Would This Be Too Much To Handle

[MissionStanford]

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Going into my sophomore year at a rigorous college. My course load will include:
-Genetics/Evolution
-Physics 1
-Organic Chem 1
-Communications class

I'm thinking of doing research with a professor at my school who has produced over 500 publications. On top of that, I was thinking of joining a community service club and this other club where you work in an ambulance.

Initially you only observe, but as you move up positions, you become a certified EMT (Free of charge), and at the highest position you're apparently considered on call 24/7 (But they say school comes first, so I'm not sure what they mean).

Now considering how many publications this PI has produced, I'm assuming research with him is a huge time commitment, plus there are those other 2 clubs, plus I want to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Is that all possible? Maybe I should just do research/shadowing during the summer as I've been doing (Getting a publication for my research this summer)?

 

[Richard Dawkins]

i don't know you, but that is a tough load for almost anyone. the ECs sound good so i would move physics to the summer or next year and take organic, genetics, communications, and one other gen ed class

 

[MissionStanford]

i don't know you, but that is a tough load for almost anyone. the ECs sound good so i would move physics to the summer or next year and take organic, genetics, communications, and one other gen ed class

Yeah, it sounds like a lot to me as well, but I feel like a lot of pre-meds do so much - Research during the year, leadership positions in several ECs, maintaining high GPAs, etc. And I think a lot of those pre-meds aren't even aiming for top medical schools...

 

[Richard Dawkins]

Yeah, it sounds like a lot to me as well, but I feel like a lot of pre-meds do so much - Research during the year, leadership positions in several ECs, maintaining high GPAs, etc. And I think a lot of those pre-meds aren't even aiming for top medical schools...

the ECs are all good stuff...try the class schedule i suggested and adjust as necessary. if you find it to be easy and aren't burned out, take 3 science classes in the spring in addition to everything else

 

[Palam]

It's definitely doable excluding the 4.0. Depends on how smart/good at memorization you are.

I did physics, orgo, bio, calculus for each semester of my last year while being an RA in the dorms, doing part time research, and TA'ing for endocrinology. I still found time to rock climb in my spare time but to be honest I didn't get a 4.0 those semesters (~3.6) and I never went out unless it was the first month of the semester.

On the bright side that all seems to pale in comparison to what some of the members on here have pulled off, so give it a try!

 

[MissionStanford]

It's definitely doable excluding the 4.0. Depends on how smart/good at memorization you are.

I did physics, orgo, bio, calculus for each semester of my last year while being an RA in the dorms, doing part time research, and TA'ing for endocrinology. I still found time to rock climb in my spare time but to be honest I didn't get a 4.0 those semesters (~3.6) and I never went out unless it was the first month of the semester.

On the bright side that all seems to pale in comparison to what some of the members on here have pulled off, so give it a try!

In my opinion, the 4.0 is the most important thing on my list (For me anyway). I'm in an accelerated medical program, so as long as I maintain a 3.5 GPA, I'm guaranteed acceptance to medical school. The way I see it, my knowledge base is what's ultimately going to make me a good doctor, not an extracurricular activity or research during the semester (Especially since I do research in the summer). I welcome any contrary views though. I just want to do these activities/research because I think they'll be good learning experiences outside of academics that will help shape me into a better doctor (Not to mention, the EMT club thing sounds fascinating).

 

[Richard Dawkins]

if you've decided to take the guaranteed acceptance and not apply out, definitely take it easy and enjoy yourself. if you're still thinking about applying out, take the lighter load to ensure high gpa

 

[Bangersandmash]

I did genetics, physics I and orgo I together with mythology, in addition to already researching and founding a debate team at my school. Came out with a 4.0 and had fun with friends many weekends too. Genetics is strict memorization at my school, physics is physics and orgo is a bitch to get a hold on, but definitely not out of anyone's league.

You can do it. Just know what your priorities are during the semester.

 

[MissionStanford]

if you've decided to take the guaranteed acceptance and not apply out, definitely take it easy and enjoy yourself. if you're still thinking about applying out, take the lighter load to ensure high gpa

Yeah, I guess I should just make sure I prioritize GPA and not get too worked up over ECs.

I did genetics, physics I and orgo I together with mythology, in addition to already researching and founding a debate team at my school. Came out with a 4.0 and had fun with friends many weekends too. Genetics is strict memorization at my school, physics is physics and orgo is a bitch to get a hold on, but definitely not out of anyone's league.

You can do it. Just know what your priorities are during the semester.

That's really encouraging. I guess I'll find out more about these activities and maybe give it a shot.

 

[Josh7]

If you're a sophomore you should be able to judge for yourself if you're capable of handling that schedule. Why would a bunch of strangers on the internet have a better opinion on your abilities than yourself or your friends (assuming you have friends)?

 

[Palam]

I would absolutely focus on your studies and research then. There's no reason you can't do the EC's and I definitely encourage you to try and do both. I think working on the bus will give you some preparation for working in medicine and community service helps keep you humble and appreciative. Just express to the emts/medics that you can't fully commit at the moment but would like to get involved.

 

[MissionStanford]

If you're a sophomore you should be able to judge for yourself if you're capable of handling that schedule. Why would a bunch of strangers on the internet have a better opinion on your abilities than yourself or your friends (assuming you have friends)?

Yes, that's true, but it's possible that people on here have worked with similar schedules and activities and may have some valuable information to give after already experiencing a similar predicament.

 

[Palam]

If you're a sophomore you should be able to judge for yourself if you're capable of handling that schedule. Why would a bunch of strangers on the internet have a better opinion on your abilities than yourself or your friends (assuming you have friends)?

You're absolutely right. Never get advice from anyone, ever. Just messing with you. People usually decide what's right on their own but they want to hear encouragement or warnings from people who've had experience. Not that strange, is it?

 

[Josh7]

You're absolutely right. Never get advice from anyone, ever. Just messing with you. People usually decide what's right on their own but they want to hear encouragement or warnings from people who've had experience. Not that strange, is it?

You're right. I'm still just a bit cynical of this guy after his "Is 3.9 GPA good enough?" post... 😀

 

[MissionStanford]

You're right. I'm still just a bit cynical of this guy after his "Is 3.9 GPA good enough?" post... 😀

Lol, that's only because I was talking top med schools, but I understand why some people on this forum might hate me.

 

[darkjedi]

Sure you might be able to handle it, but why? You have 3 more years of classes to schedule.

 

[funtertaining15]

Going into my sophomore year at a rigorous college. My course load will include:
-Genetics/Evolution
-Physics 1
-Organic Chem 1
-Communications class

I'm thinking of doing research with a professor at my school who has produced over 500 publications. On top of that, I was thinking of joining a community service club and this other club where you work in an ambulance.

Initially you only observe, but as you move up positions, you become a certified EMT (Free of charge), and at the highest position you're apparently considered on call 24/7 (But they say school comes first, so I'm not sure what they mean).

Now considering how many publications this PI has produced, I'm assuming research with him is a huge time commitment, plus there are those other 2 clubs, plus I want to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Is that all possible? Maybe I should just do research/shadowing during the summer as I've been doing (Getting a publication for my research this summer)?

I wouldn't like that schedule if it were me. Physics + Orgo AND genetics? Sounds like a handful. If you're aiming to maintain a 4.0, I'd be a bit wary and mindful that that may not turn out the way you hope. I'd take Physics my junior year (which is what I'll be doing next year), and take Orgo this year (which is what I'm doing this year). That way, physics will be slightly fresh on your mind come MCAT, depending if you take it in Feb or March, whenever it's available (I have no clue).