would this be a reasonable schedule?

[hello3angel]

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I am wanting to graduate as soon as possible without sacrificing the quality of my education/my performance in classes. I'd just like some general advice:

Fall & Spring 2010-11
Work Full-time
General Chemistry + Lab

Summer 2011
Work Full-time
MedPrep/Shadowing Course

Fall & Spring 2011-12
Work Full-time
Orgo + Lab

Summer 2012
Work Part-time
General Biology I & II
Calculus I

Fall 2012
Work Part-time
General Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
MCAT Prep Course

Spring 2013
Work Part-time
General Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
MCAT Prep Course
Calculus II

I think I'm worried most about Summer 2012 and Spring 2013... what do you think?

I picked bio and calc I for the summer, since I have a background in both of these subjects. I have a scant chemistry background (pretty much nonexistent) and an absent physics background, so I wanted to avoid taking those during the summer.

Another thing to note is that I was kind of hesitant to consider switching from full-time to part-time, because my tuition remission is reduced from 100% to 50%... and also I just make less money in general... and I lose my excellent health insurance. In that case, do you think it would be worth it to just push into that extra year? I hate the thought of pushing everything back another year, since I'm already pretty late to begin with. But maybe it will be worth it, all things considered... Also, I would be able to squeeze in biochemistry before applying to med schools if I pushed into the fourth year. And I could get more shadowing in. Would patience be a virtue in this instance? 😕

 

[TylerJ]

I think I'm worried most about Summer 2012 and Spring 2013... what do you think?

Yep, I would not plan on achieving a 4.0 GPA unless you learn concepts with minimal practice problems. Labs can be time consuming and take a lot of time on their own. If you're lucky, you'll get easy professors, but I wouldn't count on that.

My chemistry teacher said it best, "If you are taking any other 4 credit classes along with this class--good luck *laughs with an evil smirk*."

That is a difficult courseload, and with a part-time job? That is a lot of work to fit into a tight schedule. It's by no means impossible, but, possibility of burnout will be high.

This is just how I would view that schedule with understanding my limits, so I cannot provide you with information any more specific than that not knowing yours.

I am taking Arabic II, Accounting I, Gen. Chem, and Calc II without a full-time job and freetime to myself doesn't exist. I almost took microbiology instead of Arabic and Accounting and am glad I did not slip into the lab before the start of the semester, REALLY GLAD. Sciences and math require a lot of work.

After your first two semesters, reevaluate your future schedule against your known academical limitations to see if you are capable of handling the courseloads you planned. Be ambitious, but not TOO ambitious otherwise you could shoot yourself in the foot.

P.S. Please note I am a pessimist.

 

[hello3angel]

Yep, I would not plan on achieving a 4.0 GPA unless you learn concepts with minimal practice problems. Labs can be time consuming and take a lot of time on their own. If you're lucky, you'll get easy professors, but I wouldn't count on that.

My chemistry teacher said it best, "If you are taking any other 4 credit classes along with this class--good luck *laughs with an evil smirk*."

That is a difficult courseload, and with a part-time job? That is a lot of work to fit into a tight schedule. It's by no means impossible, but, possibility of burnout will be high.

This is just how I would view that schedule with understanding my limits, so I cannot provide you with information any more specific than that not knowing yours.

I am taking Arabic II, Accounting I, Gen. Chem, and Calc II without a full-time job and freetime to myself doesn't exist. I almost took microbiology instead of Arabic and Accounting and am glad I did not slip into the lab before the start of the semester, REALLY GLAD. Sciences and math require a lot of work.

After your first two semesters, reevaluate your future schedule against your known academical limitations to see if you are capable of handling the courseloads you planned. Be ambitious, but not TOO ambitious otherwise you could shoot yourself in the foot.

P.S. Please note I am a pessimist.

Thank you so much for your advice. People call me a pessimist too, but I just tell them I'm actually a realist. 😛 Based on what you have told me, I think I am now leaning more towards pushing everything into a fourth year. I will also have finanical security, which is a plus. I think I will be able to better immerse myself in the subjects I am studying if I spread my curriculum out more. Which is important to me actually... unfortunately I don't have a strong science background, so more time will be necessary for me. I will also be able to shadow and volunteer more, which will be great!

Thanks again!

 

[TriagePreMed]

Too much with bio and calculus. The problem with the summer is that the lab sessions are that much longer. Also, you don't need a&p for Med School, so it's a useless class to take.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I am wanting to graduate as soon as possible without sacrificing the quality of my education/my performance in classes. I'd just like some general advice:

Fall & Spring 2010-11
Work Full-time
General Chemistry + Lab

Summer 2011
Work Full-time
MedPrep/Shadowing Course

Fall & Spring 2011-12
Work Full-time
Orgo + Lab

Summer 2012
Work Part-time
General Biology I & II
Calculus I

Fall 2012
Work Part-time
General Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
MCAT Prep Course

Spring 2013
Work Part-time
General Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
MCAT Prep Course
Calculus II

I think I'm worried most about Summer 2012 and Spring 2013... what do you think?

I picked bio and calc I for the summer, since I have a background in both of these subjects. I have a scant chemistry background (pretty much nonexistent) and an absent physics background, so I wanted to avoid taking those during the summer.

Another thing to note is that I was kind of hesitant to consider switching from full-time to part-time, because my tuition remission is reduced from 100% to 50%... and also I just make less money in general... and I lose my excellent health insurance. In that case, do you think it would be worth it to just push into that extra year? I hate the thought of pushing everything back another year, since I'm already pretty late to begin with. But maybe it will be worth it, all things considered... Also, I would be able to squeeze in biochemistry before applying to med schools if I pushed into the fourth year. And I could get more shadowing in. Would patience be a virtue in this instance? 😕

I'm the best student that I have ever met (SDN friends are, of course, exceptions) and I wouldn't even think of trying that while working more than 10 hours per week. The only reason that I got by with taking Chem II, Physics II and Hum II at the same time was because my full-time job is from home and very flexible.

You'll burn yourself out and then come back here and start another thread about "hitting the wall".

Really, would 1 more year as an undergrad change your life that much?

 

[ealaiontoir]

I worked full time while taking Physics, Physics lab, O Chem, O Chem lab, and an MCAT prep course.... I would NOT advise that unless you are a masochist. I was able to do well, but I was not able to sleep very much and found myself calling in sick on the days before O chem exams. I would definitely take a fourth year just in case. It is better to take more time and ensure that you will get the best grades possible...The rush is not worth getting a bad grade in a class that you are perfectly capable of doing well in.

I also agree with an earlier poster... a&p is a useless class to take. Take something like genetics or biochemistry...they will help you on the MCAT. Calc II may also be a waste of your time unless you are planning on applying to Harvard. Check the MSAR or the websites of schools that you plan on applying to...some schools require stat as opposed to calc and some don't require any math. Plus you can always take math during your application year. The schools that require a year of math usually claim that you just have to have it finished by the time you are starting med school.

 

[hello3angel]

Too much with bio and calculus. The problem with the summer is that the lab sessions are that much longer. Also, you don't need a&p for Med School, so it's a useless class to take.

I had a feeling that this would be an issue--thank you for your input! Also, I was told that the biology class at Wash U does not prepare you adequately for the Bio portion of the MCAT. I was thinking A&P would give me more prep for the MCAT--is that not the case then? What types of bio questions do they ask on the MCAT?

I'm the best student that I have ever met (SDN friends are, of course, exceptions) and I wouldn't even think of trying that while working more than 10 hours per week. The only reason that I got by with taking Chem II, Physics II and Hum II at the same time was because my full-time job is from home and very flexible.

You'll burn yourself out and then come back here and start another thread about "hitting the wall".

Really, would 1 more year as an undergrad change your life that much?

Burning out is nooo good... considering I'll be in school for the next 9 years of my life (and I'll be working for 5 of those years too.) And you're right--what's one year? For all the benefits that come from adding just that one year, the positives certainly outweight the negatives. Thank you for your advice!

I worked full time while taking Physics, Physics lab, O Chem, O Chem lab, and an MCAT prep course.... I would NOT advise that unless you are a masochist. I was able to do well, but I was not able to sleep very much and found myself calling in sick on the days before O chem exams. I would definitely take a fourth year just in case. It is better to take more time and ensure that you will get the best grades possible...The rush is not worth getting a bad grade in a class that you are perfectly capable of doing well in.

I also agree with an earlier poster... a&p is a useless class to take. Take something like genetics or biochemistry...they will help you on the MCAT. Calc II may also be a waste of your time unless you are planning on applying to Harvard. Check the MSAR or the websites of schools that you plan on applying to...some schools require stat as opposed to calc and some don't require any math. Plus you can always take math during your application year. The schools that require a year of math usually claim that you just have to have it finished by the time you are starting med school.

Wow--that sounds insane! I can be a masochist, but I'd rather not, lol! I don't know how you could pull that off, that is impressive! But yeah, I agree. The rush isn't worth getting a lower grade and/or resorting to cramming material--I really like to take my time to learn a subject in-depth.

About A&P--would taking biochemistry and genetics instead of A&P prepare me more for MCAT bio? I am just concerned, since apparently the WashU General Bio class does not prepare you adequately for the MCAT Bio... you have to do additional work on your own. Aside from biochem and genetics, which other classes do you think will prepare me more for the MCAT bio?

For math, the only reason I was concerned about taking Calc II is because I thought I might need it to do well in Physics II--is that not the case?

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

 

[namethatsmell]

MedPrep/Shadowing Course

What exactly is this course?

 

[hello3angel]

I don't know about a&p class preparing you for it. I took Human Anatomy as a 4 semester standalone class and it was way overkill for what you need for the MCAT. Buy yourself the Berkeley Review or Examkrackers books and you'll get enough background for the MCAT. There's also a short a&p course at teach123.com that you can purchase. It still feels slightly overkill, but it is all that the MCAT covers.

How much is the course at teach123.com? I just might end up doing that! As long as it prepares me well enough and doesn't cost too much, I'll be happy, lol! I heard the Examkrackers books were really good too. Thanks again!

 

[hello3angel]

What exactly is this course?

Here's the webpage for the course:

https://medprep.wustl.edu/

It is designed to prepare students for med school in various aspects, ranging from lectures/presentations from practicing physicians to shadowing at BJC Hospital. They give a lot of information about the application process too, and how to prepare for it. I thought this would be a great way for me to get a foot in the door for shadowing/clinical volunteering later on during my pre-med years. What do you think? 👍 👎?

 

[namethatsmell]

Here's the webpage for the course:

https://medprep.wustl.edu/

It is designed to prepare students for med school in various aspects, ranging from lectures/presentations from practicing physicians to shadowing at BJC Hospital. They give a lot of information about the application process too, and how to prepare for it. I thought this would be a great way for me to get a foot in the door for shadowing/clinical volunteering later on during my pre-med years. What do you think? 👍 👎?

I dunno...it kinda sounds like you basically pay to get advice (which should be free via counselors at your school/can sometimes be found via the forums here) and shadow (again, paying to shadow is not the norm). If you're strapped for $$ you might consider if this course is really needed.

That being said, if most pre-med folk at your school enroll--and say it was a worthwhile experience--I guess it wouldn't hurt to fall in line.

 

[hello3angel]

I dunno...it kinda sounds like you basically pay to get advice (which should be free via counselors at your school/can sometimes be found via the forums here) and shadow (again, paying to shadow is not the norm). If you're strapped for $$ you might consider if this course is really needed.

That being said, if most pre-med folk at your school enroll--and say it was a worthwhile experience--I guess it wouldn't hurt to fall in line.

The good news is that as long as I work full-time at my current job, I won't have to pay for the class. I think I'm more concerned about what I could be doing with my time... so yeah, I was thinking the exact same thing. It seems like I could shadow on my own and get advice if I just seek it out on my own. I could be taking something like Anatomy or Medical Anthropology instead.

 

[Armywife06]

If you put your mind to it, you can do it. I have five children, a husband in the army, and I take 17-18 credit hours a semester, have two research projects I've been headed up for a year now, and I work 20 hours a week. All of the classes I've taken for the past almost two years have been all science and math courses also (Took cell and mol bio, physics, ochem, etc together). The semester that I took my MCAT course, I didn't work so I could focus on that as much as possible. It will be stressful, but you can do it. Should you do it? That's up to you, just don't assume you can't. Oh, and I have a 3.98 GPA. 🙂 GOOD LUCK!

 

[TriagePreMed]

How much is the course at teach123.com? I just might end up doing that! As long as it prepares me well enough and doesn't cost too much, I'll be happy, lol! I heard the Examkrackers books were really good too. Thanks again!

http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=160

500 bucks, unfortunately, but they have discounts all the time. Just keep re-checking.

 

[Lefty Doodle]

One thing to think about is your science letters of recommendation. I am taking animal physiology right now and my primary reason for doing so is to get an LOR for the lab professor, who runs the labs and whom I had for bio II. I don't get a chance to work so closely with a prof for any of my other courses since they are all intro. So you might find yourself needing to take A&P for that reason. Also, of all of the topics covered on the bio portion of the MCAT I felt like my bio course prepared me for physiology the least, so this will make me a lot more comfortable with it (our lectures are human phys--labs animal phys before you gunners all jump on me for irrelevance;-)).

Keep in mind also that everyone has their own limitations and that is ok. While it's nice to know it's humanly possible to have, like, 5 kids, work and keep a full course load, it can also be discouraging to know some people can do that and you can't. The other day I found out some gunner undergrad in my lab is taking 5 science courses this semester and I did feel momentarily 'inferior." But then I was like "whatever, I am doing what I need to do to get straight A's this semester and prepare for the MCAT." Constantly check in with yourself re: what YOU can and should do.

 

[hello3angel]

Keep in mind also that everyone has their own limitations and that is ok. While it's nice to know it's humanly possible to have, like, 5 kids, work and keep a full course load, it can also be discouraging to know some people can do that and you can't. The other day I found out some gunner undergrad in my lab is taking 5 science courses this semester and I did feel momentarily 'inferior." But then I was like "whatever, I am doing what I need to do to get straight A's this semester and prepare for the MCAT." Constantly check in with yourself re: what YOU can and should do.

I think your message has been the most helpful to me yet--thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

I think I get so stuck on the fact that I need to take the time to learn the material... I get frustrated that I am not super-human like some people are, lol! That switch in mindset has actually changed my study habits too. All I have done this weekend is study, and I feel much more caught up and less overwhelmed. I prioritized everything I NEED to learn (not everything I'd LIKE to learn) for the exams, and I feel pretty good about where I am now. Yeah, it sucks there is a lot of information I can't go into depth with because of time, and yeah it sucks I'm not super-human. But it really doesn't suck all that much. I really do want this enough to sacrifice my desire to learn things at a much deeper level (but with adequate understanding), my time, and my ego. 🙄

Great advice concerning the LOR's too. I definitely plan to take A&P... also because one the of the medical schools I really want to go to recommends it (OSU).

Thanks again!