What do Adcoms consider a heavy course load for pre-med/ post-bacc

[Renee18]

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Hello!
I am about to start an 'unofficial' post-bacc program where i'll be taking 12 core courses including 2 gen bios, 2 gen chems, 2 Ochems, 1 biochem, 2 Physics, 1 math, 1 psychology, and 1 upper division bio.
The way the pre-reqs are set up (like any other school) I am only able to take 3 classes per semester.

My first two semesters will look like: Semester 1: Precalc 2, General Bio 1, General Chemistry 1
Semester 2: Gen chem 2, Psych 101, Physics 1 and so on.
Will semesters like these be seen as a heavy enough course load?
Thanks.

 

[Catalystik]

Hello!
I am about to start an 'unofficial' post-bacc program where i'll be taking 12 core courses including 2 gen bios, 2 gen chems, 2 Ochems, 1 biochem, 2 Physics, 1 math, 1 psychology, and 1 upper division bio.
The way the pre-reqs are set up (like any other school) I am only able to take 3 classes per semester.

My first two semesters will look like: Semester 1: Precalc 2, General Bio 1, General Chemistry 1
Semester 2: Gen chem 2, Psych 101, Physics 1 and so on.
Will semesters like these be seen as a heavy enough course load?
Thanks.

Three classes that include two labs is not a heavy courseload, but Adcomms won't just be looking at your academics. They'll consider the entire load you bear, including work, research, volunteering, test prep, etc.

 

[dodolol21]

Biochemistry I 3 credits
Biochemistry I Lab 2 credits
Organic Chemistry II 3 credits
Human Physiology 3 credits
Microbiology 3 credits
Physics II Lab 1 credit
NonScience Class 3 credits

15 hrs/week research
8 hrs/week volunteering
8 hrs/week other ECs

I would say this is a good example of a heavy courseload

EDIT: Just wanted to add that I dont think there is any benefit to a heavy courseload. 4.0 with 12 credits will always be better than 3.8 with the above schedule

 

[Save a life]

Those look fine. I think getting A’s and a good MCAT should be the focus.

 

[Mopsd]

Three classes that include two labs is not a heavy courseload, but Adcomms won't just be looking at your academics. They'll consider the entire load you bear, including work, research, volunteering, test prep, etc.

Formal post-bacc programs have very similar structure of requiring three science courses and their respective labs per semester and call it a load. For example, Goucher's "typical" week looks like this: Goucher Post-Bac Premed: Typical Week | Goucher College

Furthermore, looking under the FAQ link: Goucher College PBPM: FAQ | Goucher College

ARE POST-BAC STUDENTS ABLE TO WORK WHILE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM?

No, but most students spend a few hours per week volunteering in a health care setting.

On paper, less seems to be expected from those in formal post-bacc programs (relative to what is considered heavy when you're completing your bachelors or doing an informal post-bac). Why is this? Is it due to being able to cough up $40k? Very interested in hearing what adcom members on here have to say about this...

 

[Catalystik]

Formal post-bacc programs have very similar structure of requiring three science courses and their respective labs per semester and call it a load. For example, Goucher's "typical" week looks like this: Goucher Post-Bac Premed: Typical Week | Goucher College

Furthermore, looking under the FAQ link: Goucher College PBPM: FAQ | Goucher College


On paper, less seems to be expected from those in formal post-bacc programs (relative to what is considered heavy when you're completing your bachelors or doing an informal post-bac). Why is this? Is it due to being able to cough up $40k? Very interested in hearing what adcom members on here have to say about this...

Some thoughts: Note that an entire year of General Chemistry with lab is covered in the summer weeks. Also the regular terms include MCAT prep and practice tests, which can be a full-time job in itself. Additionally review classes are extra and included. They want to be absolutely sure you're nailing down the material. They also mentioned research, besides volunteering, and that can be a huge time sink besides the required course-related labs.

 

[Mopsd]

Some thoughts: Note that an entire year of General Chemistry with lab is covered in the summer weeks. Also the regular terms include MCAT prep and practice tests, which can be a full-time job in itself. Additionally review classes are extra and included. They want to be absolutely sure you're nailing down the material. They also mentioned research, besides volunteering, and that can be a huge time sink besides the required course-related labs.

How does MCAT prep get accounted for in the application with such varied study schedules for those doing informal post-baccs/bachelors degree premed? (I assume most adcoms are familiar with integrated MCAT prep for those in formal postbacs)

It also looks like the program gives them the option of volunteering or research, not both.

 

[Catalystik]

How does MCAT prep get accounted for in the application with such varied study schedules for those doing informal post-baccs/bachelors degree premed? (I assume most adcoms are familiar with integrated MCAT prep for those in formal postbacs)

It also looks like the program gives them the option of volunteering or research, not both.

Usually it does not get accounted for by the applicant, though sometimes comments are made in an activities entry. Assumptions are made by adcomms.