Strange situation with courses...suggestions???

[Dandine]

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Note: This is a long starting post and also my first one on SDN. 😳

I am currently a sophomore currently intending to major in neuroscience and minor in music. My last semester was not an amazing one for me (though no failing grades; can message with specifics), and I will be retaking a neuro course since I need a particular grade in it before I can take other neuro courses. The course I will be taking in the spring will be slightly different in course structure from the one I took last semester since a different instructor is teaching it.

As of now, I have a 24-credit pool of classes, and I am trying to narrow down my choices. Once classes start, however, I may drop another course depending on how my schedule works out.

My current plan is to take 11 credits of science courses, which includes my retake. This leaves 7 free credits total. My current possible choices are as follows:

***Music Theory 2 (for my minor; not a very intense course but will have to write a few compositions) 3 credits
***African music course (for my minor; fulfills an international gen ed; taken once a week for 2 hours) 3 credits
***French literature course which fulfills both literature and writing gen eds (interested in French culture and literature as well as philosophy, which may be touched on in the course; will probably be writing essays) 3 credits
***Choral ensemble (time-consuming but need ensemble credit towards minor); 1 credit
***Science communication course which counts towards my major but does not need my retake as a prerequisite (very interesting course; took public speaking last semester so may be good transition; also the instructor of the course has done research that I am interested in looking into; however conflicts with Music Theory 2) 3 credits

I understand that even once I narrow down my classes, I will have an initially heavy course load, which is why I may drop more once classes start (during semester's add/drop period).

I may or may not be able to volunteer at the hospital I was at last semester (could do some kind of weekend shift; need to explore this). Research is likely out of the question, although taking the science communication course may be a good introduction to how to present scientific research, which I would like to improve on. There are also leadership openings in an active pre-med club I'm currently in, but I may not apply for one if I know my course load will conflict with my duties.

So, my big question is this: based on my current credit pool and opinions of the courses, which classes should I take or drop?

Feel free to ask me to elaborate; I am simply giving an introduction to my dilemma. Thank you for your patience and I appreciate any suggestions!

 

[BABSstudent]

Honestly, what classes you take won't matter to admins.

If you are doing poorly, I suggest taking less than 18 credits. Maybe only take 15 and focus on getting a 4.0. This may even give you time to volunteer or take on a leadership position in the clubs. That would look way better than a 3.4, no volunteering or leaderships positions semester that you took 18+ credits.

 

[Codaster]

Honestly, what classes you take won't matter to admins.

If you are doing poorly, I suggest taking less than 18 credits. Maybe only take 15 and focus on getting a 4.0. This may even give you time to volunteer or take on a leadership position in the clubs. That would look way better than a 3.4, no volunteering or leaderships positions semester that you took 18+ credits.

This. GPA is certainly more important than an "impressive" class list. Even though neuroscience is typically a larger major at most schools, you should have no problem finishing it and a minor in 4 years. Take your time and make sure that you don't make the mistake of taking on more than you can handle as it can get you in some real trouble later.

 

[Ismet]

Do you go to Pitt by any chance? Feel free to PM me. I was a neuro major/music minor at Pitt and I took that science communication course you're talking about (the prof doesn't take undergrads btw). I can give you some tips about volunteering at UPMC and finding neuro research. Getting leadership experience is good too, but not if it will come at the detriment of your GPA.

EDIT to add: You can delay taking speaking of science until junior or senior year. Since you just finished Theory 1, it would be best just to continue while the knowledge is still fresh in your mind. If you have the right prof for theory, it will be a breeze. I did most of my music minor courses in my senior year and it was quite enjoyable. The literature and/or African music course can also be pushed back to junior or senior year. I would suggest Theory 2 + either the lit or music course + choral ensemble, or drop the lit/music course and take a lighter course load so you can focus on the neuro class.

Of course, if you don't go to Pitt, ignore all this 😀

 

[Dandine]

EDIT to add: You can delay taking speaking of science until junior or senior year. Since you just finished Theory 1, it would be best just to continue while the knowledge is still fresh in your mind. If you have the right prof for theory, it will be a breeze. I did most of my music minor courses in my senior year and it was quite enjoyable. The literature and/or African music course can also be pushed back to junior or senior year. I would suggest Theory 2 + either the lit or music course + choral ensemble, or drop the lit/music course and take a lighter course load so you can focus on the neuro class.

From your suggestion, I will have 18 credits total, which would definitely work (it'll just a matter of whether I can take it!).