Spacing Science Classes?

[Ticonderoga]

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I am considering taking a gap year to continue doing research that I really enjoy. I would also be able to spend more time volunteering and shadowing as well.
Therefore, I was considering applying the spring cycle of my senior year. This gives me senior year to take a pre requisite class as well.
I do not have a science major and I was wondering what the SDN community thought about spacing science classes.
To be specific, one science course per semester. This means that I will have all my pre-requisites done by the beginning of my senior year (taking summer class as well).
This will definitely increase the probability that my SPGA will be higher than if I were to take multiple science classes simultaneously. However I do was wondering if medical schools preferred that students take multiple science classes simultaneously to see if they can handle the course work.
Thank you.

 

[Ticonderoga]

bump.

 

[JESSFALLING]

I'm just a premed, so take this with a grain of salt: I think that it is better to have at least one semester where you are taking multiple science courses to demonstrate that you can handle the rigor/course load. However, you should definitely not allow your grades to be compromised by overloading yourself. While a limited course load may cause an adcom to question if you can handle more, bad grades will assure them that you can't! My advice is to start out with one course and fine-tune your science study habits; then you can add one more course for at least one semester before you apply. (Also, don't discount how much a strong MCAT can help you out! I would plan to take a review course for it, especially since you are planning on spacing out your courses.)

 

[MrBananaGrabber]

Search is your friend...
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602289

 

[macsta]

Are you taking upper-level classes for your major?

 

[Ticonderoga]

Yes I am taking upper level classes for my major. In fact about as "upper" as I can go.

 

[macsta]

Yes I am taking upper level classes for my major. In fact about as "upper" as I can go.

You will be fine. It shows that you can handle difficult course work. Many non-trad applicants take years to finish their pre-reqs.

 

[Ticonderoga]

Search is your friend...
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602289

This thread is about course load. My question was not about course load but rather taking science classes simultaneously.

 

[macsta]

This thread is about course load. My question was not about course load but rather taking science classes simultaneously.

Isn't that the same thing as course load?

 

[chemistryguy]

Did you already take your MCAT? I ended up taking two bio courses and two chem courses the semester before my MCAT, I ended up not even really studying for the science sections and just got to focus on studying for the verbal.

By the way, I think taking multiple science classes at once is good, and often the classes compliment each other, especially since their upper level. I'd say go for it, as long as your into science.

 

[ponyo]

Isn't that the same thing as course load?

I think he's probably taken heavy courseloads, but not heavy courseloads in science, which could be MUCH worse if you're used to hum/ss classes.

 

[Ticonderoga]

I think he's probably taken heavy courseloads, but not heavy courseloads in science, which could be MUCH worse if you're used to hum/ss classes.

Yes you are right. I am taking a very heavy course load, maximum credits for a full-time student until tuition goes up. However, I want to space out science classes.
The only reason I am concerned is because I have heard someone tell me that medical schools like to see science courses taken simultaneously to show that you can handle a heavy science course load. I was not sure how accurate that statement was. I am by no means taking a light course load, only spacing out my science courses so that I do not need to take two at once.
I do not mind taking multiple science courses together, but I do not prefer it.