Schedule for first semester and other questions

[cortana431]

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Hey guys, I will be starting at rensselaer polytechnic institute this fall (class of 2016) and my current major is Biomedical Engineering. While I am very interested in medical school, I'm not completely set on it and may decide I prefer biomedical engineering. I'm doing some shadowing in a medical center this summer (will have 30 hours by the time I leave) and hope to continue that at RPI and other medical related activities to decide if i am right for medicine (but will still do intramurals, quiz bowl, other things).

So right now my first semester schedule is:

Physics II
Calculus II
Intro to Bio (Bio I)
Intro to bio lab
Chemistry I w/ advanced lab (same as Chemistry I except labs are more technique oriented).
For a total of 16 credits.

I received AP Credit for Physics I and II(got a 5 on physics B, physics C: mech, and 4 on physics C: E&M) and am very comfortable with physics, but not enough to skip second semester physics. I also received AP Credit for Calc BC (scored 5) although I do not wish to skip Calculus II even though i did extremely well in the course and math in general.

Therefore, does this schedule sound like overload or definitely manageable with the right work ethic? What I considered doing is switching Physics II for a Writing/English elective or switching to Physics I. Also, should I start off with Physics I anyway? If I do end up applying to medical school, will I need 2 semesters of physics or will most schools accept credit for the first semester physics? I didn't want to start with Physics I initially because I felt I would not be that challenged and I also wanted to get physics out of the way so I would have room for english and a philosophy elective, not to mention organic chemistry (which isn't part of the biomed engineering track).

My other question is, do the pre reqs for medical school need to be satisfied by the time you apply to medical school or by graduation? Even if it's the latter, is it highly advised to satisfy the pre reqs by the end of junior year, so you will have taken the necessary classes for the MCAT? (I'm not thinking about the MCAT, just classes).

Thank you.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

I'm an engineer, and I'm just gonna offer my opinion on biomed (you don't have to listen). You should pursue one of the traditional fields (mechanical, electrical, material, chemical, etc.) and then specialize or do a one year master's in biomed. It makes you look more knowledgeable about a particular field, and biomed undergrad is generally known as "jack of all trades, master of none" kind of engineering field.

Either way, good luck with engineering, it's an awesome field and you learn a lot of cool and useful stuff. And your schedule looks totally manageable if you're a smart guy. I might throw in english so you don't go crazy, as I've had several semesters with only engineering/science classes and I became a bit depressed (but that might just be my problem). Maybe swap out chem or physics, as you're already taking calc.

And you don't need to finish your pre reqs before you apply, but I've heard it's preferred.

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Unless you're really really sharp, you're overdoing it. It's going to take a whale of an effort to make A's in all of those classes and if you don't then you're going to be playing catch-up for the rest of undergrad. If possible, take calculus and one of those science classes. You have plenty of time to complete of all of your pre-reqs and still finish on time. Plus, don't you want a social life?

 

[Ansar]

I'd seriously drop one of those (either bio or chem, but that's just because I love Physics). First semester, with 3 sciences AND calculus...? Take it slightly easier first semester to get accustomed to college life. Take an elective instead (to both balance out your schedule and to get it out of the way).

 

[Renaissance Man]

Looks like a bit much. I would probably drop Chem, and pursue a humanity class that doesn't have a lab. Starting Chem 1 in the spring possible?

 

[cortana431]

Thanks, and how easy, generally, are English electives? Do most (hardworking at least) students earn an A in the course? I think of essays and books to read when i hear those courses; is the workload really significantly lighter than a Science class?

 

[Josh7]

I'm an engineer, and I'm just gonna offer my opinion on biomed (you don't have to listen). You should pursue one of the traditional fields (mechanical, electrical, material, chemical, etc.) and then specialize or do a one year master's in biomed. It makes you look more knowledgeable about a particular field, and biomed undergrad is generally known as "jack of all trades, master of none" kind of engineering field.

Either way, good luck with engineering, it's an awesome field and you learn a lot of cool and useful stuff. And your schedule looks totally manageable if you're a smart guy. I might throw in english so you don't go crazy, as I've had several semesters with only engineering/science classes and I became a bit depressed (but that might just be my problem). Maybe swap out chem or physics, as you're already taking calc.

And you don't need to finish your pre reqs before you apply, but I've heard it's preferred.

I think this is good advice. Biomedical engineering as a major doesn't really make much sense. As said above the fields of mech, EE, material or chemical will make You more appealing to research groups. At my university EE is definitely the most useful for biomedical engineering but it is also probably the hardest (perhaps with exception to chemical).

As for your post, I think it looks like a good choice. You should be able to really master the material in phys II and Calc II which will really really help you in later biomedical engineering classes. I have no doubt that you'll find the other classes to be easy if you're putting forth the correct amount of effort.

Good luck with your first semester I'm sure you'll love it at RPI I hear it's an amazing environment there.