The Official "How Does This Schedule Look" Thread

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I'm in the honors program

I've seen many users on this forum who take full loads while juggling EC's.

My schedule looks like this:

Monday: 9:00-5:20 (break 12:30-2:00)
Tuesday: 8:00-3:00 (no break)
Wednesday: 9:00-8:00 (12:30-6:30 break)
Thursday: 12:30-1:45
Friday: 9:00-12:05

How do you even go about fitting in EC's with the above schedule (I don't usually have to manage my time so closely). I planned on volunteering at the local clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but I see no time for other activities.
🙄

You have plenty of time on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Also don't forget the weekends.
 
I'm in the honors program

I've seen many users on this forum who take full loads while juggling EC's.

My schedule looks like this:

Monday: 9:00-5:20 (break 12:30-2:00)
Tuesday: 8:00-3:00 (no break)
Wednesday: 9:00-8:00 (12:30-6:30 break)
Thursday: 12:30-1:45
Friday: 9:00-12:05

How do you even go about fitting in EC's with the above schedule (I don't usually have to manage my time so closely). I planned on volunteering at the local clinic on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but I see no time for other activities.

You have plenty of room to accommodated two solid EC's of 3 hours each.
 
Freshman Fall
General Chemistry I (Lecture)
General Chemistry Lab I
Single Variable Calculus
Reading in Literature

Freshman Spring
General Chemistry II
General Chemistry Lab II
Multivariable Calculus
Spanish II

How does this schedule look? I've actually already taken multivariable calculus in high school, but I can't imagine taking any more difficult math courses.

Also, no welcome center for new guys like me? This place must be serious business.
 
Lol. I am sure there is a sticky somewhere where you can introduce yourself or whatever. That schedule is very doable. Make sure you participate in only a few ECs just so you can focus on developing studying techniques and whatnot. You don't want to have to dig yourself out of a GPA grave your junior year!
 
Freshman Fall -- 15 Hours

Honors general biology with lab (4 hours)
Honors general chemistry with lab (4 hours)
Emerging Scholars Program/Freshman research (1 hour)
Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
 
Freshman Fall -- 15 Hours

Honors general biology with lab (4 hours)
Honors general chemistry with lab (4 hours)
Emerging Scholars Program/Freshman research (1 hour)
Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
Why not honors psych and honors soc? Why sell yourself short?
 
So I started a thread on my schedule (new here, sorry!) and didn't get a lot of opinions on it, hopefully I can here because I really need advice from someone whos been in my shoes. This fall I'm going to take:
Biochem (3)
Endocrinology (3)
Parasitology (3)
Physics 2 (3)
General Chem lab (2)
Phys Ed (3)
I have 3 semesters left. This January I'll be taking the MCAT and I'll be done with content review by the time school starts in august. Am I crazy for wanting to take this schedule? I also want to work/volunteer. I have a lot of free time during the fall because my boyfriend has football 6 days a week and I'm not a very social person lol.
 
Freshman Fall -- 15 Hours

Honors general biology with lab (4 hours)
Honors general chemistry with lab (4 hours)
Emerging Scholars Program/Freshman research (1 hour)
Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)

This looks good to me. Becareful of days where you might have bio and chem tests on the same day

So I started a thread on my schedule (new here, sorry!) and didn't get a lot of opinions on it, hopefully I can here because I really need advice from someone whos been in my shoes. This fall I'm going to take:
Biochem (3)
Endocrinology (3)
Parasitology (3)
Physics 2 (3)
General Chem lab (2)
Phys Ed (3)
I have 3 semesters left. This January I'll be taking the MCAT and I'll be done with content review by the time school starts in august. Am I crazy for wanting to take this schedule? I also want to work/volunteer. I have a lot of free time during the fall because my boyfriend has football 6 days a week and I'm not a very social person lol.

This is a heavy schedule. i would keep ECs to a minimum this semester
 
Here's how mine is looking at the moment:

Fall 2012:

Comparative Anatomy Laboratory (5 hours)
Physics II & Physics II Laboratory (5 Hours)
Organic Chemistry II (4 Hours)
Neuroscience (3 Hours)

17 Hours total, looking to work as an EMT (~15-20 hours/week), volunteer at the hospital (~5-10 hours/week), and possibly do research if I can find a professor to take me under their wing.

Pretty worried about the sequence of classes I'm taking since it's definitely the hardest line-up I've taken thus far, but hopefully I will be able to stay on top of things. The EMT job will be nice since for those of you who've worked as one you'll know there's a lot of down time between calls where I can study/review.

Anyone taken Comparative Anatomy Lab yet? Not entirely too sure what I'm getting into, and the ratemyprofessor reviews are pretty bipolar (about half saying "AVOID AT ALL COSTS" and the other half saying "One of the easiest classes I've taken")
 
Why not honors psych and honors soc? Why sell yourself short?

The honors psych sections were all filled up -- also, the adviser told us the honors college recommends only taking one honors class a semester. I don't want to shoot myself in the foot my first semester and mess up my GPA.

This looks good to me. Becareful of days where you might have bio and chem tests on the same day

Thanks! All of my bio and chem classes are on the same day, with the exception of a Thursday chemistry lecture!
On the flip side, I have a gap between Monday at 3:30pm and Wednesday at 11:00am where I haven no classes.
MWF start at 11:00am, while Thursday starts at 9:30am.
 
Pretty sh*tty year coming up. Gonna have some long nights in the library 👎

Fall:
Organic 1 (3)
Physiology (5)
Biomedical Engineering Lab (3)
Biomaterials Engineering (3)
Medical Terminology (3)
Engineering Oral Communication (2)

Spring:
Organic 2 (3)
Organic Lab (2)
Biochem 1 (3)
Advanced Cell Biology (3)
Microbiology (3)
Neurobiology or Anatomy (3 or 4)
 
Lol. I am sure there is a sticky somewhere where you can introduce yourself or whatever. That schedule is very doable. Make sure you participate in only a few ECs just so you can focus on developing studying techniques and whatnot. You don't want to have to dig yourself out of a GPA grave your junior year!
Thanks for the feedback. I have to get a job at my school as part of my financial aid package. Other than IM sports, I don't see myself doing many other extracurriculars. I've lurked for the past few days, and it seems like overloading oneself as a freshman is the worst way to get started.
 
Pretty sh*tty year coming up. Gonna have some long nights in the library 👎

Fall:
Organic 1 (3)
Physiology (5)
Biomedical Engineering Lab (3)
Biomaterials Engineering (3)
Medical Terminology (3)
Engineering Oral Communication (2)

Spring:
Organic 2 (3)
Organic Lab (2)
Biochem 1 (3)
Advanced Cell Biology (3)
Microbiology (3)
Neurobiology or Anatomy (3 or 4)

😱 :bang:

I'm sure you don't have a choice lol
 
Hi. I never really recieved a response on my first posting, so I thought I would repost. I hope that is ok!

This seemed like a feasible plan while I was enrolling, but in retrospect I am beginning to think that I was over zealous in my course selection. Please tell me honestly- This is too big of a bite to thoroughly chew, correct?

Fall:
Intro Org Chem, CHEM 231 = 1.5 credits
Principles of Cell biology, BIO 225 + lab = 1.5 credits.
Intro to Microbiology I, MICR 200A + lab = 1.5 credits
Practical spectroscopy, CHEM 213 + tutorial = 1.5 credits
General physics, PHYS 102 + lab = 1.5 credits

This is the typical second year load recommended, but with first year year physics replacing the recommended stats course. The labs are all coreqs, as is the micro to the bio class and vice versa. Should I drop the physics and take a fluff- I mean, 'elective' course?

Spring:
Principles of Genetics, BIO 230 + lab = 1.5
Org chem, CHEM 235 + lab = 1.5
Intro to Microbiology II, MICR 200B + lab = 1.5
Calculus II, CALC 101 = 1.5
General physics, PHYS 102 + lab = 1.5

Same question as above applies to this semester- And, If not already clear, 7.5 credits is full time.

I've just transferred schools and switched majors, so I had the notion that I would tidy up and finish the first year classes I have left remaining while taking the recommended second year classes, but this plan is beginning to look ominous.

I will also be working, and I was hoping to find rewarding volunteer work/something on campus to earn me a LOR, but I feel like this may be too many balls to juggle!

That being said, I understand premedicine, and biochemistry majors, aren't designed to be easy, and I am entering into this year ready to never leave my desk- But does this seem a healthy load or a soon to be train wreck? Am I second guessing myself and worrying for no reason, or should I be making some changes?

Please sdn, advise me!

I think I'm going to drop the physics and calc and take electives, then do them in the summer, but I'm hoping to get other opinions.
 
Hi. I never really recieved a response on my first posting, so I thought I would repost. I hope that is ok!



I think I'm going to drop the physics and calc and take electives, then do them in the summer, but I'm hoping to get other opinions.

Sounds mo' betta
 
😱 :bang:

I'm sure you don't have a choice lol

Ha. Sure don't. I have to finish the engineering degree and get ready for the MCAT/medical school as much as I can this year seeing as it is going to be my 5th. Don't really have much of an option to come back again.
 
Freshman Fall
General Chemistry I (Lecture)
General Chemistry Lab I
Single Variable Calculus
Reading in Literature

Freshman Spring
General Chemistry II
General Chemistry Lab II
Multivariable Calculus
Spanish II

How does this schedule look? I've actually already taken multivariable calculus in high school, but I can't imagine taking any more difficult math courses.

Also, no welcome center for new guys like me? This place must be serious business.

I should mention that I took Multivariable Calculus in high school through a distance learning program. I have a transcript from the affiliated accredited university and everything like that. Will medical school see that I took Multivariable in high school, then retook Single Variable Calculus as grade padding or something like that?
 
Any opinions would be helpful!!

Freshman Fall: [15 credits]
General Physics 1 (3 credits)
Object Oriented Programming II (4 credits)
Tolerance in Religious Societies (3 credits)
Intro to Engineering (3 credits)
Honors Program (1 credit)
University Orientation (1 credit)

Freshman Spring: [15 credits]
General Physics 2 (3 credits)
General Physics 2 lab (1 credit)
Data structures (4 credits)
General Chemistry 1 (3 credits)
Honors Program (1 credit)
Communications (3 credits)
 
Here is my schedule. Can someone give me a bit of feedback.

Sophomore Year - Fall 2012

Physics 1 4hrs
Chemistry 2 4hrs
Calculus 1 4hrs
Poitical Science ( TX State) 3hrs
Communication 4hrs

All science courses include a one hour lab.
 
Orgo 1 (4)
Orgo 1 Lab (2 credit hours but about 6 hr a week)
Microbio w/ lab (4)
Arabic 1 (4)
Intro to global public health (3)

10hr/week work as an EMT
5-10 hr/week research
3 hr/week volunteer

From what i've heard my schools micro class is sorta cake. Intro to global health isn't too bad either. I'm reading ochem as a second language this summer to give me a head start in there. I feel like doing work for my ochem lab is going to be the biggest bertch...
 
Here is my schedule. Can someone give me a bit of feedback.

Sophomore Year - Fall 2012

Physics 1 4hrs
Chemistry 2 4hrs
Calculus 1 4hrs
Poitical Science ( TX State) 3hrs
Communication 4hrs

All science courses include a one hour lab.

Comm and Poli sci shouldn't be too bad as long as you do your readings and write your papers. Physics wasn't too bad for me and i didn't take physics in HS. just make sure you know your formulas. chem and calc might take up a little bit of time. just gotta work hard! you'll be alright
 
I am so sorry for having to constantly change my schedule but I didn't know which school I was going to transfer to...going from a religious expensive private school to large public state school.

Evolutionary Biology + Lab (5 units)
General Chemistry I +Lab (5 units)
General Physics I (4 units)
College Calculus I + Lab (4 units) [I already took Calculus over the summer but I got a B due to bombing a single test]

The only reason I'm talking this many sciences/math is because I'm still not sure if I want to major in Bio, Chem, Physics, or Math (or any combination thereof)
 
Nontrad. I have already completed all gen ed requirements at different schools than the mediocre Cal State I'm transferring to this fall. I have completed almost none of the med school pre-reqs (or pre-reqs for biology, the only major I'm going to be able to get away with here, since they got rid of the mickey-mouse one I'd signed up for this summer...). Those that I have, I completed before I was even eighteen and therefore I'm just going to take everything over again. I am trying to get out of here as quickly as possible without DYING of DEATH.

Bio 240 Ecology and Evolution (3 credits)
Bio 240 Lab (1 credit)
Chem 110 General Chemistry (3 credits)
Chem 110 Lab (2 credits)
Calculus II (4 credits)

I will also be working 10-15 hours a week in a lab on campus and possibly doing some tutoring at the campus center. I volunteer on weekends at the local SPCA, and I live at home/bicycle to school, so I'm commuting for about an hour every day.
 
Opinions please!

Multivariable Calculus (4 hours)
Genetics and Disease (4 hours)
Biochemistry (3 hours)
Calculus Based Physics: E&M (4 hours)

I spend about 20 hours per week (at least) in a research lab, and I plan on studying for the MCAT (January test date) throughout the semester. I also plan on volunteering at a hospital for 3 hours a week and at a non-profit organization for 2 hours a week.
 
Opinions please!

Multivariable Calculus (4 hours)
Genetics and Disease (4 hours)
Biochemistry (3 hours)
Calculus Based Physics: E&M (4 hours)

I spend about 20 hours per week (at least) in a research lab, and I plan on studying for the MCAT (January test date) throughout the semester. I also plan on volunteering at a hospital for 3 hours a week and at a non-profit organization for 2 hours a week.

Should be fine IMO


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I am so sorry for having to constantly change my schedule but I didn't know which school I was going to transfer to...going from a religious expensive private school to large public state school.

Evolutionary Biology + Lab (5 units)
General Chemistry I +Lab (5 units)
General Physics I (4 units)
College Calculus I + Lab (4 units) [I already took Calculus over the summer but I got a B due to bombing a single test]

The only reason I'm talking this many sciences/math is because I'm still not sure if I want to major in Bio, Chem, Physics, or Math (or any combination thereof)

Are you retaking a B???


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Are you retaking a B???


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Well, I don't know whether I want to major in Math (or Physics, or Chemistry) or not but I figure I might as well retake the course to get a better foundation for future math courses (I'll probably take Calc I-III, and then see if I really want to major in a heavy math field afterall)
 
Maybe this is a dumb question, but why can't you just go over your notes, re-read your old textbook, and annoy the heck out of the math tutors for the first couple of weeks of Calc II?
 
Maybe this is a dumb question, but why can't you just go over your notes, re-read your old textbook, and annoy the heck out of the math tutors for the first couple of weeks of Calc II?
I would do that, if it weren't for the fact that the test I bombed was actually the final (which counted twice as much as the other tests), I didn't really think I had to study for it (lo and behold it was the toughest/longest exam i've taken in college), I figure if I couldn't do well on the final then there has to be something wrong with my basics.
 
Discrete Structures (300 level, P/F)
History of Math (300 level)
Intro to Microcomputers (100 level, online)
Personal Finance (200 level, online)

My final semester of college and it's going to be easyyyyyyyy. 🙂 Only have class 2 days a week, gives me plenty of time to volunteer and shadow.
 
Fall

Cell Bio and Biochemistry
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Lab
Biological Chemistry I (advanced biochem)
Directed Study and Seminar (biochem research)

Are you a chem major or minor? I took physical chem and it is one of the hardest class I've ever taken.

Be warned.
 
Opinions please!

Multivariable Calculus (4 hours)
Genetics and Disease (4 hours)
Biochemistry (3 hours)
Calculus Based Physics: E&M (4 hours)

I spend about 20 hours per week (at least) in a research lab, and I plan on studying for the MCAT (January test date) throughout the semester. I also plan on volunteering at a hospital for 3 hours a week and at a non-profit organization for 2 hours a week.

Yeah you're screwed... give up now
 
I would do that, if it weren't for the fact that the test I bombed was actually the final (which counted twice as much as the other tests), I didn't really think I had to study for it (lo and behold it was the toughest/longest exam i've taken in college), I figure if I couldn't do well on the final then there has to be something wrong with my basics.

Still seems pretty pointless if you ask me...you couldn't have done that bad on the final since you still got a B, despite it counting x2 more than the other exams.
 
My University (Canadian) doesn't have the 3, 5 etc. credit system, it just has 0.5 for a semester and 1.0 for a full year (2 semester course).

Fall:
Genetics (with a lab)
Physics I (have procrastinated on taking this course)
Computer Science
Research Methods of Psychology
Physiological Psychology

Winter:
Evolutionary Genetics (with a Tutorial)
Ecology
Physics II (apparently this course is quite hard at my school)
Psychology of Prejudice
Classical Mythology (breadth requirements)

I think the second semester is pretty easy. Ecology is said to be an easy course at my school.
Thoughts are appreciated!
 
So, I'm on the fence.

Right now its:

Combined intermediate Spanish I & II (6 credit hrs)
Gen Chem II (4 credit hrs)
Calc 1 (4 credit hrs)
Cultural Anthro (3 credit hrs)
Total: 17 hours

I've been wait listed for bio I and algebra based physics I. If I do manage to snag a slot I can't decide if I should replace the Anthro or if I should just keep the sched I have now. Math is my weak area, I'm a mother of two, in the Army reserves, and I've been in two classes: Chem I and a humanities elective over the summer, and I've got a B and A respectively. I know my GPA is critical and I can't tell if it would be easier over the regular semester or if I should still allow myself some warm-up time, this is my first semester back in traditional school in about 6 years. Any $0.02 would be appreciated.
 
So, I'm on the fence.

Right now its:

Combined intermediate Spanish I & II (6 credit hrs)
Gen Chem II (4 credit hrs)
Calc 1 (4 credit hrs)
Cultural Anthro (3 credit hrs)
Total: 17 hours

I've been wait listed for bio I and algebra based physics I. If I do manage to snag a slot I can't decide if I should replace the Anthro or if I should just keep the sched I have now. Math is my weak area, I'm a mother of two, in the Army reserves, and I've been in two classes: Chem I and a humanities elective over the summer, and I've got a B and A respectively. I know my GPA is critical and I can't tell if it would be easier over the regular semester or if I should still allow myself some warm-up time, this is my first semester back in traditional school in about 6 years. Any $0.02 would be appreciated.

If math is your weak area, I would suggest dropping anthro if you get into physics. If you get into bio you could probably keep anthro, but that's up to you


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Hey guys,
I more have a question about extracurricular scheduling. Is it easier to do a bunch of activities that have a small time commitment (~3-4 hours a week) or a few activities with a large time commitment (~8-20 hours a week)? I've heard that it's tricky to switch your mentality for so many different activities, but it'd also be easier to drop an activity or two if you get overwhelmed.
Insight would be great! 🙂
 
Fall 2012: is this one a little crazy?

Writing as critical inquiry (WRI 323)
Intro to Genetics (Bi 341)
Biochemistry (CH 490)
Physiological Psychology (PSY 451)

for 16 credits total, with about 8 hours volunteering. I probably need to maintain a part time job this year also so that I can avoid unsubsidized loans.

I am mostly concerned because the 4 classes are stacked on MWF mornings with only 10 minute breaks between. Efficient but possibly exhausting.
 
Fall 2012: Incoming Freshie:

Nutrition, Health, and Society (for grades) + helper class (pass/fail) = 4 credits (required for my major)
Intro to Biology (autotutorial) = 4 credits
General Chemistry (with built-in lab) = 4 credits
Linguistics Freshman Writing Seminar = 3 credits (not looking forward to this sucky class)
Critical Reading and Thinking = 2 credits (teaches you how to study / do well in college)
Science and Technolology of Foods = 1 credit (sounded like fun and I will be taking it pass/fail)

= 18 credits

I am considering changing the critical reading class and the food science class for a more useful class like psychology or sociology or calculus or statistics, but I don't know if that would be too much for first semester. On top of this, I will be in marching band and federal work study and see if I have time for anything else. Any advice would be helpful.
 
Fall 2012 Freshman:

Organic Chemistry 1 +Lab
Physics 1 +Lab
Micro Economics

14 Credits

Kind of a light schedule, but the courses are a bit challenging.

What do you guys think?
 
Organic Chem I (w/ lab)
Phys I (w/ lab)
Genetics (w/ lab)
Research Methods

Fall 2012: Incoming Freshie:

Nutrition, Health, and Society (for grades) + helper class (pass/fail) = 4 credits (required for my major)
Intro to Biology (autotutorial) = 4 credits
General Chemistry (with built-in lab) = 4 credits
Linguistics Freshman Writing Seminar = 3 credits (not looking forward to this sucky class)
Critical Reading and Thinking = 2 credits (teaches you how to study / do well in college)
Science and Technolology of Foods = 1 credit (sounded like fun and I will be taking it pass/fail)

= 18 credits

I am considering changing the critical reading class and the food science class for a more useful class like psychology or sociology or calculus or statistics, but I don't know if that would be too much for first semester. On top of this, I will be in marching band and federal work study and see if I have time for anything else. Any advice would be helpful.
If you have trouble studying and need a new strategy, stick with the critical reading class; that way you get to develop a new strategy for studying and get credit for it. If you're good with your studying habits, switch to another core requirement, maybe sociology (which isn't really difficult) as you said. I personally wouldn't do calculus my first semester along with bio and chem, but once again it depends on how well you're able to study (but do realize college can be more demanding than high school).
 
Fall 2012 Freshman:

Organic Chemistry 1 +Lab
Physics 1 +Lab
Micro Economics

14 Credits

Kind of a light schedule, but the courses are a bit challenging.

What do you guys think?

You're skipping Gen Chem??? Why? I thought that that was a bad idea?

If you have trouble studying and need a new strategy, stick with the critical reading class; that way you get to develop a new strategy for studying and get credit for it. If you're good with your studying habits, switch to another core requirement, maybe sociology (which isn't really difficult) as you said. I personally wouldn't do calculus my first semester along with bio and chem, but once again it depends on how well you're able to study (but do realize college can be more demanding than high school).




Thank you for the advice. I never had a problem studying for classes, but I've heard so many people say, "I did well in high school, but I almost failed out of college" which scared me so I thought I should take a study skills course. I think I'll look into psych or sociology though.
 
Last edited:
Oh, ok. I just thought you were skipping because of AP Chem credit since I know quite a few people doing that.
 
hey guys. i was just looking through my past schedules and i realized that they have always been very science heavy, with the occasional elective here and there (ie. intro to philosophy, literature). would this be looked down upon? for example, my senior year will all be bcmp classes so i can boost my sGPA. also in my junior year 5 out of 7 classes were science classes. im just being neurotic right
 
Fall semester (biomedical engineering major 1st year)

Calculus II
Chemistry I w/lab
Physics II
Intro to biology (bio I)
Intro to bio lab
16 credits.

Is this schedule doable? Im extremely comfortable with calculus and not worried about as well as physics too much. I was seriously considering switching Physics II for an English elective; would that switch, if possible, be wise?
 
Fall semester (biomedical engineering major 1st year)

Calculus II
Chemistry I w/lab
Physics II
Intro to biology (bio I)
Intro to bio lab
16 credits.

Is this schedule doable? Im extremely comfortable with calculus and not worried about as well as physics too much. I was seriously considering switching Physics II for an English elective; would that switch, if possible, be wise?

I think most physics 2 for engineers requires Calc 2 prior to it, if I am remembering right. At my school you definitely need to know calc2 stuff before physics II, you can only get away with only calc1 in physics 1.

I'd say you are already way to heavy for a freshman, switch to English for physics.
 
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