Do you need to take full-course load each semester?

[shannonista]

I'm still in an undergraduate program(Pharmacology) and I'm looking to apply for 2010 year. I've always taken full-course load but I'm having a real difficulty concentrating in one of my elective courses. Would not taking a full-course load in a semester have negative impact in the admission decision? Additionally, would an industrial work experience(in a pharmaceutical company) be an asset (even if it is not a bench-work experience)? Thanks in advance.

[IRdreams]

I don't about the field in particular. But I took a 3/4 courseload my admission semester and still got in. I was working on a thesis and this a standard practice at my school, but just my 2 cents.

[adaptations]

I had a number of semesters below a full course load. I don't think this is a concern at all, so long as you still graduate (preferably on time). I've had reasonable success applying, so I don't think it hurt me at all.

[peppermint.beatnik]

I have only ever heard of it being an issue if you want to attend med school. It's not an issue in grad school (within reason!)

[cupcake_phd]

i don't think it's an issue. i only took 3/4 courses my last semester and just got my first acceptance today.

[GirlattheHelm]

Not really an issue as far as I see it. I could be wrong; but it's not a disaster if you take a lighter load for a semester. If you take an academic semester off, however, you'll want to address that kind of stuff in your statement of purpose/letter of intent.

[shannonista]

Ahhhh! Thanks for all the responses

[habu987]

As far as I know, you don't need to take a full course load each semester. I've overloaded to the max number of courses possible each semester since sophomore year, so I'm not speaking from experience. I can't see why it would be an issue, though. Just my two bits...

[Aceflyer]

I don't think it'll hurt. If you're concerned though, you can always address this in your personal statement/statement of purpose. Industrial work experience could be an asset if you can explain that the experience helped you better realize what you actually want (i.e., helped you realize your actual passion for research/grad school).