Too much in one summer?

[Necr0sis713]

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Hey folks. I figured I could get some constructive input from you guys.

This summer i'm gonna take Physics 2 and gen chem II both with labs. However, i'm kinda concerned about my math credits because even though I feel like I may have sufficient math credits, I might need more to apply.

I have a semester of precalc with a B, but that was 5 years ago. I also have an A in finite math and a C in psychology statistics (was an upper level psych course and didn't try) so I feel like I might wanna get some more math credits under my belt.

In that regard, do you think taking an online stats course at my CC, along with my summer Physics and Chem both with labs from my university be too much for one summer? Should I just stick to Phys and Chem so I can solely focus on those two? Reason why i'm asking is because I hear stats is an easy A, but I may be mistaken.

Worse comes to worse, i'll be taking my math prereq in the summer while applying for med school after taking the Mcat. Thoughts?

 

[Lawpy]

I have no idea what finite math is, but congrats on doing well. A schedule with physics 2, gen chem 2 and stats is very doable, especially if the stats course is online. Just be dedicated to them, and you should get a 4.0 over the summer without much difficulty.

It's important to realize that stats is incredibly oversimplified for biology and psych majors, because the actual mathematics behind stats involves calculus and abstract analysis. This won't be an issue.

 

[TalkPARPiToMe]

Hi- Based on your post history, I would recommend focusing on physics B and gen chem this summer. I think you have enough college-level math to satisfy the requirements at a lot of med schools, so trying to build up your math background isn't urgent. If you end up with a lot of free time this summer, devote that time to your extra-curricular activities or to reviewing for the MCAT. (And by this I mean, get some prep books and study the chapters that correspond to whatever you're covering in class at that time. Do some practice problems, and get a feel for the test. This will help you in your classes because you'll be forced to look at the material in different ways. It will also help you when it comes time to prepare for the MCAT because you won't have to do as much content review, and you wont have to spend a lot of time getting a feel for the test.) Just my two cents! Best of luck!

 

[Necr0sis713]

From what i've read around here it's ok to take a class in the summer while applying, correct? The summer after my mcat and applying Im gonna then just take a math class for 'ol times sake, kind of like icing on the cake for my application. However, I got my physics final coming up for physics 1, and might get a C in the class 🙁 in that case, I'll retake my C in physics 1 the following summer.

It sucks, i'm flawlessly acing my gen chem and bio like it's nothing. But Physics 1 was the first class of its kind after years of doing a psych undergrad. I totally underestimated the difficulty and HOPEFULLY if I get an A on the final I'll get a B...but that's very unlikely because the class itself is hard. Our class average last exam was a 35% or so, so we get crazy curved.

 

[TalkPARPiToMe]

Taking a class while applying is fine.

Getting a C in Physics I will not kill your application (based on what I've read on these forums. I haven't applied yet, so take my input with a grain of salt.) Since you now know that physics is math-heavy, you should plan accordingly for Physics II. Do well in that class.

As for retaking your potential C (fingers crossed that you get a B), DO schools do grade replacement. MD schools will calculate your retake in with the rest of your GPA. If your goal is to show them that you can handle the material in Physics I, I'd retake it before applying. (Like this summer).

 

[Necr0sis713]

The thing is I got a crazy semester next fall and spring and am gonna have to prep for the MCAT, so I wanna get physics 2 out of the way before that.

 

[TalkPARPiToMe]

Then don't retake it now. You know what you need to do better than I do.

Retaking next summer is fine.