Let me open by saying that I find so much of what’s on here incredibly inspiring-posts about crippling doubts and the responders swooping in to lift them up included.
I will be finishing up with Orgo II this fall semester, and could use some advice on what other classes to take with it.
My background:
I got a B.S. from NYU’s business school in 2009. I knew half-way through that business was not my passion, but didn’t know what was my passion. The last time I remembered really enjoying a class was AP Physics in high school. So, at the end of my jr yr, I tacked on a Physics minor. I LOVED it. I started working FT as a research economist while taking physics at night because I received a job offer, and given the recession knew I probably wouldn’t receive another one for a long time. I was miserable at this company and my grades suffered. I ended with a 3.01 cum.
2 years later, I started at the University of West Florida, working 20-30 hours a week, volunteering, etc. I’ve gotten the following grades:
Semester I:
Cell Biology: B+
Chem I: A
Semester II:
Zoology: A (they offer only Zoo and Botany here, not Bio I and Bio II)
Chem II: B+
Summer 2011:
Genetics: A (not done yet, but I have a 100% avg 
)
Organic Chem I: I start in 2 days!
I am presently registered for Organic II, Anatomy & Phys I and Biochem in the fall. I don’t know how I’ll swing this with PT work. My other issue is, since they denied me residency for tuition purposes, I have to find $1.5k per class (not to mention loans). So, I’m thinking of taking only Organic II and Anatomy in the fall. I must work.
I have been getting experience working in the research lab of a new prof. here who turned out to be my genetics prof. (I presently have the highest grade in the class), AND will be taking over pre-med advisor duties in the fall. Triple whammy! Needless to say, I’d like to continue to work in his lab and garner a great rec letter, as well as the lab work experience.
Should I take 3 classes in the fall? I’ve also been told that taking only 2 classes per semester makes me less competitve.
Should I take additional classes in the spring, after I’ve covered all physics, chem, orgo and bio req’s? Or should I focus on studying for the April MCAT?
Given my low GPA the first time around, should I make a priority of taking more and more science classes?
I have very low confidence about my competitiveness right now. I am enjoying my science classes though! Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hey there:
From your post, you seem to be VERY confident AND on target with your coursework. Allow me to answer a few questions that you had.
- Fall Coursework:
Given the financial constraints that you will face (ie. the need to continue working), taking two courses is fine. I would look into the requirements of schools in which you are interested in applying. Many schools will allow an applicant to substitute Biochem for Orgo II. You can find this information in the MSAR (check the post that I created titled “Books and Videos for Pre-Meds” and scroll to the bottom of page 2).
- Spring Coursework:
I would take Anatomy and Physio AND treat the studying for the MCAT as a class. Alongside the coursework, you can continue to volunteer and work in the lab.
I hope that this helps and continue to have a great semester!
First, I don’t see anything there that would make you uncompetitive. I know looking back at your old GPA can bum you out, but you are doing good in your classes you have right now, so keep your head up.
- for the fall semester I wouldn’t take those three together. I took Physio and OChem II together this spring along with volunteering and KAPLAN and it was a pretty heavy load to carry so throwing Biochem in there with work would be pretty killer.
- As far as additional classes in the spring the Biochem sounds good although it’s value for the MCAT is probably small, it will help but it isn;t necessary. You will need to take some more courses in the spring and in your glide year (ie the year b/t applying and getting in). So BioChem would be good, histology, and I am sure there are others.
Hope that helps
Wow you guys, thank you for the encouragement and the brilliant information! I will look into all of the above.