Second Semester Freshman schedule

[TheInstitute]

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Hey guys

I am a rising freshman and will start college in less than two weeks. I want to plan my second semester freshman schedule.

This is what i have:

Calculus II: 4 credits
Biological Mechanisms: 3 Credits
Biology Lab: 3 credits
Organic Chemistry I: 3 Credits
Random class: 3 credits

The latter class that i elect to take will be very easy and merely a GPA padder.

 

[Boogy'sChick15]

Did you already finish General Chemistry? 2 Semesters or AP Credit? If so, then by all means take Orgo. That schedule looks fine to me, of course I am on the quarter system so I am unfamiliar with what is considered a heavy load for semesters. In my opinion, calc and bio are fairly easy classes, just make sure to take the time each day to study for Orgo if you want to have an A. There is another thread that is active right now where people are discussing their study habits that gave them an A in the class, so go take a look at that if you have any questions about how to study.

Just whatever you do, don't take Orgo and Physics at the same time unless you have a lot of time to dedicate to both classes. Trust me, I made that mistake and got B's in both.

 

[TheInstitute]

Did you already finish General Chemistry? 2 Semesters or AP Credit? If so, then by all means take Orgo. That schedule looks fine to me, of course I am on the quarter system so I am unfamiliar with what is considered a heavy load for semesters. In my opinion, calc and bio are fairly easy classes, just make sure to take the time each day to study for Orgo if you want to have an A. There is another thread that is active right now where people are discussing their study habits that gave them an A in the class, so go take a look at that if you have any questions about how to study.

Just whatever you do, don't take Orgo and Physics at the same time unless you have a lot of time to dedicate to both classes. Trust me, I made that mistake and got B's in both.

At my school, one would do the second sem of inorganic after completing the orgo sequence.

 

[TheInstitute]

So no I didn't use AP credits to get out of Gen Chem. On another note, I was thinking about doing Honors Calc Based Physics with Organic II.

 

[Boogy'sChick15]

So no I didn't use AP credits to get out of Gen Chem. On another note, I was thinking about doing Honors Calc Based Physics with Organic II.

Some people can handle taking physics and Orgo at the same time. It might be easier taking the Calc Physics with Orgo than what I had to do (Im a physics major so I had no choice but to take 2 upper division physics classes with Orgo), so you could probably still get A's if you dedicate enough time to them. Just make sure you don't get in over your head, especially if you are working or trying to balance your ECs.

Also from my experience and from what I have heard from others, the second half of Orgo was slightly more difficult than the first, so keep that in mind.

Sent from my A0001 using SDN mobile

 

[TheInstitute]

Some people can handle taking physics and Orgo at the same time. It might be easier taking the Calc Physics with Orgo than what I had to do (Im a physics major so I had no choice but to take 2 upper division physics classes with Orgo), so you could probably still get A's if you dedicate enough time to them. Just make sure you don't get in over your head, especially if you are working or trying to balance your ECs.

Also from my experience and from what I have heard from others, the second half of Orgo was slightly more difficult than the first, so keep that in mind.

Sent from my A0001 using SDN mobile

alright thanks bro. what ECs are good for the summer after freshman year? I am looking at AMGEN and Harvard Kidney Institute. would my efforts be more lucrative if i were to take summer courses like orgo II and multivariable?

 

[Boogy'sChick15]

If those options sound interesting to you and you believe you will be gaining valuable experience, then go for it. Focus on ECs that you will truly enjoy and that matter to you, that way when you are asked about them in the future, you will actually have something to say about it. The summer after freshmen year is a great time to start getting clinical experience by volunteering at hospitals and to start looking for research opportunities if you haven't already. Also try to look for some nonclinical volunteer opportunities if you haven't already either.
Don't be one of those premeds that does random ECs just to check the boxes. A better applicant is someone who shows commitment, interest, and passion in what they are doing.

My summers consisted of: 2 jobs (except this summer), volunteer work at a hospital, fundraising for an organization I have a strong passion for, training for 60 mile walk for said organization, just started research this summer, and an average of 8 units for classes

And from what I have heard, it is best not to take too many pre-reqs during summer quarters (I made that mistake). People have said one or two isn't that big of an issue, but you don't want to make a habit of it. Taking Multivariable in the summer should be fine, its a relatively easy class and is not exactly a pre-req. However, if you need to take Orgo in the summer to stay on track with your classes, then take it.

 

[leonardoson]

Some people can handle taking physics and Orgo at the same time. It might be easier taking the Calc Physics with Orgo than what I had to do (Im a physics major so I had no choice but to take 2 upper division physics classes with Orgo), so you could probably still get A's if you dedicate enough time to them. Just make sure you don't get in over your head, especially if you are working or trying to balance your ECs.

Also from my experience and from what I have heard from others, the second half of Orgo was slightly more difficult than the first, so keep that in mind.

Sent from my A0001 using SDN mobile

That's what I'll be doing this fall. Classical Mechanics Dynamics (410), waves and optics (310), Orgo 1 (300) and Calc 3(vector/multivariable). Did you survive (GPA)?

 

[Boogy'sChick15]

That's what I'll be doing this fall. Classical Mechanics Dynamics (410), waves and optics (310), Orgo 1 (300) and Calc 3(vector/multivariable). Did you survive (GPA)?

Unfortunately I suffered from academic burnout this past year. During Winter Quarter I took Orgo II (B) with Fund. Math. Physics (A), Nuclear Physic Lab (A), and Phys. Mechanics I (C+). Got a 3.38 that quarter. Followed by Spring Quarter: Orgo III (B) with Phys. Mechanics II (B-), Orgo Lab II (A, couldn't get into this class in winter quarter), and Intro to Soc (A). Got a 3.32.

My overall GPA dropped from a 3.63 to a 3.54 thanks to my poor performance during junior year. But good luck to you!