The Official "How Does This Schedule Look" Thread

[PreMedRookie]

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I have a sort of side question here... I noticed some people having 13-14 credits per semester. 😕 My pre-med adviser told us that we absolutely need to have 16-18 credits every single semester if we want to look like serious applicants. (This is a lady who gets paid for the kids she can get into medical school.) My freshman fall semester I was in the hospital the first week and only had 14 credits to sort of help me recover. But aside from that I've had 16-18. (In fact, this semester I'm supposed to have 19... Just how it worked out.)

I'm just wondering. Because getting a 4.0 with 14 credits was a walk in the park. It's not quite a walk in the park with 18. 😏

It depends on how many credits your school gives.

For example I see people on here that get three credits for a lab and at my school they are worth one. Taking 18 credits for some is 4 or 5 classes, while for others 18 credits would be taking 7 classes.

 

[drabberbadge]

How does this seem

Fall 13'
Ochem 1
Physics II
Psych 359


Spring 14'
Ochem 2
Pre cal
Systems Neuroscience
Study for mcat

Summer 14'
Calculus at CC
Mcat

Fall 14'
Neurobio
Molecular bio
UD Writing class
Abnormal psych

Spring 15'
Biochem
Astronomy 100
Computational Math for neuro majors
Chemistry with aids

 

[Zumab]

Schedule looks pretty light to me....
are you doing research on the side? Sports? etc?

 

[Zumab]

This Semester

Neurobiology
Psychologyical Psych
Greek and Latin Roots
Honors Phil and Anatomy
Molecular Bio and Genetics.

😛P

 

[Zumab]

This Semester

Neurobiology
Psychologyical Psych
Greek and Latin Roots
Honors Phil and Anatomy
Molecular Bio and Genetics.

😛P

 

[drabberbadge]

Schedule looks pretty light to me....
are you doing research on the side? Sports? etc?

Are you referring to me?
If so then yes in doing clinical research

 

[487806]

How does this seem

Fall 13'
Ochem 1
Physics II
Psych 359


Spring 14'
Ochem 2
Pre cal
Systems Neuroscience
Study for mcat

Summer 14'
Calculus at CC
Mcat

Fall 14'
Neurobio
Molecular bio
UD Writing class
Abnormal psych

Spring 15'
Biochem
Astronomy 100
Computational Math for neuro majors
Chemistry with aids

This Semester

Neurobiology
Psychologyical Psych
Greek and Latin Roots
Honors Phil and Anatomy
Molecular Bio and Genetics.

😛P

Both schedules are fine.

 

[drabberbadge]

Both schedules are fine.

Would you recommend changing anything?

Everyone else share your feedback thanks

 

[487806]

Would you recommend changing anything?

Everyone else share your feedback thanks

Nope. It's good as it is.

 

[GreenBlade]

fall '13
Genetics Lecture/Lab 4 hrs
Gen Chem II Lecture/ Lab 4 hrs
Precalculus 4 hrs
World Lit II 3 hrs

Spring '14
Calc I 4 hrs
Alg Based Physics I Lecture/ lab 4 hrs
Business & Professional communication 3 hrs
TX Govt. 3 hrs

Summer '14
Alg Based Physics II Lecture/ lab 4 hrs
Intermediate Spanish 4 hrs

EC:
research assistant in chem lab
possible volunteering at Texas Center for Infectious Disease

???

 

[487806]

fall '13
Genetics Lecture/Lab 4 hrs
Gen Chem II Lecture/ Lab 4 hrs
Precalculus 4 hrs
World Lit II 3 hrs

Spring '14
Calc I 4 hrs
Alg Based Physics I Lecture/ lab 4 hrs
Business & Professional communication 3 hrs
TX Govt. 3 hrs

Summer '14
Alg Based Physics II Lecture/ lab 4 hrs
Intermediate Spanish 4 hrs

EC:
research assistant in chem lab
possible volunteering at Texas Center for Infectious Disease

???

You're fine

 

[BlueCircle]

Ok, so I'm transfering from a CCC into a UC this fall. My counselor recommened that I take12-13 units to get adjusted to the quarter system. I signed up for the following classes:

Scientific Writing
Physics lec first quarter
Human Physio
Immunology

This totals up to 16 units. Human Physio and immuno are both upper div bio classes. From what my friends have told me, the writing clas isnt hard. Just a lot lf busy work and this is my first time taking a physics course ever. I hear immuno and physio is a lot lf memorization. Our quarters are 10 weeks long + 1 week for finals.

My choices are to either go forward with this load or drop immuno and take it later. I also wanted to do about 12 -15 hrs/wk of research this quarter (although I've also been advised to limit research to a max of 5hrs/ wk my first quarter. Any suggestions?

 

[darknight]

Summer

Physics 1 with lab
Genetics

?

 

[doctorally]

Freshman Fall (currently taking):
Composition II
Gen Bio I + Lab
Gen Chem I + Lab
Gen Psychology
Freshman Seminar

Freshman Spring:
Gen Chem II + Lab
Physics w/ Alg/Trig I + Lab
British Lit I
Basis of Genomics --- if I can. It's an upper level class, but I want to take genetics before the MCAT.

Summer 2014:
Physics w/ Alg/Trig II
Clinical Observation

Sophomore Fall:
Organic Chem I + Lab
Human Physiology I
Human Anatomy
Art History
Computer Applications

Sophomore Spring:
Organic Chem II + Lab
Human Physio II + Lab
BMD Seminar
Public Speaking
Intro to Sociology

Is this too hard of a schedule? I'm the first pre-med out of my family, so I'm trying to put this together myself.

Should I just take Physiology I & II junior year with biochem or maybe take anatomy junior year with biochem? I want to take classes that will prepare me for the new MCAT, but I'm not entirely sure what I should take because a lot of the recommended courses, I won't take til junior year. That's why I'm trying to cram all these core classes before I take the MCAT.

 

[487806]

Freshman Fall (currently taking):
Composition II
Gen Bio I + Lab
Gen Chem I + Lab
Gen Psychology
Freshman Seminar

Freshman Spring:
Gen Chem II + Lab
Physics w/ Alg/Trig I + Lab
British Lit I
Basis of Genomics --- if I can. It's an upper level class, but I want to take genetics before the MCAT.

Summer 2014:
Physics w/ Alg/Trig II
Clinical Observation

Sophomore Fall:
Organic Chem I + Lab
Human Physiology I
Human Anatomy
Art History
Computer Applications

Sophomore Spring:
Organic Chem II + Lab
Human Physio II + Lab
BMD Seminar
Public Speaking
Intro to Sociology

Is this too hard of a schedule? I'm the first pre-med out of my family, so I'm trying to put this together myself.

Should I just take Physiology I & II junior year with biochem or maybe take anatomy junior year with biochem? I want to take classes that will prepare me for the new MCAT, but I'm not entirely sure what I should take because a lot of the recommended courses, I won't take til junior year. That's why I'm trying to cram all these core classes before I take the MCAT.

Take physiology. Your schedule is fine.

 

[PreMedRookie]

Take physiology. Your schedule is fine.

I agree. Definitely take anatomy and physio before the MCAT. I did and it saved me a ton of studying.

 

[Recon_13999]

DifEQ 1 (3)
Organic Chem 1 w/o lab (3)
General Bio 2 w/ lab (4)
Quantitative Analysis w/ Lab (4)
Physics (calc) 2 w/ lab (4)

Total: 18 credits

 

[R35]

Second year undergrad; how am I faring?

Human anatomy w/ lab full year)
Principles of Physiology (half year)
Advanced Human Physiology (half)
Orgo I + lab (half)
Orgo II + lab (half)
Biostatistics + lab (half)
Molecular biology w/ lab (half)
Cellular biology w/ lab (half)
Research methods in health (half)

-Executive member of student health council (we organize charities & plan events, such as blood & bone marrow donation)
-Frequent contributor to campus-based science magazine. I write articles about new discoveries, research, etc. which then gets published once a semester.
-Tutor for my Physiology class
-Work 16 hours a week on both weekends at my job in tourism (Been there for three years now)

That accounts for a 100% course load.

 

[487806]

DifEQ 1 (3)
Organic Chem 1 w/o lab (3)
General Bio 2 w/ lab (4)
Quantitative Analysis w/ Lab (4)
Physics (calc) 2 w/ lab (4)

Total: 18 credits

Fine.

Second year undergrad; how am I faring?

Human anatomy w/ lab full year)
Principles of Physiology (half year)
Advanced Human Physiology (half)
Orgo I + lab (half)
Orgo II + lab (half)
Biostatistics + lab (half)
Molecular biology w/ lab (half)
Cellular biology w/ lab (half)
Research methods in health (half)

-Executive member of student health council (we organize charities & plan events, such as blood & bone marrow donation)
-Frequent contributor to campus-based science magazine. I write articles about new discoveries, research, etc. which then gets published once a semester.
-Tutor for my Physiology class
-Work 16 hours a week on both weekends at my job in tourism (Been there for three years now)

That accounts for a 100% course load.

Get rid of anatomy

 

[R35]

Get rid of anatomy

Is there a specific reason why? Anatomy and the two Physiologies are courses in which I know I can get at least 90% without a doubt.

 

[487806]

Is there a specific reason why? Anatomy and the two Physiologies are courses in which I know I can get at least 90% without a doubt.

Tbh, not really. Just perceived it'd be time consuming. But as long as you're confident you'll do well, you are fine. The rest of the courses are doable.

 

[James401]

Do schools care how many credits you take at a time? Like only taking 10 credits a quarter? Main reason being I'm paying of of pocket for classes and barely get by paying for ten credits plus books.

 

[Mavs88]

How's this for Spring:

Ochem 2, Bio 2, Physics 1, Stats (15 hrs)

 

[drabberbadge]

How's this for Spring:

Ochem 2, Bio 2, Physics 1, Stats (15 hrs)

Don't overload yourself

 

[487806]

Do schools care how many credits you take at a time? Like only taking 10 credits a quarter? Main reason being I'm paying of of pocket for classes and barely get by paying for ten credits plus books.

I'd recommend at least 12.

How's this for Spring:

Ochem 2, Bio 2, Physics 1, Stats (15 hrs)

You're fine.

Don't overload yourself

Lolwut. That schedule is hardly difficult. I've seen worse that'd give you a heart attack (and these guys got 4.0 on top of ECs). Even for an average person, that schedule isn't even difficult.

 

[drabberbadge]

I'd recommend at least 12.



You're fine.



Lolwut. That schedule is hardly difficult. I've seen worse that'd give you a heart attack (and these guys got 4.0 on top of ECs). Even for an average person, that schedule isn't even difficult.

3 sciences in one semester and stats is doable but it's still a lot
If you don't have to, then why... Depends on the person though
That's just me .

 

[487806]

3 sciences in one semester and stats is doable but it's still a lot
If you don't have to, then why... Depends on the person though
That's just me .

Again, those courses (science or not) aren't hard and the work required is a breeze. Intro physics, stats and bio are a joke and ochem 2 can be conquered by sufficient practice. So he can (and should) do well if he wants to go to med school.

 

[James401]

I'd recommend at least 12.

Well the classes at my school are almost all 5 credit classes. There isn't any 2 credit classes that I need. The only thing thy might be 2 credits is a p.e class. So it's really 10 credits or 15. .

 

[487806]

Well the classes at my school are almost all 5 credit classes. There isn't any 2 credit classes that I need. The only thing thy might be 2 credits is a p.e class. So it's really 10 credits or 15. .

That's unusual. Is the maximum number of credits allowed still 20? I think you're fine then, though i'd suggest taking 15 credits, since 2 classes can raise eyebrows

 

[Catman21]

Bio 3442 -Neurobio Lab
2 whole credits
....Thats it 😎

 

[Mavs88]

Again, those courses (science or not) aren't hard and the work required is a breeze. Intro physics, stats and bio are a joke and ochem 2 can be conquered by sufficient practice. So he can (and should) do well if he wants to go to med school.

Thanks! I figured it should be fine. Bio I and II are a lot harder though at my school than a typical setting. The professor here has been teaching it for over 20 years and has set up a VERY sophisticated and difficult course. But his teaching is excellent and since he's the only one that teaches it...it weeds out science majors/pre-health left and right every semester. In my lab class of 24, 15 people got less than a 50 on the first exam.

 

[487806]

Bio 3442 -Neurobio Lab
2 whole credits
....Thats it 😎

So... you posted here why?

Thanks! I figured it should be fine. Bio I and II are a lot harder though at my school than a typical setting. The professor here has been teaching it for over 20 years and has set up a VERY sophisticated and difficult course. But his teaching is excellent and since he's the only one that teaches it...it weeds out science majors/pre-health left and right every semester. In my lab class of 24, 15 people got less than a 50 on the first exam.

Don't be the weed-out.

 

[frosted_flake]

Hello everyone! So here is my tentative 2 (and a half) year plan... Let me know what you think!
I work full time as an EMT, shadow an interventional cardiologist for about 8 hrs/week and occasionally volunteer as a Pharmacy technician. ( i have taken the gen chems. and the biology before but my school wouldn't accept them so I am stuck retaking them 🙁 )

SPRING 2014
Intro bio II
general chemistry I
physics I

SUMMER 2014
general chemistry II
physics II
molecular biology

FALL 2014
organic chem I
developmental biology

SPRING 2015
organic chem II
genetics

I plan on taking my MCAT early in the summer of 2015, after I finish up 5 more upper level biology courses, I will be able to graduate in winter of 2015 🙂

my remaining courses would be as follows:
ecology (summer 2015)
cell biology (summer 2015)
biochemistry (fall 2015)
diversity (fall 2015)
evolution (fall 2015)
senior seminar (fall 2015)

For all of those out there who are schedule whizzes, feel free to mess around with this, I am definitely open to suggestions! I would like to keep my MCAT in the summer of 2015 and I am hoping to apply in the Fall of 2015.

 

[487806]

Hello everyone! So here is my tentative 2 (and a half) year plan... Let me know what you think!
I work full time as an EMT, shadow an interventional cardiologist for about 8 hrs/week and occasionally volunteer as a Pharmacy technician. ( i have taken the gen chems. and the biology before but my school wouldn't accept them so I am stuck retaking them 🙁 )

SPRING 2014
Intro bio II
general chemistry I
physics I

SUMMER 2014
general chemistry II
physics II
molecular biology

FALL 2014
organic chem I
developmental biology

SPRING 2015
organic chem II
genetics

I plan on taking my MCAT early in the summer of 2015, after I finish up 5 more upper level biology courses, I will be able to graduate in winter of 2015 🙂

my remaining courses would be as follows:
ecology (summer 2015)
cell biology (summer 2015)
biochemistry (fall 2015)
diversity (fall 2015)
evolution (fall 2015)
senior seminar (fall 2015)

For all of those out there who are schedule whizzes, feel free to mess around with this, I am definitely open to suggestions! I would like to keep my MCAT in the summer of 2015 and I am hoping to apply in the Fall of 2015.

Summer 2015 = new MCAT = sociology/psychology/biochemistry are all there. You need to take those three courses no matter what.

Besides that, it looks fine and you can play around those courses. Biochemistry is essential. The rest is up to you.

 

[Demon]

Genetics
Biochem + Lab
Physics 2 + Lab
Philosophy of Science
Research Lab

 

[487806]

Genetics
Biochem + Lab
Physics 2 + Lab
Philosophy of Science
Research Lab

By research lab, do you mean research for credit? If you're confident, by all means keep it. Besides that, you're fine.

 

[frosted_flake]

Summer 2015 = new MCAT = sociology/psychology/biochemistry are all there. You need to take those three courses no matter what.

Besides that, it looks fine and you can play around those courses. Biochemistry is essential. The rest is up to you.

Agent B,
thanks for your advice! How dangerous would it be to take the old MCAT in fall of 2014 without organic II?
Or should I just suck it up and take sociology and biochemistry?

 

[487806]

Agent B,
thanks for your advice! How dangerous would it be to take the old MCAT in fall of 2014 without organic II?
Or should I just suck it up and take sociology and biochemistry?

The new MCAT won't come until Spring 2015, so Jan 2015 is last date for old MCAT. Prep books (especially TBR) are good for content review, even for orgo II.

Regardless of taking old or new version, I recommend taking sociology/psychology/biochemisyry. Schools are slowly changing their prereqs to conform to the new AAMC guidelines.

 

[Demon]

By research lab, do you mean research for credit? If you're confident, by all means keep it. Besides that, you're fine.

Yeah I should have clarified. It's undergrad research but considered an "independent study" for credit.

 

[487806]

Yeah I should have clarified. It's undergrad research but considered an "independent study" for credit.

Yeah I believe you're fine

 

[medicalmnt]

org 2 with lab
non-calc physics 2 with lab
general biochem 1
genetics(?) or easy gen-ed class(?)

I still have a bunch of my gen-ed courses like literature/history/IT/global understanding/composition left. (sopohomore 2nd semester atm., took most of my premed courses except for genetics)

 

[487806]

org 2 with lab
non-calc physics 2 with lab
general biochem 1
genetics(?) or easy gen-ed class(?)

I still have a bunch of my gen-ed courses like literature/history/IT/global understanding/composition left. (sopohomore 2nd semester atm., took most of my premed courses except for genetics)

You're fine. Take genetics

 

[acslater99]

Freshmen here, This schedule is for my spring semester.

-Developmental Math 2
-Biology 1 w/lab
-General Chemistry 1 w/lab
-General Psychology
-Intro to Literature

Also looking at this for the Summer.

-Intermediate Algebra
-Gen Chem 2 w/lab

Is this good? I got the whole feel of how the college works and I should be able to handle all these classes.

 

[487806]

Freshmen here, This schedule is for my spring semester.

-Developmental Math 2
-Biology 1 w/lab
-General Chemistry 1 w/lab
-General Psychology
-Intro to Literature

Also looking at this for the Summer.

-Intermediate Algebra
-Gen Chem 2 w/lab

Is this good? I got the whole feel of how the college works and I should be able to handle all these classes.

Yup. It's fine. What's developmental math btw?

 

[Stumpyman]

Wanted to study for the MCAT over the summer, but time didn't allow me, so my schedule for next semester looks like:

Government Gen. Ed. class
History gen. ed class
Neurobiology (no lab)
Cell Biology (no lab)
MCAT-- mostly self-study, with a possible Kaplan course

Thoughts? It's been a long while since I've taken gen chem and bio, so I hardly recall a thing and would have to spend extra time on the MCAT I think. I may also replace cell bio with physics 2 lab, as I haven't done the lab yet and it'd be less time-consuming.

 

[rolliespring]

Sophomore Spring:
4 - Biochem
4 - Intro to Microbio
4 - Intro Psychology
3 - Intro Sociology
15 creds.
After my sophomore year I'm done with all prereqs for the MCAT. I didn't take chem 1&2 cuz I decided to take AP credit and do a chem minor later on. Should I study for the MCAT and take it before January 2015?

 

[Juan Solo]

Freshmen here, This schedule is for my spring semester.

-Developmental Math 2
-Biology 1 w/lab
-General Chemistry 1 w/lab
-General Psychology
-Intro to Literature

Also looking at this for the Summer.

-Intermediate Algebra
-Gen Chem 2 w/lab

Is this good? I got the whole feel of how the college works and I should be able to handle all these classes.

Good. Well balanced.

 

[Juan Solo]

junior, spring 2014:

Biochem without lab
Physics 1 w/lab
Greek Warfare
Near Eastern Empires
Medical Ethics

Should be relatively average workload. Looks fine.

 

[Juan Solo]

Sophomore Spring:
4 - Biochem
4 - Intro to Microbio
4 - Intro Psychology
3 - Intro Sociology
15 creds.
After my sophomore year I'm done with all prereqs for the MCAT. I didn't take chem 1&2 cuz I decided to take AP credit and do a chem minor later on. Should I study for the MCAT and take it before January 2015?

Schedule is good. Not too heavy.

As for the MCAT, take it when your test taking skills and knowledge is solid, whenever that may be.

 

[487806]

Wanted to study for the MCAT over the summer, but time didn't allow me, so my schedule for next semester looks like:

Government Gen. Ed. class
History gen. ed class
Neurobiology (no lab)
Cell Biology (no lab)
MCAT-- mostly self-study, with a possible Kaplan course

Thoughts? It's been a long while since I've taken gen chem and bio, so I hardly recall a thing and would have to spend extra time on the MCAT I think. I may also replace cell bio with physics 2 lab, as I haven't done the lab yet and it'd be less time-consuming.

Your schedule is fine and I recommend TBR for MCAT prep.

junior, spring 2014:

Biochem without lab
Physics 1 w/lab
Greek Warfare
Near Eastern Empires
Medical Ethics

Fine.

Sophomore Spring:
4 - Biochem
4 - Intro to Microbio
4 - Intro Psychology
3 - Intro Sociology
15 creds.
After my sophomore year I'm done with all prereqs for the MCAT. I didn't take chem 1&2 cuz I decided to take AP credit and do a chem minor later on. Should I study for the MCAT and take it before January 2015?

Fine. As Juan Solo said, take it whenever you feel ready.