Max Science Classes to undertake

[Tebesu]

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I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the max amount of science classes/labs to take in one semester. I've heard people say as little as two science or math. I understand that the answer will differ according to the individual but I would like your philosophy on how you decided on the course load as well as extra-circular activities.

I was also curious on thoughts of graduating in 4 years versus 5 years. I would need to take 4 science classes each semester for my junior and senior year to graduate in 4 years + summer school. Is it worth it? I'm thinking graduating in 5 years.

Thanks

 

[wolverinepwns]

Everybody has their own limits and capcities. Personally I'm the type that finds a nonscience class to be more difficult than a science one! So 3 or 4 science classes were what I always did. Also, upper div science classes tend to be more focused and therefore typically easier (at least I thought so). But if it means taking 3 science classes and getting all As versus 4 science classes and getting a couple of B's I would always take the former! This also applies to the 4 versus 5 years deal. If you you know you will have a higher GPA/application if you do 5 years as opposed to 4 then you already know what you should do! Quality matters, not quantity! thats my two cents!

good luck

 

[sgtbrushes]

Yeah, the number one rule is get a 4.0. It sounds like you've already gone through two years of school, so you should understand your limits. Realistically, if you're not working, three science courses is absolutely doable, and perhaps four. The same applies to graduating a year late. If you can graduate in four years with good grades, then do it. But you know your limit - don't bite off more than you can chew and have a few 3.0 semesters.

 

[Ponger]

I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the max amount of science classes/labs to take in one semester. I've heard people say as little as two science or math. I understand that the answer will differ according to the individual but I would like your philosophy on how you decided on the course load as well as extra-circular activities.

I was also curious on thoughts of graduating in 4 years versus 5 years. I would need to take 4 science classes each semester for my junior and senior year to graduate in 4 years + summer school. Is it worth it? I'm thinking graduating in 5 years.

Thanks

All classes aren't created equal. That goes for both science and non-science classes. My highest semester GPA was during a semester where I took 4 upper level biology courses. I knew the course topics were easy, none of the classes had labs and the teachers were easy graders. Conversely I've had semesters where I had only 1 science class w/lab along with a few non-sci classes and barely managed to eek by with a 3.0.

My best advice is do your research when choosing your schedule. Go to ratemyprofessor and see what people say about the workload/grading. Ask upperclassmen who've taken the course what they did to be successful, ask yourself if you can do that.

Ask yourself if more than 2 science classes is a good idea for you mentally. There were days during that semester of 4 bios where I loved the fact that I got so much immersion in bio and how the classes seemed to integrate topics right before my very eyes. There were also days where I cursed myself for not taking a non-sci to take my mind off science.

My thoughts on courseload vs extracurriculars is pick a courseload that allows you to have other interests and also allows you to be flexible to pursue interesting opportunities if they come up.

As for 4 vs 5 years, do what you want. If you got the money to spare, I'd say live it up. Your free time and opportunities to do random things never goes up from college. Conversely, if you don't have the money or really want to get to med school quickly, do that.

It seems like all of your questions can be answered by asking yourself what you want out of college. Good luck!

 

[WuMedic]

It all depends. Me and my engineering friends all did 5 one semester freshmen year and have been doing 3 to 5 a semester ever since! You know what you can handle. Start slow and add more if you are unsure. OR start with what you think you can handle but be prepared to drop the hardest one if you are over your head.

 

[Fishin316]

I have heard that if you got 20 on ACT science section then you should take 1 science a semester. 25 on ACT science section then 2 science classes. 30 then max 3. Now with that being said, I completely ignored that (I had above a 30 on the science section). Last semester I took 3 sciences each with a lab plus a research lab that I worked 20+ hours a week (plus 2 other classes, that were not piece a cake, all for total 20 hours). I was able to pull A's in all of them but it took a lot of work and I all but lived in the science building. You just need to find where you feel comfortable. I felt comfortable at 20 hours, but I came into college with pretty good study skills. If you think your study skills are strong then I think that you would be fine with 3+ sciences. But remember that in Med school you will have constant science, so take advantage of undergrad and take some classes that are not in the sciences for fun.

 

[latrala2300]

I have heard that if you got 20 on ACT science section then you should take 1 science a semester. 25 on ACT science section then 2 science classes. 30 then max 3. Now with that being said, I completely ignored that (I had above a 30 on the science section). Last semester I took 3 sciences each with a lab plus a research lab that I worked 20+ hours a week (plus 2 other classes, that were not piece a cake, all for total 20 hours). I was able to pull A's in all of them but it took a lot of work and I all but lived in the science building. You just need to find where you feel comfortable. I felt comfortable at 20 hours, but I came into college with pretty good study skills. If you think your study skills are strong then I think that you would be fine with 3+ sciences. But remember that in Med school you will have constant science, so take advantage of undergrad and take some classes that are not in the sciences for fun.

basing courseload on your ACT score? no.

talk to upperclassmen. each school is different and they'll give you the best ideas.

 

[Tebesu]

thanks for all the advice everyone. I just have one more thought what are medical schools thoughts on taking on easier course loads such taking 2-3 science classes versus 4+. I understand that certain people can only take on an x course load due to other obligations or circumstances but how do medical schools view this?

 

[WuMedic]

I have heard that if you got 20 on ACT science section then you should take 1 science a semester. 25 on ACT science section then 2 science classes. 30 then max 3. Now with that being said, I completely ignored that (I had above a 30 on the science section). Last semester I took 3 sciences each with a lab plus a research lab that I worked 20+ hours a week (plus 2 other classes, that were not piece a cake, all for total 20 hours). I was able to pull A's in all of them but it took a lot of work and I all but lived in the science building. You just need to find where you feel comfortable. I felt comfortable at 20 hours, but I came into college with pretty good study skills. If you think your study skills are strong then I think that you would be fine with 3+ sciences. But remember that in Med school you will have constant science, so take advantage of undergrad and take some classes that are not in the sciences for fun.

Woah! What? Where did that come from? Don't base your courseload on your ACT score... Bad advice!

basing courseload on your ACT score? no.

talk to upperclassmen. each school is different and they'll give you the best ideas.

On the contrary! Good advice! 🙂

thanks for all the advice everyone. I just have one more thought what are medical schools thoughts on taking on easier course loads such taking 2-3 science classes versus 4+. I understand that certain people can only take on an x course load due to other obligations or circumstances but how do medical schools view this?

Do what you can. Will those that take 4+ BCPM Courses each semester have a leg up on you? Yes, but only if they do at least as well as you. If they do poorer (which most might) then you're kind of level again. Take as much as you can and as long as you do not try to game the system, things will work out. Remember, focus on what you can change, not what you can't!

 

[Ponger]

thanks for all the advice everyone. I just have one more thought what are medical schools thoughts on taking on easier course loads such taking 2-3 science classes versus 4+. I understand that certain people can only take on an x course load due to other obligations or circumstances but how do medical schools view this?

A few thoughts.

First, taking 2-3 science classes vs 4+ does not automatically mean an easier schedule. If I for some reason took biochem and p-chem together, my schedule would be incredibly difficult no matter what else I took. Conversely, I could take 4 lower level science seminars and it would not be that difficult at all.

You are implying that in all cases adcom's prefer a science class to a non-science class. That simply isn't true. If I saw someone take nothing but science Junior and Senior years I'd think they were pretty boring. A pre-med robot if you will. Adcom's appreciate a little diversity in courseload too.