Class Scheduling Advice Needed

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>Okay, two questions. I will try to be brief but know I will fail to do so.</p>

<p>First up and most urgent: last term I took Calc I and did not so hot (B-). It was my lowest grade of the term. The frustrating thing was that I was looking over the material on break (just to keep my brain fresh. We get a four week break) and all of a sudden everything that I jacked up on the exam(s) seemed abundantly clear. I started going through all the old homework, even the hardest problems, and it all just made perfect sense. Can’t tell you how frustrating that was.
Anyway, I know if I had just studied a little harder (I was, admittedly, a bit distracted by Gen Chem commitments) I could have gotten an A. My teacher was superb and a generous grader. I also recognize that I suffered from the fact that it was my first term back (I am a non-trad returning after 10 years away from school) and it just took me a while to get in the groove. I subsequently felt behind the whole term.
So my question is: should I take Calc II?<br>
I know I only need Calc I plus Statistics (which I am taking this term) but will it make me look a little less like I suck at math (which I don’t) if I can get an A in Calc II?<br>
Will anyone really care (i.e. med schools I apply to)?
Will it help me on the MCAT (which I take next Spring-2009)?</p>

<p>Second question: The thread about not having to take all your pre-med requirements before you apply to med-school got me thinking that maybe I am trying to get too much done in my first two years. I know my school recommends that you demonstrate as an applicant that you have taken more than one science class concurrently. Is two enough?
Next term I am scheduled for:</p>

<p>Physics
Gen Chem
Gen Chem Lab
Stats
Maybe Calc II</p>

<p>Should I just hold off on Chem Lab (which is 3.0 credits and, as suggested, a time-consuming class)?
I could take English or something where I know I can get an A with about 1/10th the amount of work (I am not exaggerating. At my school the gpa and coursework difference between humanities and science majors is alarming. I know humanities majors that take 18 credits, get good grades, and have a social life).
Will Gen Chem and Physics concurrent prove me worthy? (Also: next year will be Orgo and Bio concurrent).
My initial plan was to cram in as much science stuff as possible before the MCAT, but now I am having second thoughts.</p>

<p>That is all for now. Thank you in advance for any feedback.</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
I know I only need Calc I plus Statistics (which I am taking this term) but will it make me look a little less like I suck at math (which I don’t) if I can get an A in Calc II?
Will anyone really care (i.e. med schools I apply to)?
Will it help me on the MCAT (which I take next Spring-2009)?

[/quote]

  1. Doesn't really matter how it looks, an A in Calc II can only be a plus.
  2. See above.
  3. Non issue, but if you know the material as you say you do, then why take the class again?</p>

<p>Do NOT retake the class. Your school will probably not even let you.</p>