Madgean Joassaint asked 3 years ago
Hi,
I’m trying to get some idea of how to work classes together as I plan future semesters. I was thinking of doing Orgo I and BIO 173 next semester and do BIO 172 and Orgo II the following semester. I’m trying to get started on the Orgo requirement. Does this seem doable if in both semester my other classes won’t take much focus (except French 232 winter semester)?
If I continue on this path I could potentially do Biochem winter semester (before MCAT) either with Physics II with relatively light classes or even push physics 2 after the MCAT. What do you suggest?
Pre-Med Hub Staff answered 3 years ago
Hi Madgean,
Your plan for next year is vey much doable. In most cases, taking two 4 credit science classes a semester should be manageable, while more that that can cause a strain. Bio 172 and Orgo II is a combination taken by many students. Are you planning to take Orgo lab classes with Orgo I and Orgo II? That may be doable but depends strongly on the time commitments that the rest of your classes and activites require.
I would definitely recommend taking Biochem right before you take the MCAT. Physics 2 is usually taken before the MCAT but it is not as necessary as you may be able to study most of the content on your own. Taking Physics 2 and Biochem the same semester might be a heavy course load depending on the type of learner you are.
I especially wouldn’t suggest it if you’re planning to take the MCAT at the end of your sophomore year (like April/May) and need to be putting in time to study for it.
I hope this answers your question!
Ruchira
madgean answered 3 years ago
I was planning on taking the MCAT after Junior year after taking Biochem during Winter semester.
This is an example of the following semesters:
Sophomore year:
- Fall: Eng 125/ SOUL ( sociology UROP)/ Peer Advisor / ORGO I / FR 231(P/F)/ BIO 173
- Winter: SOUL/ORGO II/ BIO 172/ FR 232
Junior:
- Fall: PHYS I/ STATS 250/ SOC 310/ SOC OR PSYCH
- BIOCHEM + LAB (FOR EXTRA PRACTICE+ UPPER LAB)/ SOC 305/ SOC (HONORS THESIS)/ FRENCH
Senior:
- Fall: PHYS II/ MICRO BIO/ SOC (HONORS)/ SOC/ FRENCH
- Winter: PCHEM/ SOC HONORS/ CALC/ PHILOSOPHY/ SOC
The final year combinations is when I get confused about combining appropriate classes together.
Karan Joseph answered 3 years ago
Hi Madgean,
I think this future schedule looks good. As we stated earlier, taking more than 2 STEM classes at a time can be difficult, but it seems that you have avoided in your senior year. I would keep Physics 2 and PChem separate as both are math/logic intensive and can be difficult to do at the same time, but you can mix and match the other classes to fit your schedule. It looks like your senior year is very manageable. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Karan