<p>The transcripts will identify which courses you took during the fall, spring, and summer sessions/semesters. Med schools would like to see you handle tough courses like intro bio or orgo wthin a full schedule.</p>
<p>I've heard really mixed information on the subject, but it's my experience that most premeds take about one or two of their premed req's over the summer. Yes, it does show up on your transcript when you took classes, and i would not be surprised at all if med schools would frown upon someone who took a great many of their premed courses over the summer, as oftentimes they have a reputation for being easier then. That said i think the more important thing about summer courses is that you take them at the institution you attend, rather than transferring in credits from somewhere else, because then medschools are forced to weigh your summer work against the premed program rep of said 'somewhere else.' Personally, my advisor has told me to take premed classes over the summer only if absolutely necessary, not becuase of any adverse affect to my application (though she has indicated that orgo should not be taken over the summer under almost any circumstances), but rather because the entire purpose of these courses is to prepare you for the MCAT, and you are much less likely to retain information taught to you in a 6-week summer course than a 14-week semester one.</p>
<p>phillykid, what's your major?</p>
<p>i'm a biological basis of behavior (a sort of bio/psych/neuroscience hybrid major that Penn has) and political science double major; trying to sqweeze in a minor in either a language or the Wharton minor in healthcare management, dunno if that's workable just yet though.</p>
<p>OH NO! Why is it bad to take orgo over the summer? I'm taking orgo 1 over the summer right now. Would taking orgo 2 and a biochem class over the school year make up for taking orgo 1 over the summer?</p>
<p>i doubt it'll affect your admissions greatly. :)</p>
<p>Most people I have spoken to that are in med school say that is the last class you want to to take in the summer is Orgo. Others are accpetable orgo really isnt. This is what I have read and heard. Some med schols may question why you did this. They may think that you cant handle a full course load during a school year.</p>
<p>I just took it to get it out of the way...i just recently decided to do premed. In this case, would it be wise to retake it during the school year? I'm struggling just to finish the pre-med requirements on time as it is. I still have 5-6 courses left to take with only 5 semesters left (and i still ahve classes to take for my major and core classes as well)...damn..i hate myself so much right now.</p>
<p>Don't retake it if you get a good grade like a B+ or above. If it is lower retake it. The other core classes, try taking them during winter sessions, and summer sessions. If not you may just have to stay extra time.</p>