Would underloading look bad in this case?

[theroadtomed]

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Hi,
I was wondering what your opinions are on this. I have taken a fairly heavy course-load for the past two years, never going under 18 hours and always at least doubling up on math/science. Do you think it would hurt me to scale it back next semester, to just three courses (12 hours) in physics, biochem, and spanish? I have a strong gpa, and have been performing well, but I'd just like to take it easier for a bit.

 

[sully677]

If you are going to do this, then I would be involved with something. Find a job, get involved with clubs, volunteer, find a hobby. Don't just take 12 hours and do nothing. That is not using your precious time wisely.

 

[theroadtomed]

Sorry, I guess I should've said this earlier. I wasn't planning on doing nothing. Instead, I was thinking of joining a novice sports team.

 

[sully677]

Yeh. I have been taking 17 hours, working, and volunteering for awhile. So I plan to scale back soon. There is nothing wrong with a good breather. Just don't get too lazy. haha

 

[Raryn]

I'm definitely underloading next semester because (hopefully)I will be interviewing periodically throughout. That, and its senior year, and I'm tired of taking over 20 units a semester...

 

[RockWhisperer]

As long as your doing some ec's there is no problem with doing 12 credits. Few adcoms have the time to question why you took 12 credits amongst many 18+ credit semesters. Now taking only 12 credits, every semester might raise some questions (but probably still wouldn't be a deal breaker). Getting good grades and having time to do extracurricular is far more important than credit hours. Ask any engineer who had to take 16-18 credit hours every semester of college and ended up with a 3.5 if he felt he was treated the same as a liberal arts major taking 14-15 with easier courses ending up with a 3.7 in the application process.

 

[bodonid]

If you are doing it to study for the MCAT, then great.

If you are just tired, I don't think it will help to take less. I have done that, and I didn't do better in classes (worse actually). I didn't feel as busy, but I didn't feel as productive/content with myself either.

 

[bcat85]

That's an awesome idea. Don't kill yourself needlessly. It will be OK.

 

[loonybin]

My first two years, I took a lot of credits each semester. The next three semesters, I took 12 each and was part time for my last semester. I got in though! I think the light load was probably balanced out by adding more extracurriculars and getting good grades.

 

[TheRealMD]

You're overthinking this. Adcoms really won't care, especially if you tell them you were studying for the MCAT during that time.