Upper Division Bio Classes During the Summer?

[Python Forever]

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I know it's highly recommended you don't take prereqs during the summer as the material is condensed, but how does that sentiment carry over to upper div. bio classes? I'd like to take Microbiology, Endocrinology, and Hematology, but the competitiveness of those classes coupled with the fact that I'd be utilizing open campus (non-degree seeking) means that the only realistic time I can take these classes is over 2 summers.

I guess my only option is to take it over the summer so I shouldn't worry about it, but I'd like to know if it's a better use of my time to use that summer to look for research opportunities, or involve myself in much more time-intensive volunteer activities.

Will it be a slight negative on an app to have upper division bio coursework (3 classes) during the summer? Does this change for nontrad students? Thank you.

 

[Dr panda]

Necrobump since nobody answered and I am kinda interested in this as well

 

[Cornfed101]

If you do well in the class it’s not a negative at all. It can be difficult to do as well when the material is more condensed. I took cell bio and biochemistry over the summer and got an A in both. It hasn’t come up at all.

 

[907914]

I know it's highly recommended you don't take prereqs during the summer as the material is condensed, but how does that sentiment carry over to upper div. bio classes? I'd like to take Microbiology, Endocrinology, and Hematology, but the competitiveness of those classes coupled with the fact that I'd be utilizing open campus (non-degree seeking) means that the only realistic time I can take these classes is over 2 summers.

I guess my only option is to take it over the summer so I shouldn't worry about it, but I'd like to know if it's a better use of my time to use that summer to look for research opportunities, or involve myself in much more time-intensive volunteer activities.

Will it be a slight negative on an app to have upper division bio coursework (3 classes) during the summer? Does this change for nontrad students? Thank you.

I have not had anyone comment on my Summer genetics and it does not seem to have hindered me. If the rest of your app is good then no one will care, if your only As are from summer classes then it may give the impression that you intentionally took an easier class.

 

[Dr panda]

@Goro @LizzyM @Catalystik @Moko
Could you please join our little discussion?

 

[Goro]

I know it's highly recommended you don't take prereqs during the summer as the material is condensed, but how does that sentiment carry over to upper div. bio classes? I'd like to take Microbiology, Endocrinology, and Hematology, but the competitiveness of those classes coupled with the fact that I'd be utilizing open campus (non-degree seeking) means that the only realistic time I can take these classes is over 2 summers.

I guess my only option is to take it over the summer so I shouldn't worry about it, but I'd like to know if it's a better use of my time to use that summer to look for research opportunities, or involve myself in much more time-intensive volunteer activities.

Will it be a slight negative on an app to have upper division bio coursework (3 classes) during the summer? Does this change for nontrad students? Thank you.

It's just one course; go ahead and take it.

 

[Catalystik]

I know it's highly recommended you don't take prereqs during the summer as the material is condensed, but how does that sentiment carry over to upper div. bio classes? I'd like to take Microbiology, Endocrinology, and Hematology, but the competitiveness of those classes coupled with the fact that I'd be utilizing open campus (non-degree seeking) means that the only realistic time I can take these classes is over 2 summers.

I guess my only option is to take it over the summer so I shouldn't worry about it, but
1) I'd like to know if it's a better use of my time to use that summer to look for research opportunities, or involve myself in much more time-intensive volunteer activities.

2) Will it be a slight negative on an app to have upper division bio coursework (3 classes) during the summer? Does this change for nontrad students?

1) If you will otherwise have no research experience and are sparse in volunteer hours, engaging in those activities will make you a stronger applicant than using the same time for enriching, elective coursework.

2) You'd be fine by me, nontrad or not, to take those three classes as summer coursework.

 

[Icebird]

I took pre-reqs during summer each year of college and I’m pretty fine.

Do it if it works for you schedule wise.