premed courses...How much is too much?

[spyyder31]

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I know that this does vary with the person, but I was just curious as to how much of a course load some of you guys/gals out here take on per semester. Myself, I am taking (at least I'm gonna try) to take:
Org. chemI
Physics I
Genetics
Parisitology
some music performance classes(required)
and maybe one other class
Has anyone else takin' a load similar? I am just a little scared about taking too many science courses. I think i could pull it off, with good grades. Although, if I am really dreaming someone wake me up!

If it sounds like I am cramming all of this in well....I am. I really would like to take the next April MCAT, and apply to Med. school for '02. All of my other requirements will be accounted for, I just need to take the MCAT. I have the will, now I need only to find the way.

 

[Mnemosyne]

It depends on what you know you handle. I am in a very simular situation. Fall's classes include
Infectious Processes (grad Course)
Anatomy and Lsb
Immunology and Lab
Organic Chem I
Humanistic Tradition (history)

Expect to do major time management. I have never taken less than the maximum course load and have done fine but I am a quick study and I am truly interested in what I am studying.. Not just trying to take on as much as possible. I would guess that it's better to get good grades in less classes rather than get grades less than your ability because you take on more than you can handle. Just remember that the most important part to actually learn and retain the content of the courses and not just get from one test to another. THen again...I am also an undergrad and this advice is from my limited experiences... Take as you wish..

Mnemosyne

 

[drfermin]

Whoa, spyyder31, that's quite a course load. I was a music performance major once, and I know how much work it can be . If you're taking multiple music classes and ensembles, and have to practice a couple hours a day on top of that, it will be nearly impossible to take *4* science classes with labs and excel in music. Contrary to what many other students think, music majors need to do a *lot* of work in college to succeed. However, you can often get by with a lot less work if med school is your definite focus. At any rate, I would suggest taking something during the summer if you still can, and if you're not graduating, you can always save the advanced classes like parasitology for after the MCAT, and just concentrate on the strict premed courses now. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Pebbles]

Spyyder31,

Do you like caffeine? Hope so with that load!! I took my Org.chemI, Physics I, Genetics and all the labs in one semester and I felt fine. So my recommendation would be to take Org.chemI, Physics I, Genetics, all the labs and your musics class. If you want another class add a lighter class. I agree with drfermin on the parisitology class. Don't kill yourself.

 

[Djanaba]

This may sound funny, but I believe in it wholeheartedly: drop parasitology.

Of all the courses you listed, all are great for the MCAT and your major, and as med school prep, but this one's lowest on the list. Preserve your sanity, do well this coming term, take the MCAT, and worry about parasites once you've gotten into med school (like most of us did).