<p>so i just added an extra course to my 15 hour schedule, and i'm wondering if i'll be overdoing myself my first semester of college. Here's my course load:</p>
<p>English 161-normal english class (3 hours)
Chem 112-Regular chem track (5 hours, lab and lecture)
Anthropology 101- World Cultures (a requirement for the med program i'm in; 3 hours)
Hon 140- Bio/Medical Ethics (3 hours)
Hon 101-Honors Seminar (1 hour)
Math 210- Calc III (this is the one i'm kinda iffy about; 3 hours)</p>
<p>I haven't taken calc since AP Calc BC junior year, so i'll probably have to look over some stuff before hand. I don't have any part-time job, but I am interested in volunteering/research of some sort. would it be best to just wait and take the calc 3 course next semester?</p>
<p>I did it, it’s possible but not really advisable. I had retaken a lot of AP classes so I didn’t really have to worry about being overwhelmed, but if you get overwhelmed it can be pretty rough on your GPA…</p>
<p>yes, keep in mind, that high GPA is ultimate goal. However, there is only one class that might be somewhat hard in your schedule - Bio, the rest are easy. Try, see what happen.</p>
<p>I question the courses, not as much the hours. There is no need to take Calc 3 unless you are applying to Harvard HST. Take Calc 2, then take Stats. Where is the basic bio sequence? If you are using AP credits to get you into an upper level bio, well…that’s a “choice” I wouldn’t make but many do. </p>
<p>My big point is …it is easier to keep a great GPA than to pull up a bad one. Choose wisely and get off to a great start.</p>
<p>I disagree with Miami that you have to (or even should) take 18h/semester to leave space for MCAT prep. First, 5 semesters of 18h, assuming 15 is normal, puts you 15h ahead. No reason to be that far ahead unless you wanna graduate early. Next, the MCATs a bear to prep for, but it can be done while remaining a fulltime student (12+h at my school)–just be smart about it. Something to think about is how you can arrange your schedule so you have the lightest and smartest load for spring junior year–easy nonsci classes, maybe physics w lab (double dip with relevant physics to MCAT covered in class).</p>
<p>If you’re worried about having too much free time, volunteering, shadowing, researching, and other extracurriculars are great options too! Devote as much time to one of those as you would to a class and I bet it would be pretty meaningful for you.</p>
<p>kristin,
what if OP wants to pursue some minor and does not want to take summer classes?
My D. was pursuing 2 minors and did not want to take summer, because her Merit $$ did not cover summer. With 18-19 hours in every semester of first 2 years and about 15 hrs in Junior/Senior semesters and no summer classes, she will graduate on time, but no way earlier. Her program does not even allow her to graduate earlier than 4 years anyway. Taking more classes in first 2 years definitely allow more flexibility later on.</p>
Choose wisely and get off to a great start.</p>