Biology major: Chem, Biology, and Calculus too much?

[aauburnamber]

I am a freshman biology major signed up to take 15 hours. Calculus 1, Biology with lab, and chemistry with lab are all on my workload list. I plan on being a full time college student (no history of partying or plans on doing so, and will not work my first year unless only on weekends). I've heard time and time again this workload is far too much for someone, especially a first year college student. Please help?


<3 God bless <3

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[BMEN]

If you havent had a dose of upper level(meant as in above high school level) chem or calc, this might be a bit much. However, with proper time management and desire to study beyond some of your companions you can do well. What other classes are you taking?

 

[RNwantDO]

It is a recipe for disaster for the majority of people. However, it all depends on your high school performance, school you are attending, and your overall abilities. Why take a class load like this in your first semester? My suggestion is take two, and an easy class. Then increase your load after getting straight A's.

 

[V5RED]

It largely depends on your professors and the school. A hardass professor can make any course very difficult.

That said, I would not consider that a difficult load. General Chemistry 1 and Calculus 1 were very easy, and Biology was fun despite a ton to memorize.

 

[NightGod]

I am a freshman biology major signed up to take 15 hours. Calculus 1, Biology with lab, and chemistry with lab are all on my workload list. I plan on being a full time college student (no history of partying or plans on doing so, and will not work my first year unless only on weekends). I've heard time and time again this workload is far too much for someone, especially a first year college student. Please help?


<3 God bless <3

That often goes by the wayside once you actually get into school, but it is entirely possible that you won't be one that does. All that said, it's a pretty extreme schedule for a first year student. Quite often the ramp up from a high school to a college workload is a lot larger than many expect it to be, plus most have the added factors of being totally responsible for yourself for the first time. Its often surprising how much time gets eaten up by just day to day living if you are used to living at home.

Personally, I'm going to second the suggestion of two hard + an easy class (or two). I'd recommend Chem and Calc (since that will cover pre-reqs to get org out of the way Sophmore year) and then throwing in a humanities class or two to a) start getting them out of the way for your degree and b) give you the maximum chance to experience different major subjects if you are undecided about your actual major. Honestly, I believe doing English Comp early is a good idea. You develop the writing/research skills you need to perform at the college level so you are prepared when you end up with writing projects in other classes.

 

[aauburnamber]

If you havent had a dose of upper level(meant as in above high school level) chem or calc, this might be a bit much. However, with proper time management and desire to study beyond some of your companions you can do well. What other classes are you taking?

Howdy fellow aggie! I'm taking a humanities class (pretty much a blowoff period), and that's it other that the math and two sciences. I was 3rd in my class in high school and a study freak but math (even though doable) was never my strong suit. I plan on becoming a dermatologist and hope to execute as many math classes out of the way as soon as possible.

 

[aauburnamber]

It is a recipe for disaster for the majority of people. However, it all depends on your high school performance, school you are attending, and your overall abilities. Why take a class load like this in your first semester? My suggestion is take two, and an easy class. Then increase your load after getting straight A's.

I want to get out of my university asap meaning i'll be taking summer classes any chance I get. Will taking, say, chem 1 the first and second semester then adding biology 1 on the second semester prolong my college stay? (Very vague, i know)

 

[BMEN]

Are you taking the calc for biology people or normal Math171(I think its called?)

Which humanities course?

Which bio prof

And which chem prof?

At A&M they have things called Supplemental Instruction for the intro science classes which is basically an outside help session led by upper class men to help underclassman learn how to study and solve the problems in a specific subject. They usually are three times a week for an hour each. So definitely take advantage of that if you feel you might have some struggles

 

[aauburnamber]

That often goes by the wayside once you actually get into school, but it is entirely possible that you won't be one that does. All that said, it's a pretty extreme schedule for a first year student. Quite often the ramp up from a high school to a college workload is a lot larger than many expect it to be, plus most have the added factors of being totally responsible for yourself for the first time. Its often surprising how much time gets eaten up by just day to day living if you are used to living at home.

Personally, I'm going to second the suggestion of two hard + an easy class (or two). I'd recommend Chem and Calc (since that will cover pre-reqs to get org out of the way Sophmore year) and then throwing in a humanities class or two to a) start getting them out of the way for your degree and b) give you the maximum chance to experience different major subjects if you are undecided about your actual major. Honestly, I believe doing English Comp early is a good idea. You develop the writing/research skills you need to perform at the college level so you are prepared when you end up with writing projects in other classes.

I understand (about the partying and such), also the day to day living is what gets me! I wish I could take more easy classes such as english comp 1, but i'm entering college as a sophomore (30 dual credit hours) and have covered everything but kine fitness classes and maybe one other blowoff class such as a fine arts. I'm pretty much stuck with the sciences for now but the math class is scaring me the most (chemistry too because major math is involved). I just hope medical school isn't the wrong place for me being weak in math and strong in the sciences. Thank you so much for replying by the way

 

[NightGod]

I want to get out of my university asap meaning i'll be taking summer classes any chance I get. Will taking, say, chem 1 the first and second semester then adding biology 1 on the second semester prolong my college stay? (Very vague, i know)

Honestly, I do more like:
Fresh:
Chem 1/2
Since you aren't strong in math I would personally take pre-calc. You honestly won't need more math than that, anyway. Though go with calc if your school is one that requires it for org or physics. Second semester take a class related to whatever major you intend to pursue, assuming you aren't going for Bio/Chem. If you are, maybe Anatomy & Physiology if that's a one semester class at your school.
Eng Comp
some other humanities credit

Soph:
Org Chem
Physics (take algebra based unless you find yourself in a degree that requires it, this ties back to your decision on pre/calc fresh year though)
filler pre-req for degree
filler pre-req for degree

Wait, gonna edit this some because I saw the 30 credits coming in post after I submitted.

Coming in a Soph definitely changes things, unless you are still planning to go 4 years (or 3 years + a year off between college and med school to work/volunteer/etc (aka glide year) due to the long application process).

 

[aauburnamber]

It largely depends on your professors and the school. A hardass professor can make any course very difficult.

That said, I would not consider that a difficult load. General Chemistry 1 and Calculus 1 were very easy, and Biology was fun despite a ton to memorize.

How did Calculus 1 in college compair to an advanced/dual credit high school course?

 

[BMEN]

Depends how far you got and how good was your teacher. Usually in calc 1 classes you cover limits, derivatives, and introduction to integration. If these topics seem kinda familiar you might have an easier time with them

 

[aauburnamber]

Are you taking the calc for biology people or normal Math171(I think its called?)

Which humanities course?

Which bio prof

And which chem prof?

At A&M they have things called Supplemental Instruction for the intro science classes which is basically an outside help session led by upper class men to help underclassman learn how to study and solve the problems in a specific subject. They usually are three times a week for an hour each. So definitely take advantage of that if you feel you might have some struggles

For security purposes, i'm afraid I cannot say which professor I'm taking but I can reveal the biology prof is considered "off the wall" 🙂 . I'm looking forward to that class largely! I am taking the math for Biology majors and this raises another question: I have already taken calculus in high school but it doesn't count as a dual credit class according to appendex b in the aggie handbook. My math placement exam placed me in pre-cal but honestly, I believe I can handle Cal 1 and hope to save time. I hope this is the right math class for me. I don't plan on Q dropping any courses..

 

[RNwantDO]

I want to get out of my university asap meaning i'll be taking summer classes any chance I get. Will taking, say, chem 1 the first and second semester then adding biology 1 on the second semester prolong my college stay? (Very vague, i know)

It depends on your major. The pre-reqs for med school are very realistically done in 2 years about 3/4 time. If you make your schedule around getting them done in 2 years and taking your MCAT your second spring/summer. You could apply at the end of your second year, and graduate after 3 years. This however depends on your major and your willingness to give up on the college experience. Many people graduate in three years with a solid plan.

A personal note, I am a non-traditional (started a family at 18) and wish I could have had a "college" experience. You only get to be 18-22 once, please keep this in mind while rushing to get to the end of the race. I rushed, and now look back with some tepid reservations on how I went about getting here. You live life once, and then it's over. Do you really want to rush to the end, or stop and enjoy the little moments?

 

[aauburnamber]

Depends how far you got and how good was your teacher. Usually in calc 1 classes you cover limits, derivatives, and introduction to integration. If these topics seem kinda familiar you might have an easier time with them

I am extremely familiar with these topics albeit rusty since high school, i'll need a refresher, but I hope that all will be taken care of in class. I just am afraid to be placed in a math class where i'm speeding through and wasting time, knowing I could be tackling something harder.

 

[BMEN]

Gotcha. The professor for that class is supposed to be great so you are in great hands : ) .


Honestly the math placement is a hit or miss. If you feel really really weak in math take precal. But since you have taken calc(and I assume done well), it may not be that big of an issue(The only thing calc had from precalc was trig values and sometimes trig identifies) . If the first week of class seems like too much, drop calc for precalc for no penalty.

Once you get settled in, talk with the premed adviser. She's a great resource on campus and one of the best around.

 

[BMEN]

A personal note, I am a non-traditional (started a family at 18) and wish I could have had a "college" experience. You only get to be 18-22 once, please keep this in mind while rushing to get to the end of the race. I rushed, and now look back with some tepid reservations on how I went about getting here. You live life once, and then it's over. Do you really want to rush to the end, or stop and enjoy the little moments?

A big 👍 Enjoy your 4 years here. Be a college student. Enjoy the campus and all it has to offer. I was like you and wanted to finish early(since I had alot of credits coming in) but after some talks with the pre med adviser and my major adviser, I was talked into enjoying the 4 years. Its been a great decision.

 

[aauburnamber]

It depends on your major. The pre-reqs for med school are very realistically done in 2 years about 3/4 time. If you make your schedule around getting them done in 2 years and taking your MCAT your second spring/summer. You could apply at the end of your second year, and graduate after 3 years. This however depends on your major and your willingness to give up on the college experience. Many people graduate in three years with a solid plan.

A personal note, I am a non-traditional (started a family at 18) and wish I could have had a "college" experience. You only get to be 18-22 once, please keep this in mind while rushing to get to the end of the race. I rushed, and now look back with some tepid reservations on how I went about getting here. You live life once, and then it's over. Do you really want to rush to the end, or stop and enjoy the little moments?

I've never once in my 18 years have heard anyone say the basics in college could be taken care of in less than the projected 4 years given! This is amazing. I also thank you for shedding a personal light on my situation. The only reason i'm rushing, is to get to have a "real life" after schooling. I plan on marrying my high school sweetheart (going on two and a half years) after moderate schooling (must be after a bachelor degree so I can stand alone if anything happens, *lol* I know, I know).

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

I agree that professors play a huge role in whether you'll be able to manage your workload or not. I think a lot of pre-med freshmen make the mistake of biting off more than they can chew their first semester, and their GPA suffers accordingly. It puts more pressure on them to execute during the sophomore and junior years. There's no rush to get all your pre-reqs done, you have 4 years. Don't let any advisor tell you that you can handle it either.

Honestly, I would only take two of those classes in one semester. Go out, meet some chicks, get drunk, live fast, take chances, etc. If you really want a 4.0, you're going to have to sacrifice a lot, but I've gotten by with a 3.8 throughout college by getting a healthy balance of going out and studying.

 

[aauburnamber]

Honestly, I do more like:
Fresh:
Chem 1/2
Since you aren't strong in math I would personally take pre-calc. You honestly won't need more math than that, anyway. Though go with calc if your school is one that requires it for org or physics. Second semester take a class related to whatever major you intend to pursue, assuming you aren't going for Bio/Chem. If you are, maybe Anatomy & Physiology if that's a one semester class at your school.
Eng Comp
some other humanities credit

Soph:
Org Chem
Physics (take algebra based unless you find yourself in a degree that requires it, this ties back to your decision on pre/calc fresh year though)
filler pre-req for degree
filler pre-req for degree

Wait, gonna edit this some because I saw the 30 credits coming in post after I submitted.

Coming in a Soph definitely changes things, unless you are still planning to go 4 years (or 3 years + a year off between college and med school to work/volunteer/etc (aka glide year) due to the long application process).

Thank you so much for the advice. I will deeply consider this plan! I am a first generation college student and am clueless on most things college related. All I know is I have what it takes to make it happen (Lord willing I don't go crazy at the end of the day). Also, the "glide year" is a term I've never heard of either. It sounds fantastic though.

One more question: When you said coming in a soph changes things, does that mean it makes things more difficult or easier? (Another hard to answer question)

 

[NightGod]

For security purposes, i'm afraid I cannot say which professor I'm taking but I can reveal the biology prof is considered "off the wall" 🙂 . I'm looking forward to that class largely! I am taking the math for Biology majors and this raises another question: I have already taken calculus in high school but it doesn't count as a dual credit class according to appendex b in the aggie handbook. My math placement exam placed me in pre-cal but honestly, I believe I can handle Cal 1 and hope to save time. I hope this is the right math class for me. I don't plan on Q dropping any courses..

If you tested into pre-calc, you're very likely *not* going to be allowed to skip to Calc. And, honestly, I wouldn't recommend doing so. Very few majors actually require anything past pre-calc (and very few non-research oriented med schools do, either). Remember, while it's important to 'shine' on what classes you take, having the most amazing class list won't do a damn bit of good if you end up with Bs and Cs. I think you would get far more out of taking a pre-calc and a statistics class than trying for calc (as a bonus, stats is rapidly becoming a 'strongly recommended' course for many med schools).

Another important factor: if those dual-credit classes are just high school ones that A&M accepts and not classes that you directly got credit for from a local community college or the like, you'll find that most med schools won't accept any of the pre-req courses (like math classes) through that route, anyway.

 

[aauburnamber]

I agree that professors play a huge role in whether you'll be able to manage your workload or not. I think a lot of pre-med freshmen make the mistake of biting off more than they can chew their first semester, and their GPA suffers accordingly. It puts more pressure on them to execute during the sophomore and junior years. There's no rush to get all your pre-reqs done, you have 4 years. Don't let any advisor tell you that you can handle it either.

Honestly, I would only take two of those classes in one semester. Go out, meet some chicks, get drunk, live fast, take chances, etc. If you really want a 4.0, you're going to have to sacrifice a lot, but I've gotten by with a 3.8 throughout college by getting a healthy balance of going out and studying.

I understand and congrats!

Not important, but i'm a chick with no life other than family, fiance, and such so I hope I can do it!

 

[aauburnamber]

If you tested into pre-calc, you're very likely *not* going to be allowed to skip to Calc. And, honestly, I wouldn't recommend doing so. Very few majors actually require anything past pre-calc (and very few non-research oriented med schools do, either). Remember, while it's important to 'shine' on what classes you take, having the most amazing class list won't do a damn bit of good if you end up with Bs and Cs. I think you would get far more out of taking a pre-calc and a statistics class than trying for calc (as a bonus, stats is rapidly becoming a 'strongly recommended' course for many med schools).

Another important factor: if those dual-credit classes are just high school ones that A&M accepts and not classes that you directly got credit for from a local community college or the like, you'll find that most med schools won't accept any of the pre-req courses (like math classes) through that route, anyway.

As soon as I can, I'm almost positive I'm switching to a pre-calculus course thanks to the info on this thread.
The math credits were from a local community college so hopefully they will transfer (will look on pre-reqs from a med school i'm looking to apply to). It's amazing how far in advance you have to prepare to...

 

[RNwantDO]

I've never once in my 18 years have heard anyone say the basics in college could be taken care of in less than the projected 4 years given! This is amazing. I also thank you for shedding a personal light on my situation. The only reason i'm rushing, is to get to have a "real life" after schooling. I plan on marrying my high school sweetheart (going on two and a half years) after moderate schooling (must be after a bachelor degree so I can stand alone if anything happens, *lol* I know, I know).

Like I said it depends on your major, but you figure 120/3=40 credits per year that is 15 fall/spring and 10 summer. However, you have to make a complete plan as soon as possible to do it correctly. This means selecting a major you want, and that will allow you to take your classes in the correct sequence/semester.

Next, college is a time for exploration and an opportunity for you and your sweetheart to find out who each of you really are. Last I checked, high school sweetheart marriage's ended in divorce well over 50% of the time. In addition, the medical profession has one of the highest rates of divorce out of any profession. Love is powerful, but maturing and discovering your inner-being and it's primal desires will take precedence over the best laid plans. Take your time, there is no need to rush. True love will last, and everything else will fade/heal, slow down and enjoy your life.

 

[NightGod]

Thank you so much for the advice. I will deeply consider this plan! I am a first generation college student and am clueless on most things college related. All I know is I have what it takes to make it happen (Lord willing I don't go crazy at the end of the day). Also, the "glide year" is a term I've never heard of either. It sounds fantastic though.

One more question: When you said coming in a soph changes things, does that mean it makes things more difficult or easier? (Another hard to answer question)

I understand completely. I'm first generation college, as well (and a non-traditional student, to boot). My sister went to college, but went for an English/Teaching degree, so I really had no one to get information from on pursing a professional level degree until I started reading. A lot. Hopefully I can come up with questions you didn't think to ask so you can skip a lot of the learning curve.

Coming in as a soph definitely makes things more time crunched. With the application cycle for med school being about 15 months long (people who are submitting their applications this month are doing so in order to start med school in August 2012, not this coming fall like you would expect), you basically need to get your pre-reqs done in two years (otherwise you won't be ready to take the MCAT in your second semester of your junior year so you can apply between junior and senior year). Most importantly this means you don't have the opportunity to take any upper level biology classes that might better prepare you for the MCAT unless you schedule in a glide year.

A few other thoughts:

a) You'll hear this from other people, and be likely to dismiss it out of hand, but at least try to keep it in the back of your mind: NEVER plan your life around someone else. Yes, you've been together 2.5 years, but college and growing into your early 20s changes everyone. There's every possibility that you two might stay together, but you absolutely can not sacrifice your future in any way for him. Also, is he going to A&M as well or is he going somewhere else? If so, where/how far away?

b) Have you decided on what you think (think being operative here, cause it will likely change) you'll pursue as a major? Contrary to common belief by people outside this little world, 'Pre-medicine' is not a major in college. Contrary to the common belief of people who know that tidbit, a Biology is *not* the only degree that will get you into med school. In fact, a humanities degree will, in many ways, give you a better shot. Yeah, take a second to recover from that stunning bit of info, I know I had to.

c) I'm assuming you're living in dorms for at least your freshman year. If that's the case, what sort of meal plan are you looking at? Single/double/triple room? If its not, what do your living arrangements look like? Also, how far away from home are you moving?

 

[V5RED]

How did Calculus 1 in college compair to an advanced/dual credit high school course?

I was a slacker in high school and didn't do advanced courses. I almost didn't even graduate.

I spent 5 years out of school after high school and had forgotten nearly everything I learned in high school about math.

I cannot make a comparison to high school classes.

What I can say is that from the perspective of a guy who had to relearn what an exponent was, Calculus I was an easy class and pretty fun.

Edit: If you tested into Precalculus and not Calculus, you should take Precalculus. I doubt that I would have found Calculus easy if I had not relaid a math foundation for myself by taking Precalculus.

 

[music2doc]

Your proposed schedule looks pretty standard to me. Nothing particularly remarkable, IMO. Chem & Bio 1 are usually taken together freshmen yr and Calc 1 is a freshmen course that many students take alongside the other two. If taking Calc 1, I might suggest taking Physics 1 along with it, simply because Physics and Calc are strongly complementary (even if taking the Algebra-based Physics sequence). That said, a 4-math/science course semester can be rough for some people and may be unwise your first semester. Perhaps, you might be better off with just Chem/Bio 1 & 2 for freshmen yr along with your English comp and lit courses and some other humanities electives (e.g., philosophy, music/art, etc.). Calc 1/Physics/OChem 1 could be taken together sophomore yr. If you did that, you could take Physio, Genetics, Cell, Biochem, Immuno, Developmental, etc. jr yr and take your MCAT summer of jr yr. One thing I might suggest is taking a 3-semester calc-based Physics sequence even though it is not required. I suggest this because it will be more thorough and the reality is that the PS on the MCAT appears to be continually increasing in level of difficulty. The more thoroughly you understand Physics concepts, the better you are likely to do on the PS.

A lot depends who you are as can be seen by looking through these responses. Some are very strongly opposed (e.g., "it's a recipe for disaster") while others agree with me (i.e., that it really wouldn't be all that tough, although it could be somewhat risky). The problem comes down to one of not knowing you. Everyone differs in terms of what they must put in to be successful. While one person may be able to get away with as little as 15 minutes of studying/class/week and still pull an A, another may need 5-9 hrs/class/wk just to pull B+s and A-s.

 

[cge0]

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