would taking just 4 classes per semester really hurt my chances?

[s1lver]

OK, so last semester was my first ever in college after almost over 10 years so I went easy on the courseload - just 4 classes (all Gen Ed) and no science classes. I spent more time playing Warhammer Online and WoW than I did studying. I also didn't study for two of the finals last semester (Spanish and Algebra) because my guild was raiding WoW and WAR hardcore during April :/ but my GPA was still pretty decent for semi-caring (3.4).

This semester, I stopped playing both games and I took 5 classes (well, 7 really if you count the two labs). I'm pretty sure I'd get 3 As and 2 Bs this semester (maybe even all As if I do well on the chapter exams this week and the finals next week) but I know I would've done better and understood the material better (and appreciated the subjects more) if I had one less class this semester.

Next semester, I signed up for 5 classes again but I'm seriously considering dropping 1 so I'll have just two science classes (with labs) plus two other Gen Ed classes. I really want to do it because I feel like it would give me the best chance of getting the best possible grades (especially since my MMO addiction is gone) but I would also "suck it up" if taking just the minimum classes each semester would hurt my chances.

Also, there are other classes that I want to take outside of my major so if I go 4 classes per semester, I would probably graduate in 5 years instead of 4 years so that's also a factor.

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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

OK, so last semester was my first ever in college after almost over 10 years so I went easy on the courseload - just 4 classes (all Gen Ed) and no science classes. I spent more time playing Warhammer Online and WoW than I did studying. I also didn't study for two of the finals last semester (Spanish and Algebra) because my guild was raiding WoW and WAR hardcore during April :/ but my GPA was still pretty decent for semi-caring (3.4).

This semester, I stopped playing both games and I took 5 classes (well, 7 really if you count the two labs). I'm pretty sure I'd get 3 As and 2 Bs this semester (maybe even all As if I do well on the chapter exams this week and the finals next week) but I know I would've done better and understood the material better (and appreciated the subjects more) if I had one less class this semester.

Next semester, I signed up for 5 classes again but I'm seriously considering dropping 1 so I'll have just two science classes (with labs) plus two other Gen Ed classes. I really want to do it because I feel like it would give me the best chance of getting the best possible grades (especially since my MMO addiction is gone) but I would also "suck it up" if taking just the minimum classes each semester would hurt my chances.

Also, there are other classes that I want to take outside of my major so if I go 4 classes per semester, I would probably graduate in 5 years instead of 4 years so that's also a factor.

i see no problem..
your first year your allowed to take it slow..
however i think you can finish in 4 years anyway..

 

[TheMightySmiter]

If you're taking two lab sciences it's totally acceptable to take only 4 classes. Keep in mind, though, that it's a good idea to have a tough semester or two to be sure you can handle the stress of having a ton of material to learn at one time.

 

[Catalystik]

Adcomms like to see that you can carry a heavy load, but it need not all be academic. If you research, work, have a family, or are involved in ECs, that is taken into consideration. If you are not doing that other stuff yet, GPA is still your highest priority, so take the courseload that protects your ability to deliver great grades.

 

[J ROD]

You will be fine with taking just the 4 classes. Just make sure you are still on time to graduate....

 

[Global Warming]

Grades > heavy load

They may ask you why you didn't take a heavy load, but you may not even have an opportunity to hear that question if you don't have grades. Just something to think about...

Many pre-meds like to talk about how many classes they're taking, how tough the classes are, blah blah blah. Well I took relatively light loads, but I also have mostly A's on my transcript.

Student 1 may have took heavy loads throughout college, but chances are that his/her GPA is lower than what it could have been. However..

Student 2 took less classes, applied in fourth year rather than third, but also has 3.8+ GPA...

I would rather be student 2, actually I am student 2. The path to medical school isn't a race (well not in that sense), and sprinting this marathon will increases your chances of not finishing the race. Take it slow, do well in your classes, enjoy college.

 

[metallica81788]

It never hurt me. I had AP credit coming into college and only needed 4 classes + necessary labs every semester to graduate, so why take any more?

And also: grades/GPA > class load

It's never been addressed in any of my interviews.

 

[Global Warming]

It never hurt me. I had AP credit coming into college and only needed 4 classes + necessary labs every semester to graduate, so why take any more?

And also: grades/GPA > class load

It's never been addressed in any of my interviews.

What was your average courseload? They never even brought this up?

 

[metallica81788]

What was your average courseload? They never even brought this up?

My semesters by hour load:

15 (one class was 5 hours), 14, 14, 13, 13, 13, 12 (this semester), 13 (next semester)

I find it strange that nobody in my 6 interviews ever brought courseload up. I was prepared to answer questions because all of my professors that wrote me letters asked me about it. Whatevs.

 

[DocMcCoy]

I made it through without taking more than 12-15hrs per semester. I averaged between four and five classes. I made up my time by taking a lot of hours during the summer (just a suggestion). Course load was never mentioned at interviews.

 

[Global Warming]

My semesters by hour load:

15 (one class was 5 hours), 14, 14, 13, 13, 13, 12 (this semester), 13 (next semester)

I find it strange that nobody in my 6 interviews ever brought courseload up. I was prepared to answer questions because all of my professors that wrote me letters asked me about it. Whatevs.

I made it through without taking more than 12-15hrs per semester. I averaged between four and five classes. I made up my time by taking a lot of hours during the summer (just a suggestion). Course load was never mentioned at interviews.

This is actually very good news for me to hear. Also, I am on the quarter systems, so arguably, it is a little faster and "more demanding" (that could be a stretch though). My average class load is 3-4 per quarter and also made up for it by taking summer classes. However, all of my sciences had the lab included, but not shown on the transcript. I guess you could technically say it was 3 + 2 = 5. All I know is that...taking O chem + lab, Physics + lab, and some major class was pretty tough. I think adding just 1 more class may have meant me taking an "A-" somewhere. In the end, I'm happy w/ my plan.

 

[Eggs n Coffee]

I don't think it matters at all.

Now if you're consistently taking 3 classes every semester for no reason that's one thing. But 4 is fine.. In fact, in the quarter system, 4 is the norm. I assume 5 is the norm in a semester system? Anyway.. Just get good grades and you're good to go..

 

[Narmerguy]

Take 4. Don't make it harder on yourself than you need to.