Should I drop O-chem II (Already, I know...)

[Mavs88]

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Well this isn't because I'm not doing well, since classes just started....but I feel really constricted with my schedule:

Physics I ( 4 hrs)
Bio II ( 4 hrs) <---not a blow off at all here
Physiology (4 hrs)
O-chem II (3 hrs)


Also, I'm an SI leader for O-chem I and have to attend all lectures for that class. I realized that there are only so many hours in the day..and the class that I will need most attention to is O-chem II. I don't want to make a B or C due to not having time to study properly. I made an A in I, and looking to repeat that.

I was originally planning on taking Physics II in Summer I and taking my MCAT in August. Would any of you recommend taking Orgo II in Summer II and still going ahead with the MCAT in August?

I want to make the best grades possible, but also not die of stress lol. Also, dropping this course won't show up on my transcript since it is so early in the semester.

Any input? Thanks!

 

[TXHopeful2014]

I've always been a fan of taking things slow. In my opinion, it is better to make all A's, than to risk a B or C if I can avoid it. Waiting to take organic 2 will not put you behind for the MCAT.

 

[Euxox]

Your GPA is more important (within reason) than the rigor of your coursework, the amount of ECs you do, how early you take the MCAT, whether or not you take a gap year, etc. I completely agree with TXHopeful2014. Take things slowly, make sure you can do well, and slowly add more things into your schedule as you get an idea of how much you are able to handle.

I personally don't think that I would be able to get good grades with the schedule you posted, but you and I are totally different people. Maybe you can handle fifteen credits of science. Only you can make the call. Just keep in mind that GPA is more important than other things.

 

[snowflakes]

I know people on SDN have had worse schedules, but at least to me, that combination sounds pretty overwhelming. I suggest taking it a bit slower for the sake of your GPA and for the sake of your sanity.

I'm not sure if the MCAT will be feasible in August--perhaps you can reassess towards the summer. I'd normally suggest pushing the MCAT back a bit, but I understand you probably want to take it before the new MCAT, and waiting until Jan 2015 could be risky if you need to retake.

But for now, yeah, I'd recommend dropping something.

 

[Mad Jack]

I would drop the SI thing personally, h
unless it pays and you really need the money. Grades>extracurriculars>free time

 

[Mavs88]

I would drop the SI thing personally, h
unless it pays and you really need the money. Grades>extracurriculars>free time

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I can't really drop the SI thing, since I'm the only leader for it. I took on that responsibility and won't just dump that in their face.

I'm strongly considering dropping O-chem II at this point. I really think I could study for the MCAT while taking Physics II and Orgo II in the summer. I will also have more time for volunteering opened up by dropping this course. Not to mention my sanity lol.

 

[Mad Jack]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I can't really drop the SI thing, since I'm the only leader for it. I took on that responsibility and won't just dump that in their face.

I'm strongly considering dropping O-chem II at this point. I really think I could study for the MCAT while taking Physics II and Orgo II in the summer. I will also have more time for volunteering opened up by dropping this course. Not to mention my sanity lol.

Sanity is overrated but your plan sounds good.

 

[Elevencents]

Orgo II isn't necessary for the MCAT. I'd drop it and take it in the fall or spring.

 

[Mavs88]

Orgo II isn't necessary for the MCAT. I'd drop it and take it in the fall or spring.

Why isn't it necessary? Is it because the Orgo II material for the MCAT can be reviewed in the review books?

 

[plumhill]

I don't think there is any Orgo II material on the MCAT (maybe a few stray topics here and there if the class at your university didn't cover something). I would take it next fall after you've taken the MCAT, if you're set on taking the MCAT in the summer.

 

[Mavs88]

I don't think there is any Orgo II material on the MCAT (maybe a few stray topics here and there if the class at your university didn't cover something). I would take it next fall after you've taken the MCAT, if you're set on taking the MCAT in the summer.

Cool, I really didn't know that!

 

[kilpty]

There is definitely Orgo 2 on the Mcat. That said... there are usually only 8-10 real orgo questions. So maybe you can self teach the basics and get by that way.

 

[Elevencents]

Why isn't it necessary? Is it because the Orgo II material for the MCAT can be reviewed in the review books?

I didn't take Orgo II before taking the MCAT and although there were Orgo II questions on my exam, they were pretty easy to reason through.