Taking 3 courses per semester and graduate admission

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of taking a reduced course load of three courses per semester for an undergraduate senior majoring in mathematics, particularly in relation to graduate school admissions. Participants explore the potential impact on applications and the perceptions of admissions committees.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether taking only three courses per semester will negatively affect graduate school applications, particularly for biology programs.
  • Another participant suggests that the impact may depend on the reasons for reducing the course load, noting that personal circumstances like work or caregiving might be viewed more favorably by admissions committees.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of taking easier elective courses to maintain a full-time status while considering the financial implications of spreading courses over two years.
  • A later reply questions whether taking four courses per semester would be viewed more favorably than three, indicating uncertainty about how course load affects perceptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the impact of a reduced course load on graduate admissions, with differing views on how admissions committees might interpret the decision.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge various factors that could influence admissions decisions, including personal circumstances and the nature of the courses taken, but do not resolve the implications of these factors.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students considering graduate school applications, particularly those contemplating course load decisions and their potential impact on admissions.

wj2cho
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Hello forum,

I will be an undergrad senior majoring in mathematics. Instead of taking the ordinary 5-course workload, I am thinking of doing 3 courses per semester and postpone graduation by an year. But I am wondering if by doing so my graduate application is going to be affected negatively. I know law schools and med schools require full course load each term, but how about "average" graduate schools for biology?
 
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In most cases it probably won't matter, but a lot can depend on your reasons. If you are cutting down on classes because you are also holding down a part time job, or are the primary care giver to a family member, or are a student athlete, etc. then no one is likely to fault you. But the people on admissions committees know the game very well and if you are reducing your course load because you can't hack a full course load, there is a good chance they will see that. Some may forgive it. Some may not. But if you do get into a grad program, you'll likely be facing a full workload then.
 
Thanks for the reply!

I could easily fill in "birdy" elective courses (like music or introductory french) to make a full time course load, I am just seeing if I could save $3k by spreading my last 10 courses over two years. Other than that there is no particular reason for taking three courses per term, unless they view that taking one grad level course per term is justifiable for this.
 
I can't find the edit button so I am writing this here.

P.S. Would you say 4 courses per semester look much better than 3 courses?
 

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