<p>I started with 15 hours, but went down to twelve recently after withdrawing my pre-calc class. The reason being is because I would have had to concentrate on it much harder and my parents said my best bet was to withdraw. My parents said I needed to focus on chemistry much more. Now, I didn't manage to do well on my chem test and will have to bust my butt to get a c... The class is a weedout class of course, and both pre-calc and chemistry are computerized testing. Now, I've been thinking that I should withdraw from chem also... but my university only allows four wihdrawals and that will be two. However, I plan to never allow my situation to come to this again because college has really given me a rude awakening. What is your advice, I should have taken a lighter load... I really have learned my lesson.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The reason being is because I would have had to concentrate on it much harder and my parents said my best bet was to withdraw. My parents said I needed to focus on chemistry much more.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I would be wary of listening to your parents regarding college coursework and medical school admissions. The times have changed since they (presumably) went to college, and advice may be outdated. As an example, there was a thread a few months ago about a girl whose physician father advised her to repeatedly take W's instead of grades like B+'s. I think she's going to find it difficult to explain all those W's when it comes time to apply for medical school.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Now, I didn't manage to do well on my chem test and will have to bust my butt to get a c... The class is a weedout class of course, and both pre-calc and chemistry are computerized testing.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>It is not the end of the world to bust your butt and earn a C. One C will not keep you out of medical school. Get used to the weedout courses - there will be a bunch of them. Get used to the computerized testing - the MCAT is computerized now.</p>
<p>
[quote]
However, I plan to never allow my situation to come to this again because college has really given me a rude awakening.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Rude awakenings are one thing. It's what you do once you've been rudely awakened that matters.</p>
<p>Is this the second chem test where you've not done as well as you would have liked? I see that you also posted another thread regarding chemistry about a month ago in this forum. Have you had another test since then?</p>
<p>
[quote]
What is your advice, I should have taken a lighter load... I really have learned my lesson.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>In my experience, most pre-meds take 16-18 credit hours a semester. You cannot just take a lighter course load for all four years of college. You're going to have to adjust, somehow. Have you spoken to your professors or TAs about how to do well in each course? The most effective techniques for studying may vary from course to course. Have you tried your school's academic center or tutoring service? Sometimes, working with a student who's previously taken the course and did well can be very helpful.</p>
<p>I have had a second test... and I haven't done well... all's left is a third test and a final. I have also discovered that I have severe test anxiety, but I also have to learn how to study more efficiently. This semester has basically been a nightmare, and I will be glad when it's over with...</p>
<p>OMG</p>
<p>Lol precalc is too basic/easy for you to drop. If you can't handle concurrent precalculus, you probably won't be able to manage the much harder med requirements (calculus (which many find easy), Ochem, etc)</p>
<p>That harshly said, develop those study habits! Don't underestimate yourself, but it sounds like you just haven't put the effort you should be putting in :)</p>
<p>it is easy... I just didn't get used to the computerized test till later. My parents advised me to drop it, but I should have dropped chem and not pre-calc. Now I'll probably have two w's this semester...</p>