Freshman Summer Course Dilemma
Hello everyone!
I’m trying to decide between taking Organic Chemistry (OChem 008A and 008B) or Physics (Phys 002A and 002B) during the summer of my freshman year. Since these courses will appear on my transcript, I’m wondering if medical schools prefer to see applicants complete the entire sequence during the academic year, or if summer courses are regarded equally.
Additionally, I’m considering enrolling in Psych 001 alongside one of these courses, but I’ve already received credit for Psych 002 through AP credit, which satisfies my major requirement.
I’d appreciate any advice or insights on this!
Just for context, I plan to apply to UC medical schools and other medical schools in California (I still need to finalize my list). I’m also aiming to graduate early and potentially skip a gap year. Thank you!
It’s great to see you planning ahead for your coursework! When it comes to taking organic chemistry (ochem008A/008B) or physics (Phys002A/002B) over the summer, med schools generally care more about your overall performance and understanding of the material than the specific timing of your courses. That said, there are a few things to consider:
Course Rigor: Both organic chemistry and physics are rigorous courses, and taking them over the summer can be quite demanding due to the condensed format. Make sure you feel confident in your ability to handle the pace.
Transcript Considerations: Taking these courses during the summer will show up on your transcript, but med schools typically focus on your GPA and your performance in science courses, regardless of when you took them. If you excel in summer courses, that can demonstrate your ability to handle challenging material.
Timing and Experience: If you’re considering applying to med school right after undergrad without a gap year, taking these courses in your freshman summer can help you stay on track to graduate early. Just ensure you have a solid background in the prerequisites, especially for organic chemistry, as it builds on concepts from general chemistry.
Plan for Clinical Experience: Don’t forget that med schools also value clinical experience, extracurriculars, and research. Balancing your coursework with these experiences will be crucial for your application.
UC Med Schools Insight: For UC med schools specifically, they may value a strong overall application that includes a balance of coursework, extracurriculars, and a solid MCAT score more than the timing of specific courses.
Ultimately, it may come down to your personal preference and schedule. Make sure to pick the courses that align with your strengths and future goals. Good luck!