studying prereqs vs. other classes

[ryche22]

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hey guys,

i start my first prereq classes at a junior college today, and im a little nervous...i took bio for non majors before and got an A, but i know this will be different with the amount of information and competition.

For those currently fullfilling these classes or have finished them, how did your studying differ from your other non science classes...i was a business major at temple undergrad, and it wasnt that bad at all.

I am enrolled in Chem I, and hopefully Bio I (i need to crash it) + working 25-30 hours at a local orthodontists office.

i know its an odd question, but any input would be greatly appreciated 🙂

thanks again,

late
rick

 

[aphistis]

Don't worry too much. The introductory-level classes, even for biology majors, should start out with a manageable amount of information. It'll get more complicated as you go, of course, but just make sure you take the time to master material as it's presented and you should be just fine. Good luck!

 

[ecdoesit]

Are you taking only two classes per semester?

 

[ryche22]

thanks aphistis 🙂

and for now i will hopefully be taking two science classes w/ lab which is 10 credits, plus 30 hours of work.

i took full course loads before, but i never worked more than 15 hours a week when i did.

i moved across the country, at a junior college now, and just starting out again.

is this a bad move? i will be working at an orthodontists office.

thanks again,

late
rick

 

[RaiderNation]

I would recommend adding another class. I am working 35 hrs a week and taking 18 units. Yes, it sucks, but last semester I took 15 units while working 40 hrs and pulled off all A's, so it can be done. If I'm not mistaken adcomms like to see you taking a full course load every semester. Of course, if you don't one or two semesters, this doesn't shoot you down, but it'll be better if you take around 14 units a semester/quarter.

 

[mmapcpro]

I'm also taking 18 semester credits (5 lecture classes and 3 labs)and working full time for my own business.

I'll admit, though, that I probably should have stuck with 15 credits, because it's basically taking ALL my waking hours (and my sleep time has definitely diminished) to keep on top of everything.

This too shall pass.

🙂

 

[zimaad]

Last spring I took Bio I, Bio 2, Ochem 1, and all the labs. I also worked 25 hours a week too. I also regularly voluntered and observed at local clinics/offices. You can do it. If you are only taking the 2 classes, it looks a lot better if you get A's in them!

So far as studying... it's just a lot of memorization. Make lots of flashcards. Chem 1 is less memorization, but don't get behind in it. Remember, the info covered in these classes will be on the DAT's!

 

[blankguy]

Originally posted by zimaad
Last spring I took Bio I, Bio 2, Ochem 1, and all the labs. I also worked 25 hours a week too. I also regularly voluntered and observed at local clinics/offices. You can do it. If you are only taking the 2 classes, it looks a lot better if you get A's in them!

So far as studying... it's just a lot of memorization. Make lots of flashcards. Chem 1 is less memorization, but don't get behind in it. Remember, the info covered in these classes will be on the DAT's!

😱
How did you manage to take Bio I and Bio II at the same time??
Can they be taken completely out of sequence?

 

[wimmcs]

Like you I was a bit hesitant taking a full load of science classes at the beginning. I also have a business degree and took very easy science courses to fullfill the science requirement while in college. In the Spring of 03 I took Gen Chem 1 and Bio 1 and I was hesitant. I got both A's and felt the load was very manageable. I don't work, but I have 3 kids at home. I sort of regret not taking Physics as well last Spring. In the fall I took O Chem 1, Bio 2 and Physics 1 and I got all A's.... It was an incredible amount of work, but definitely doable. This semester I'm taking OChem 2, Physics 2, BIO 360 (Physiology) and another upper division Biology course. So, this semester I added another science course. I'm not sure that I can repeat and continue with my 4.0 GPA, but I'll sure try. I'm motivated and so excited to get classes done ASAP. I'm also in my early 30s, so time is of the essence. In terms of studying... do what suits you best for the type of class you are taking. For Biology, flashcards are wonderul. For Gen Chem, I just worked many practice problems. You will find that you will establish a study schedule that is flexible and ever-changing. I also have a good study partner and this helps tremendously. Whatever it takes to get the work done and get the good grade, that's what you want to strive for. Good luck!

 

[Serge718]

Damn some of you have/had some tough schedules. The most i've taken in one semester was 3 sciences and i only did that for 2 semesters. I alsways tried to increase my course load by doing research for credit. That way I would only be taking 4 lecture/lab classes and work/research and it would look as if i took 18 credits. My toughest semester was when i took O chem I, Histology, and microbiology at once along with some other BS core classes. For anyone starting out though I especially would not recomed taking physics and organic together. Well Good luck

 

[Zurich5]

Originally posted by ryche22
hey guys,

i start my first prereq classes at a junior college today, and im a little nervous...i took bio for non majors before and got an A, but i know this will be different with the amount of information and competition.

For those currently fullfilling these classes or have finished them, how did your studying differ from your other non science classes...i was a business major at temple undergrad, and it wasnt that bad at all.

I am enrolled in Chem I, and hopefully Bio I (i need to crash it) + working 25-30 hours at a local orthodontists office.

i know its an odd question, but any input would be greatly appreciated 🙂

thanks again,

late
rick

My studying never really changed...I just didn't stuy for any of the classes. Seemed to work for me.

 

[aphistis]

Originally posted by Serge718
Damn some of you have/had some tough schedules. The most i've taken in one semester was 3 sciences and i only did that for 2 semesters.

Wait till you get into dental school. I had 25 credit hours last semester, and 29 this spring. 😀

 

[Serge718]

that's why i tried not to overload myself while I was in college. But hey I still managed to graduate in 3 years. Now I just have one crappy semester left with relatively easy class (phys being the hardest).

 

[Thaxil]

Basically, Adcoms do not care how much work you do outside of school. They want to see full time course work. Three sci course and maybe one non-sci = fulltime. Work is not an excuss for not take full units. One semester is not bad at all to only have ten units, but next semmester increase the course load and decrease work load if it is a problem for you.

 

[Thaxil]

excuse me, I like to add that I worked full (40+/week) time for three years while in school while holding an avg. of 15 semmester credits. How it did this? I look for very flexible jobs, and jobs that allow me to study at work. Studying at work isolated me and I did excellent in my classes.

 

[ryche22]

holy crap! you guys had some really tough schedules!

with my schedule now, it allows me to take chem and bio at night 4 nights a week, while i work during the day...and i wont have a job where i can study like working at a computer lab. i will be doing chairside work and sterilization at an orthodontists office.

school is very important to me, i didnt want to overload myself cause i want my sci gpa to be as high as possible.
work is also important to me. i moved across the country with a zero bankroll, and went from a big university to a junior college.

my tentative plan is to keep my work and class schedule as is for this semester, finish bio and chem over summer, enroll in a 4 year university in the fall and go full time with 15-18 credits of science.

i really appreciate all of your input, and your stock completely went up with me if you could keep up with your school/work schedules and do well! maybe some of that will rub off on me 🙂

late
rick

 

[blankguy]

It seems like EVERYBODY on this board is doing 3 courses at mininum and working some 30-40 hours. I don't consider this normal this is going beyond what is expected. Who else is taking less than 3 courses?? I find myself in a tough situation to try to take 3 courses due to schedule and $$$$$.

 

[mmapcpro]

Yeh...like I mentioned, my schedule really isn't an ideal one. I'm working on 4-5 hours sleep tops, and basically every other minute of the day, I'm either working or studying or in class. Aside from the couple times I stop by here for a quick scan of posts.

There is no tv...no time with my kids...no time with my wife...

But it's just going to be like this for this semester...I absolutely NEED to finish some very specific courses before the fall semester starts...so it's going to be a very grueling spring and summer. We knew this going into it, so everybody in my family is being very supportive.

Soon as fall starts, I'll be able to reduce my workload to about 20 hours or less and my school load to 14-15 credits for that fall and 12 credits while I study for the DAT in the spring.

Of course, we all know how plans go sometimes, so who knows...maybe I'll never finish.