Science course load??

[behavioralsimone]

Hi all,

I’m trying to decide what courseload is reasonable for this fall. I graduated this May with my BA in psych and I’m now taking a DIY post-bac year to work on premed classes. I’m currently taking physics I and this fall I’m registered for bio I, gen chem I, and biostats. Do you think it would be possible for me to do a general neuro class this fall or should I hold off taking 3 sciences until I’m used to studying for sciences? I do think biostats will be easy for me since I’ve already taken + gotten As in two stats classes, but I wonder if bio + chem + neuro together would be killer. However, I am hoping to apply to masters programs in neuro this fall and the credit would help.

Basically my schedule can be one of these 3 things:
Plan 1: bio 1, chem 1, research lab, biostats
Plan 2: bio 1, chem 1, research lab, biostats, biology of human skeleton (easy elective in anthro)
Plan 3: bio 1, chem 1, research lab, biostats, neuro 1

Thanks!

EDIT: my school does 2hr labs during the second semesters of bio and chem so I will not have labs this fall, which gives me a bit more free time

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Monkeymojo]

What is your current GPA? If you already have strong study habits I think it is doable since the bio and chem are both entry-level courses however, if you are even moderately hesitant I would recommend easing into the sciences and protecting your GPA/sanity. The worst-case scenario is that you have extra time for MCAT prep/EC's.

 

[behavioralsimone]

What is your current GPA? If you already have strong study habits I think it is doable since the bio and chem are both entry-level courses however, if you are even moderately hesitant I would recommend easing into the sciences and protecting your GPA/sanity. The worst-case scenario is that you have extra time for MCAT prep/EC's.

I graduated with a 3.98 GPA but I only took a couple of science classes, hence my concern about rigor. That’s true - although with COVID extra credits are harder to come by. I am also registered for a research class so I’ll be able to keep researching at least

 

[Monkeymojo]

I would hold off and spend the extra time trying to round out your future application. With the research class plus labs for the bio/chem, you will already be at full time (if not a little over). There is no need to rush the process with a 15+ credit hour semester and risk getting a downward trend GPA. Maybe look into gaining some clinical exposure, although I realize with COVID those opportunities are more scarce.