next two months are mainly practice exams. I originally planned to take it in January but wasn't ready. Hence, I already took a lighter courseload last semester to study. What I mean by lighter is that I still took the usual 4 classes - but at this point as a senior, a lot of my friends are already taking the 1000s in the bios. I decided to take mid level classes like immuno... which can be argued to be harder.

My question is, how bad is it if I also take it easy this semester too? I know the MCAT is important and don't want to mess it up again come April because I'm too busy. But I also don't want med schools to think I got lazy my senior year. Which is awful because the MCAT has been like an extra class since I've been studying a lot.

I would be taking four classes (Bio research credit - counts as a class, biochem, an english course, and an advanced public health course). Thanks all!

In my experience as a student advisor for the UC Davis School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program for over five years, students who studied for the MCAT while taking courses either hurt their MCAT score or their grades, or in worse case scenarios--both. I think it's wonderful that you are trying to protect your GPA by taking a lighter course load but it may be best to focus all of your energy on your classes now and then after you have completed the quarter or semester to plan on studying for and taking the MCAT. Graduating from college with an increasing trend in your GPA is essential to your success in the application process. The admissions committees where I worked scrutinized the trends in applicants' academic records. Rather than rushing through the process and jeopardizing your grades and MCAT score, taking your time to focus all of your energy on each major aspect of the application process can help you become a more competitive applicant. Taking a gap year, if you use that time strategically, will only help your application. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you success! For more ideas about how to study for the MCAT, please see this article titled "5 Tips for MCAT Prep."

 

[ttt92]

In my experience as a student advisor for the UC Davis School of Medicine Postbaccalaureate Program for over five years, students who studied for the MCAT while taking courses either hurt their MCAT score or their grades, or in worse case scenarios--both. I think it's wonderful that you are trying to protect your GPA by taking a lighter course load but it may be best to focus all of your energy on your classes now and then after you have completed the quarter or semester to plan on studying for and taking the MCAT. Graduating from college with an increasing trend in your GPA is essential to your success in the application process. The admissions committees where I worked scrutinized the trends in applicants' academic records. Rather than rushing through the process and jeopardizing your grades and MCAT score, taking your time to focus all of your energy on each major aspect of the application process can help you become a more competitive applicant. Taking a gap year, if you use that time strategically, will only help your application. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you success! For more ideas about how to study for the MCAT, please see this article titled "5 Tips for MCAT Prep."

Hi AliciaAccepted, thank you for your input! I understand how hard it is to study for my MCAT. The reason I want to finish is I have been studying a lot - since last May at least. I'm now on my final rounds of just taking practice exams. I also am already taking a year off and I really don't want to push it to two years nor do I want to drag the MCAT along anymore. What would you recommend I do in this case?

 

[ttt92]

Also - my GPA has been steady for all 3.5 years - I have a solid GPA (3.8-3.9) and I just don't want Adcom to think I am trying to pad that by taking easy courses since I am not. I am just a bit burnt out with the MCAT and courseload (as I also studied all throughout last semester) and I don't want to jeopardize my gpa this semester either as the spring semester is very busy.

 

[AliciaAccepted]

Also - my GPA has been steady for all 3.5 years - I have a solid GPA (3.8-3.9) and I just don't want Adcom to think I am trying to pad that by taking easy courses since I am not. I am just a bit burnt out with the MCAT and courseload (as I also studied all throughout last semester) and I don't want to jeopardize my gpa this semester either as the spring semester is very busy.

That's a fantastic GPA! If you are feeling "burnt out" it's really important that you take a break or at least take it easy to protect your health. Nothing is more important than your health. I feel it would be negligent of me not to mention two research studies on the topic of burnout in medical school because what you are feeling is so common among our brightest students. JAMA published a study in 2010 titled "Depression, Stigma and Suicide Ideation in Medical School" and an earlier study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2008 called "Burnout and Suicidal Ideation among U.S. Medical Students." Burnout should be addressed as soon as it is identified since it can lead to far more serious consequences if allowed to continue without support or intervention.

Please take some time to find outlets that will allow you to relax and recover your energy. Journaling is an excellent way to develop your emotional intelligence and ability to prevent burnout by recognizing sooner that you need a break or to do those activities that bring you the greatest joy or relaxation. Here is a link to a journaling exercise that is recommended by the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Loma K. Flowers. Also, developing multiple outlets to create more balance in your life will only help your activities section of the AMCAS application. When I interviewed students for the program I managed, I asked interview questions like, "How do you handle stress?" or "What kinds of talents or hobbies do you possess?" The longer a student's list for either of these questions, the better. Please take good care of yourself. I wish you all the best! Just like Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hare, "slow and steady wins the race." If it takes you longer to apply to medical school that is not going to hurt you if you use the time constructively. I hope I answered all of your questions.

 

[ttt92]

That's a fantastic GPA! If you are feeling "burnt out" it's really important that you take a break or at least take it easy to protect your health. Nothing is more important than your health. I feel it would be negligent of me not to mention two research studies on the topic of burnout in medical school because what you are feeling is so common among our brightest students. JAMA published a study in 2010 titled "Depression, Stigma and Suicide Ideation in Medical School" and an earlier study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2008 called "Burnout and Suicidal Ideation among U.S. Medical Students." Burnout should be addressed as soon as it is identified since it can lead to far more serious consequences if allowed to continue without support or intervention.

Please take some time to find outlets that will allow you to relax and recover your energy. Journaling is an excellent way to develop your emotional intelligence and ability to prevent burnout by recognizing sooner that you need a break or to do those activities that bring you the greatest joy or relaxation. Here is a link to a journaling exercise that is recommended by the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Loma K. Flowers. Also, developing multiple outlets to create more balance in your life will only help your activities section of the AMCAS application. When I interviewed students for the program I managed, I asked interview questions like, "How do you handle stress?" or "What kinds of talents or hobbies do you possess?" The longer a student's list for either of these questions, the better. Please take good care of yourself. I wish you all the best! Just like Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hare, "slow and steady wins the race." If it takes you longer to apply to medical school that is not going to hurt you if you use the time constructively. I hope I answered all of your questions.

Thank you, AliciaAccepted, for your kind words and suggestions! I am slowly trying to improve my self-care methods. Thank you for all your paper recommendations. I will definitely look more into the journaling activity.

You have answered my questions. In regards to taking a lighter courseload and still going on with the MCAT, do you think it would still be looked down upon in my situation? Thank you again!

 

[ttt92]

Hi,

does anyone else have opinions or know anything about this? I am still struggling to decide - thank you!

 

[AliciaAccepted]

Thank you, AliciaAccepted, for your kind words and suggestions! I am slowly trying to improve my self-care methods. Thank you for all your paper recommendations. I will definitely look more into the journaling activity.

You have answered my questions. In regards to taking a lighter courseload and still going on with the MCAT, do you think it would still be looked down upon in my situation? Thank you again!

I think how it will be viewed will be determined by the grades you earn and the MCAT score that you receive. It will all depend on how your numbers turn out. Please take good care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help if you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. I wish you success this quarter/semester!