Does Course Load Matter as a Premed? | OldPreMeds Podcast Ep. 275

[@alphaspartan]

My Post-bacc was 2 classes + lab in addition to shadowing, full time work, volunteering, clubs etc. I can't imagine adding more than that 2 at a time, or having a family life in addition to all of that and keeping a 4.0. Would definitely suggest erring on the side of caution and avoiding spinning too many plates because if you have a bad semester it could tank your entire app. Build up slowly but surely. Showcase all of those activities on your primary app so the adcoms understand just how busy you kept yourself. It helps a ton to have a good GPA from undergrad to prove you were capable of taking 4+ classes at a time with a high GPA. I got accepted multiple places.

[@Lex-rc1gr]

I needed to hear this, thanks! And congrats!

[@alphaspartan]

@@ShayMarie.00 no no in my case it was DIY undergrad classes at a university

[@vylime]

Your videos are so awesome! I’ve always wanted to be a physician I was told I wasn’t capable of being a doctor (by counselors and family, sadly) and for a long time I believed it but you have truly inspired me to pursue medicine and helped me ease some of the fears of the process to get there. Currently finishing up my undergrad but I’ll be taking all my premed classes after. You’re the best! Thank you!

[@rosegold.sunset4749]

I just finished my winter semester with 1 course (physiology). I had to drop my 2nd class because I lost my dog and my job a month apart. I really wanted to take the whole semester off because I wasn't doing that well in the beginning but finished with a B+. It was the hardest thing I had to do this year but I'm so glad I didn't give up and kept going. My goal is to take 2 courses per semester since that's all I can afford as well. I hope towards the end of my program I can work less and take more classes (with a healthy savings account of course).

[@Lex-rc1gr]

I’m doing two courses as well :) and I just dropped my second class! Goodluck!

[@LB-jw3ly]

See the thing is, what is more representative of med school, a semester with 13 hours of two 4000 level science/ Neuro classes, a 4 hour biochem class and a 3 hour stats class or 16 hour where there are 7 hours of science classes then 9 hours of art and PE classes?

[@angelicaalcaraz5866]

Starting my DIY post bacc this summer, and to be honest 2 classes in the summer is the fullest load that I can take and earn as close to a 4.0 as possible.

[@Pete-da-peter]

My advisor recommends 2 science classes per semester 12 to 15 credits the most. No more unless you can handle it

[@alphaspartan]

100% agree. Science classes tend to have hours of homework each week and there's only so much time in the day. Gotta be realistic. Adcoms will understand that. They'd rather see you were capable of understanding your limits and thriving at that threshold than biting more than you could chew and failing.

[@frosty_teacup]

Then there are people who take Bio, Chem, Physics and 2/3 other classes on top of those all in one semester 💀

[@Pete-da-peter]

@@frosty_teacup if they can pass them.. good for them

[@joshuaestudillo718]

@@frosty_teacup And most of those students are not going to medical school.

[@joyleenstrozier4295]

Hi Medical School Headquarters, I like your content. I love watching your videos.

[@tziporabenyaminov2937]

Can I take one core class during the semester I study for the MCAT? I’ve taken normal course load all more years just to get that semester cleared for MCAT;

[@robfritz622]

academically capapble haha

[@jameslinmd]

"Capapble"? Lol.