How much is too much of a course-load?

<p>Yeah, this is a totally subjective question but generally premed courses are the same all around. I attend my state uni (the curriculum isn't watered down). This year I'm taking bio honors, chem, calc, and eng. I'm engaged in two clubs that meet often.</p>

<p>Would it be too much to take Orgo, Phys, and Stats at the same time? It adds up to 13 credits. My stats and physics are "for scientists" described as "calculus based and with scientific applications."</p>

<p>I like to know about other student's experiences. I'm aware of the general consensus that Orgo is difficult. I plan to ask fellow students at my Uni but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask on here as well. I appreciate any comments and suggestions. Thanks!</p>

<p>This is a VERY subjective question. To me, that sounds like a really easy, laid-back semester (maybe even a little TOO much free time on my hands w/o a full-time job), but it all depends on who you are. I’d definitely add something to it, though. Unless you have a full-time job, 13 credits is pretty measly (so med schools may view it as less impressive if most of your semesters are like that) and you won’t graduate on time w/ that small of a load each semester.</p>

<p>Orgo’s not that bad, btw. You just have to get away from memorizing details and keep the big picture in mind. You have to approach each course differently. Using your bio study skills on orgo, physics and g-chem just won’t cut it (and vice versa).</p>

<p>I thought that 15 credits is full time and anything over may be considered allot. I’ll have a part time job, do research, and be an active member of 3 clubs (yeah I’m interested in another now). I have 12 credits from a Community college that I was dual enrolled with during high school senior year, 8 credits from AP exams and 4 from a clep exam. I’m able to not take allot of courses (I have 24, 120-24=106)p and still graduate with the required 120 credits. By the way Orgo and Physics have labs and during second semester I’d take “Rhetoric, Persuasion, and Argument” which is Writing/Rhetoric 260 (3 credits). How many courses/credits do I need to take to not be considered lazy?</p>

<p>12 is generally defined as “full-time.” 15 is fairly standard to graduate on time. 18 is pretty common for strong students and >18 is definitely above average (not necessarily “impressive”; just a lot and potentially a dumb move).</p>

<p>You sound like you’re trying to check off some imaginary premed checklist. Work hard. Be unique. Toss out all your premed advice books or wherever you’re getting this idea of things you must do.</p>

<p>In addition to what apumic said, I’d just say you should be taking approximately whatever the average (number of credits) is at your school. Taking less for a couple semesters is usually okay as long as you don’t make a habit of it, but one things medical school admissions committees tend to look for is how well you can do in courses when you are juggling several other courses.</p>

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Thumbs up to this advice.</p>

<p>Okay, so I see the advice as take a wholesome course-load, do well academically, retain a healthy personality, and be yourself. I think I can manage that. Thanks</p>