The Official "How Does This Schedule Look" Thread

[Neurosis]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I never understood the point of honors classes in college. you have to do harder/much more work for no GPA boost. Wtf? 😕

 

[Neurosis]

Fall sophomore year:

Orgo 1
Analytical Chem
Analytical Chem Lab
Cell and Development Bio
Physics 1
Intro to Econ

I was thinking about replacing cell bio with something else and taking it junior year. I want to take the MCAT after sophomore year. Thoughts?

I would die if I had to take Orgo AND analytical chemistry (and the bio certainly isn't doing you any favors) are you a biochem major? I'd recommend you drop one of the chems considering you are taking 4 sciences at once (and i heard economics can be a pain if you don't put enough work into it)

 

[LaEsponja]

I'm a non-trad getting back into the summer semester as a beginning sophomore and have a couple of questions. If I load every single semester down with 14-18 credits then I could potentially graduate in 2 years. Or I take a lighter load, have more time for volunteer work(although not much of a concern with my military experience), extra curriculars, and research. My biggest concern with a heavier load is that I'm going to drown myself in school work and not have the time for things like volunteering and labs to get the grades and test scores I need for my goal school. Thoughts?

Summer would look like this (Spanish International Bus major):
Span upper level 1
Chem 1
Human Developement
Global Issues
World Religons

Fall:
Chem 2
Bio 1
Span 2
Music
Edu intro class (maybe...might only do one elective with the two labs)

Throw in the Army Reserves once a month, karate three times(or more) a week, two kids, volunteering occasionally, shadowing several doctors in different areas, and maybe part time work once a week... am I completely insane here?

 

[Future MD DDubs]

Deleted*

 

[Neurosis]

Summer would look like this (Spanish International Bus major):
Span upper level 1
Chem 1
Human Developement
Global Issues
World Religons

Fall:
Chem 2
Bio 1
Span 2
Music
Edu intro class (maybe...might only do one elective with the two labs)

Throw in the Army Reserves once a month, karate three times(or more) a week, two kids, volunteering occasionally, shadowing several doctors in different areas, and maybe part time work once a week... am I completely insane here?

Well, I'm assuming that the summer session is divided into at least 2 sessions? If not, I'd seriously reconsider taking all those classes at once.
As for your fall semester, I think all in all it's pretty typical. I would go with your gut feeling on the last elective/edu intro class...I personally would wouldn't risk it since you're taking 2 sciences.

 

[El Nino]

Into the pissing contest I go!

Fall 2012

Analytical Chem (Quantitative Analysis) w/ lab
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry w/ lab
History
Philosophy

17 hrs +Research hours
(Chemistry major)

 

[Dei gratia]

I never understood the point of honors classes in college. you have to do harder/much more work for no GPA boost. Wtf? 😕

Typically, there is a difference between an honours stream and an honours degree. An honours stream at my university starts in third or fourth year, has additional courses and a possible honours thesis or independent projects. An honours degree, which is what my BHSc is, starts at the beginning of freshman year. Each course has a research component, has limited enrolment (15-30 students), and out-of-class research oppertunities provided every semester. Senior year for me has two honours thesis's and the opportunity to do Master's level course-work.

To answer your question it comes down to the goals you have within undergraduate. I work hard within my honours degree, but my GPA hasn't suffered because of it. I also take incredibly interesting courses that are only available through my program, such as cardiovascular dynamics, immunology, medical imaging, etc..
Two good reasons to do honours is there is almost direct entry into an MSc/PhD, and secondly, I found my research takes place within the medical school and hospital. Making MD LORs, shadowing/clinical/work experience, and on-site research easily accessible for those who invest their time.

Absolutely nothing wrong with a traditional BSc/BA, but I enjoy the customization and opportunities provided by honours. Also, most honours-based courses/degrees have minimum GPA requirements to stay enrolled, which makes for good motivation to keep a high GPA. For example, the lowest grade I can receive in a medical science course is a B+ (80-84%) and for every other course is a B- (70-74%).
No one is instantly thrown out for getting less, but there is some kind of process to retake courses or exams

 

[Dei gratia]

Deleted.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

FALL 2012 SCHEDULE AS OF NOW:

Biochemistry w/ Lab
Microbiology w/ Lab
Physics I w/ Lab
Biophysical Chemistry
Genetics w/ lab
Research


All comes up to 22 credits of death.
Thinking about dropping a lab and replacing BP chem with a relatively easier class though.
If I do that, I'll prob have more time to doing some extra volunteering/shadowing.

 

[LaEsponja]

FALL 2012 SCHEDULE AS OF NOW:



All comes up to 22 credits of death.
Thinking about dropping a lab and replacing BP chem with a relatively easier class though.
If I do that, I'll prob have more time to doing some extra volunteering/shadowing.

Took the words right out of my mouth. No way I could even contemplate so many labs- I'm freaking about a full schedule with two labs a semester. Kudos to you!

 

[StraightShooter]

FALL:
Physics 1 and lab
Bio 1 and lab
Calc 2
Accounting 201

Winter:
Bio 2 and lab
Physics 2 and lab
Calc 3
Accounting 202

Spring:
Bio 3 and lab
Physics 3 and lab
Stats
Econ
Accounting 203



Note: at my cc, labs and class are the same. Meaning, I don't have an extra time slot of labs, its worked in on the schedule.
Stats is really easy, econ shouldn't be really difficult.

Only worried about taking bio and physics together.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Only worried about taking bio and physics together.

Don't be. The difficulty of bio is not to the level of physics or calculus, so you only have 1 or 2 hard classes a semester. You'll be fine.

 

[TriagePreMed]

FALL 2012 SCHEDULE AS OF NOW:

Biochemistry w/ Lab
Microbiology w/ Lab
Physics I w/ Lab
Biophysical Chemistry
Genetics w/ lab
Research


All comes up to 22 credits of death.
Thinking about dropping a lab and replacing BP chem with a relatively easier class though.
If I do that, I'll prob have more time to doing some extra volunteering/shadowing.

Definitely drop BP Chem and Genetics Lab.

 

[Neurosis]

Don't be. The difficulty of bio is not to the level of physics or calculus,
so you only have 1 or 2 hard classes a semester. You'll be fine.

this depends on the individual
for people who despise blatant memorization it's going to be a problem.

 

[WildEMDoc]

So I'm doing an informal post-bacc this coming year and this is what I plan on taking + research and a job:

HLS 295 (3) Foundations of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics
HLS 468 (3) Coping with Loss and Grief
BIOL 470 (3) Developmental Biology

The main question I have about this is:

Will is matter that I am going light on science? My sGPA is 3.4.

I could replace 295 with Animal Physiology (not human focused), or Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis (graduate level).

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Only worried about taking bio and physics together.

I always took biology with physics, both entry and upper level. I feel like they were totally different classes and one never really siphoned resources from the other. Possibly a subjective statement though.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Definitely drop BP Chem and Genetics Lab.

Might have to drop Physics and take in in the winter.
I was planning to take trig since itwa a pre-req for Physics over the summer, bu the only class is online (since I'll be away from campus) and he's notorious for failing students. 1.4 rating on ratemyprofessors with 55 ratings tells you a lot about that class.

 

[chemphys45]

Fall sophomore year:

MA 214: calculus 4 (differential equations) 3 hours
CHE 547: physical chemistry 1. 3 hours
PHY 404G: intermediate classical mechanics 3 hours
CHE 231: organic chem 1 lab 1 hour
BIO 148: cell biology 3 hours
BIO 155: Bio lab 1
CHE 226: analytical chemistry 3 hours

Total hours: 17

 

[ewa012]

freshman fall schedule:

honors freshman seminar-1
gen. bio-3
chem lab-1
chem-3
accl. eng-3
calculus-3

total:14 credtis 🙂

 

[HipChick]

I never understood the point of honors classes in college. you have to do harder/much more work for no GPA boost. Wtf? 😕

I had a scholarship from the honors college so a given number of courses had to be honors. Classes were harder, more work intensive, but primarily made you think more.

These class will literally be taken ALL OVER, ranging from two community colleges to two unis. Why? Because I swear nothing is offered when i can/need it. So... whatcha think?

Spring 2012(8wk)
Orgo 1/lab at CC (no choice)

Summer 2012(8wk)
Phys 2/lab at uni
genetics at uni

Fall 2012(16wk)
chm 2 at unu
bio 2 at cc

Winter 2013(16wk)
orgo 2 at uni
chm 2 lab at uni

spring 2013(8wk)
orgo 2 lab at uni or cc
biochem at uni

yes? no? Also, would you consider taking bio 1 with orgo 1 in an 8 week summer session? or try to take it with orgo 2 winter 2013 (I have A bio 1, but not the right one, I was mis informed by a cc advisor). I already have a BS.

I am aiming at take the MCAT 2013

 

[Future MD DDubs]

So I just registered and here's how it's looking:

-Gen Chem 2 w/ Lab
-Anatomy w/ Lab (so excited for cadaver dissection!!!!)
-Lower level math class (Been out of the math game for almost 5 years now, figure jumping to precalc would kill me )
-Intro To Japanese (Need three semesters of language at my school and i have yet to start one of any sort)

This all totals at 18 credits, you guys think that's too much?

 

[ElPsyCongroo]

Fall '12 Senior year:

Microbiology w/ lab (4 credits)
Endocrinology (4 credits)
Human Parasitology (3 credits)
Orgo Lab (2 credits)
Medical Ethics (3 credits)

16 credits total. How does this schedule look? I'll probably be working 8-16 hours a week in addition to some volunteering/shadowing.

 

[Neurosis]

freshman fall schedule:

honors freshman seminar-1
gen. bio-3
chem lab-1
chem-3
accl. eng-3
calculus-3

total:14 credtis 🙂

that appears to be a normal schedule for incoming bio majors. so you're definitely on the right track. might i ask, why are you taking accelerated english...? I mean if you took AP Language then might i suggest you think about an easier literature course? You don't want to burn yourself out in your first semester.

 

[Neurosis]

So I just registered and here's how it's looking:

-Gen Chem 2 w/ Lab
-Anatomy w/ Lab (so excited for cadaver dissection!!!!)
-Lower level math class (Been out of the math game for almost 5 years now, figure jumping to precalc would kill me )
-Intro To Japanese (Need three semesters of language at my school and i have yet to start one of any sort)

This all totals at 18 credits, you guys think that's too much?

that depends entirely on you. since i don't know your work ethic. I try to keep from taking more than 18 credits myself --- wait....how would you have 18 credits? Assuming chem and anatomy are both 4 credits and intro to japanese is 3, (i dunno about your math, it could range from 1-4 credits) you should only have about 12-15 credits?

 

[tikanisynaru]

My Schedule:

Fall 2012 Junior Year:

Organic Chemistry I w/ lab: 4 cr
Microbiology w/ lab: 4 cr
Calculus I: 3 cr
Biology Research Methodology: 2 cr

I also work part time 8 hours a week and conduct research 8 hours a week.

How does it look? I am NOT looking forward to calc! How do I survive calc!?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

FALL 2012 SCHEDULE AS OF NOW:

Biochemistry w/ Lab
Microbiology w/ Lab
Physics I w/ Lab
Biophysical Chemistry
Genetics w/ lab
Research


All comes up to 22 credits of death.
Thinking about dropping a lab and replacing BP chem with a relatively easier class though.
If I do that, I'll prob have more time to doing some extra volunteering/shadowing.

Four labs will kill you. Even if you did nothing else but school. Trust me I have done it. Your grades may suffer.

 

[Future MD DDubs]

that depends entirely on you. since i don't know your work ethic. I try to keep from taking more than 18 credits myself --- wait....how would you have 18 credits? Assuming chem and anatomy are both 4 credits and intro to japanese is 3, (i dunno about your math, it could range from 1-4 credits) you should only have about 12-15 credits?

Chem is 4 and lab 1
anatomy is 3 and lab is 2
japanese is 5
and the math class is 3

This will be my first time taking this many credits but im now used to the university standards so i think i might chance it... thanks for the help though

 

[SnoopyMD]

Fall 2012:
Biological Chemistry (w/ Lab)
General Physics I (w/ Lab)
Applying Anthropology
Social Deviance, Crime & Punishment

Spring 2013:
Advanced Cell Biology (w/ Lab)
General Physics II (w/ Lab)
Gender & Sexuality
Medicine & Culture

 

[Stumpyman]

How's O-chem 1 in the summer (6 weeks)? I'll be taking it with lab, and the prof is supposed to be really good and not all that difficult (but still very hard). I know he grades the labs very easily, so that part is basically an easy A.


And it's the only class I'll be taking. But the cons are that I'll be working 22 hours/wk, and I took a position as a summer new student orientation leader, so that'll cause me to miss at least 3-4 lectures, and be about 3hrs/week in general. I also tutor and volunteer, but I'd definitely put those two off until Ochem would finish.

 

[ewa012]

that appears to be a normal schedule for incoming bio majors. so you're definitely on the right track. might i ask, why are you taking accelerated english...? I mean if you took AP Language then might i suggest you think about an easier literature course? You don't want to burn yourself out in your first semester.

im in the honors college so you have to take accelerated english ):

 

[Etruscan]

So I just registered and here's how it's looking:

-Gen Chem 2 w/ Lab
-Anatomy w/ Lab (so excited for cadaver dissection!!!!)
-Lower level math class (Been out of the math game for almost 5 years now, figure jumping to precalc would kill me )
-Intro To Japanese (Need three semesters of language at my school and i have yet to start one of any sort)

This all totals at 18 credits, you guys think that's too much?

Just though I'd give you my own input seeming as I've been studying the language for a while now. I'm finishing up advanced Japanese this semester, and while in the first year you won't been introduced to Kanji, they're a real pain. We're tested on them each day of class here, and usually expected to remember 20. Some words can have up to 5 kanji.
While you won't have to worry about that in intro, you will have to learn Hiragana and Katakana. This is their traditional alphabet, like our A-Z, except they have two. Prepare youself because it is time consuming so don't take the language if you expect to not have to take it as seriously as your science classes.
Even though I'm finishing the last Japnaese course atm, it's been really frustrating needing to spend as much time if not more in it as my science courses.....

Also I really wish I'd have learned Spanish considering there is so much need for it in the medical field(especially in Cali), while Japanese really gives you limited opportunity unless you plan to work in Hawaii.

 

[Hemorrage]

Can someone give me some input regarding my schedule?

Currently im registered for:

Biochem 1 w/ lab
Physics 1 (algebra) w/ lab
Bioinformatics
Economics 101

however i wanted to substitute economics with Systems Physiology w/ lab. Is this do-able?

 

[Hemorrage]

Can someone give me some input regarding my schedule?

Currently im registered for:

Biochem 1 w/ lab
Physics 1 (algebra) w/ lab
Bioinformatics
Economics 101

however i wanted to substitute economics with Systems Physiology w/ lab. Is this do-able?

anyone? 🙁

 

[PantherPride]

anyone? 🙁

"do-able" is very subjective. At least based on my school, biochem itself is very difficult and time consuming, and so is physics HW. Personally I wouldn't take 3 science labs in a semester unless I really had to, not to just get ahead.

 

[ryoth]

Starting my informal post-bacc and I am planning to take the full Gen Chem I-III + Labs this summer as well as participate in volunteer clinical research for 8 hours/wk. I've been out of school for 2 yrs, graduated w/ a 3.85, Haven't taken Chem in awhile, but I got an A in one semester of introduction to Chemistry my sophomore yr of college, an A in pre-calc and A's in Anatomy and Physiology in 2010. Do you think I'm jumping back in too fast?

 

[plumazul]

Starting my informal post-bacc and I am planning to take the full Gen Chem I-III + Labs this summer as well as participate in volunteer clinical research for 8 hours/wk. I've been out of school for 2 yrs, graduated w/ a 3.85, Haven't taken Chem in awhile, but I got an A in one semester of introduction to Chemistry my sophomore yr of college, an A in pre-calc and A's in Anatomy and Physiology in 2010. Do you think I'm jumping back in too fast?

2 yrs out isn't anything to be concerned about. You should do fine. Gen Chem is probably the best place to start.

 

[plumazul]

First semester junior year.

PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEM 3 CREDITS
BIOSTATISTICS 3 CREDITS
UNIVERSITY BAND
PHYSICAL CHEM II (QUANTUM CHEMISTRY) 3 CREDITS
MICROBIOLOGY 4 CREDITS
BIOCHEMISTRY OF PHYSIOLOGY 3 CREDITS

I did not register for the quantum chem lab since it has a reputation for requiring a large time commitment. I will take it senior year. I also am doing research in a lab on campus. I am particularly interested in comments from anyone who has taken quantum chemistry. I struggled a little with pchem 1 (thermodynamics) so I could always put off pchem 2 until senior year.

 

[yellowperil]

Analytical Biochemistry Lab
Cell Biology
Environmental Chemistry
MUSIC: Topic: Beatles
Religion in America
Islam in the Modern World
total: 18 credits, all upper division classes.

 

[plumazul]

Analytical Biochemistry Lab
Cell Biology
Environmental Chemistry
MUSIC: Topic: Beatles -- FTW
Religion in America
Islam in the Modern World
total: 18 credits, all upper division classes.

Yellow mellow custard, dripping from a dead dog's eye!!

 

[sunflower18]

First Semester Sophomore Year:
Organic Chemistry I + lab
Physics I + lab
Spanish
Developmental Psychology

Along with ~20 hours of ECs.

I kind of think I need to cut back... Would it look awful if I only took three classes, getting rid of Psych? At my college, 4 classes is the maximum you can take and 3 is still full-time. So, basically, my current load translates into 22 credit hours. If I removed Psych, it'd be 18. But I don't want to look like I can't handle a tough courseload. I could remove some of the activities, but that's harder to do. I don't want to sacrifice my GPA for ECs, of course, but I got ~3.9 my freshman year so I'm starting in a good place!

Help? 🙂

 

[Drogo]

I could use some advice. I'm trying to figure out my schedule for next Fall semester. I have my Bio 1 and Gen Chem 1 done so far.

Keep in mind I'm a non-traditional student and due to my current situation I have no choice but to work full-time(need my health insurance, major bills to pay being that I'm an older independent student). I'm holding strong with my GPA regardless of the workload. I was thinking of the following:

Bio 2
Gen Chem 2
Trigonometry or Pre-calculus.

Mind you I'm working 35 hrs a week plus volunteering in a Emergency Center. Thoughts? I could add in some blowoff course like ethics in there to bump me upto 16 cr hours.

 

[DillonW09]

First Semester Sophomore Year:
Organic Chemistry I + lab
Physics I + lab
Spanish
Developmental Psychology

Along with ~20 hours of ECs.

I kind of think I need to cut back... Would it look awful if I only took three classes, getting rid of Psych? At my college, 4 classes is the maximum you can take and 3 is still full-time. So, basically, my current load translates into 22 credit hours. If I removed Psych, it'd be 18. But I don't want to look like I can't handle a tough courseload. I could remove some of the activities, but that's harder to do. I don't want to sacrifice my GPA for ECs, of course, but I got ~3.9 my freshman year so I'm starting in a good place!

Help? 🙂

I wouldn't, I would cut either the language or the psych and use that extra time to study for my sciences. Trust me a 4.0 three class semester looks a lot better than a 3.5 four class semester. You have to think about the bigger picture when picking classes and not just think about how this semester will look but how the entire transcript will look. If you feel you have more free time on your hands than you need then use that time to relax, or do more volunteering in your community.

 

[sunflower18]

I wouldn't, I would cut either the language or the psych and use that extra time to study for my sciences. Trust me a 4.0 three class semester looks a lot better than a 3.5 four class semester. You have to think about the bigger picture when picking classes and not just think about how this semester will look but how the entire transcript will look. If you feel you have more free time on your hands than you need then use that time to relax, or do more volunteering in your community.

That's how I'm leaning 🙂 Thanks for your help!

 

[deleted357625]

Just finished Spring 2012 with a 3.8 GPA for the semester taking 20 credits + research

Fall 2012 planned schedule:
--------------------------------
-Organic Chemistry 1 Lab only
-Organic Chemistry 2 w/lab
-Neuroanatomy
-Cellular Neuroscience
-Developmental Neurobiology
-Beginning German 1 (It's free since I hit a credit cap limit 👍)
-Directed Neuroscience Research
-Integrative Neuroscience Teacher Assistant
23 credits

 

[altamont850]

I feel like I've not done enough:

Fall 2012-16 Hours
Chemistry 1 and Lab
Biology 1 and Lab
Calculus 1
General Computer Science(gen ed)
Chemistry seminar

Spring 2013-16 hours
Chemistry 2 and Lab
Biology 2 and Lab
Calculus 2
Chemistry seminar
AA History

Summer 2013-4 hours
Organic 1 and Lab

Fall 2013-17 hours
Organic 2 and Lab
Physics 1 and Lab
A&P 1 and Lab
Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
Chemistry seminar


I'd have about 57 hours remaining with this plan. FML. I hate that I didn't go to high school and finish my IB program. I wish I could go back and smack some sense into my younger self.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

FALL:

Biochemistry w/ lab
Genetics w/ lab
Physics I w/ lab
Another math class
Research

= 18 credits

 

[EarnestlyWilde]

Sophomore year, Fall:

Intro biology + lab
Intro physics + lab
200 level honors seminar in Dostoevsky (favorite author, 3 seminars required before graduation)
300 level Classics seminar (with amazing professor, but never took an advanced seminar before)

Also neuroscience research (So fun!) For work study
Part time science job on occasional weekends
Volunteering at hospital
if I have time I would like to continue volunteering I started this year
Hope I have time to join Russian theater group
On board of neuroscience society

Too much? : (

 

[Belle Melodie]

So I took bio I at my comm. college, i needed a couple more credits so i took it to get a head start as well as chem I. (this can always be explained later to adcoms, i hope)

I cannot just transfer my 1 bio to the 4 year college i am going to attend in the fall so hopefully i can just request a CUNY epermit and take the equivalent course at a 4 diff 4year.

Fall 2012:
Chem II Lecture
Chem II Lab - together 5 credits
Computer algebra system -1 credit
Precalculus- 4 credits

I wanted to take at least 12 credits but because im missing bio II i cannot proceed to taking a bio this coming semester.

I want to try to do some volunteering as well

Let me know how this looks..
thanks!!!!

 

[Neurosis]

...is anyone even giving advice anymore?

 

[Yozo]

I'm a freshman. Majoring in Biochemistry with a double minor in Spanish and Psychology.
Summer I:
Composition I
Summer II:
Composition II
Art Appreciation
Fall:
Honors Seminar
Elementary Spanish I
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
University Chemistry I/Lab
(15 hours)
Hopefully, I can find something productive to do this summer besides my measly classes. I have no idea where to find clinical or research opportunities in my area, though.