changing majors from bio to psych

[5by5]

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Hey guys. I'm a third year now and I've found my upperdiv psych classes (taken 3 so far) more interesting than my upperdiv bio classes (taken 2 so far). I have a feeling that I'll enjoy the next year and a half more if I change from bio to psych, but I might be too quick to judge. The difference between the number of classes that I have left for each major is negligible. The two main things that are holding me back are:

a) If I switch over to psych, my science GPA will be locked at what it is now unless I decide to take additional science classes (psych doesn't count), so it'd be much more feasible for me to raise my science GPA with my bio major.

b) I've been having a slight but steady downhill trend ever since my first quarter (last quarter was the worst with my first W) and I'm just starting to pick myself up; I feel like adcoms would think that I'm just taking the easy way out because I can't handle a bio major, while in fact, I just happened to realize a potential shift in interest.



So basically, my questions are:

1) How important is my science GPA relative to my other GPA's?

2) Will it hurt me if I only have the minimum required science classes? (i.e. a psych major who took no science classes beyond those required for med school compared to a bio major, who would have taken many more science classes as major requirements)

3) What do you think adcoms would think of my major-change in terms of my trend/situation?

Any guiding words are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[sgtbrushes]

1) Science GPA is pretty important. I believe the consensus is about 3.5+ minimum for science, non-science, and cumulative GPA. The higher, the better. (If you have a 3.0 or below with science GPA, you will definitely have to raise that to get into medical school).

2) This will not directly affect your chances for entrance into medical school, but some students say that upper-level science courses better prepare them for the MCAT. Some say that upper level courses are not necessary. It is a matter of personal preference, but with sufficient MCAT preparation, I'd say you can skip anything other than pre-reqs. (See #1: If you do go with a psych major and are looking for science classes to raise your science GPA, go for classes like genetics and other things that could help you on the MCAT/ in medical school).

3) I don't think a major change would be a big deal, as long as you satisfy the other academic requirements (GPA, MCAT).

 

[LateBl00meR]

Go with Psych if your enjoy it but get a Biology minor if you only need a course or two more. The best science class to prepare for the MCAT might be Cell Bio. If you need a science gpa boost then take 1 or 2 easy courses like evolution or such. You could also take a course like Biochemistry or Immunology during your application cycle so you would benefit from the information once you start school but it won't effect your gpa on your application.

Also, I got science gpa credit on AMCAS for abnormal psych, physiological psych and some independent neuroscience research in the psych department.

 

[Global Warming]

Hey guys. I'm a third year now and I've found my upperdiv psych classes (taken 3 so far) more interesting than my upperdiv bio classes (taken 2 so far). I have a feeling that I'll enjoy the next year and a half more if I change from bio to psych, but I might be too quick to judge. The difference between the number of classes that I have left for each major is negligible. The two main things that are holding me back are:

a) If I switch over to psych, my science GPA will be locked at what it is now unless I decide to take additional science classes (psych doesn't count), so it'd be much more feasible for me to raise my science GPA with my bio major.

b) I've been having a slight but steady downhill trend ever since my first quarter (last quarter was the worst with my first W) and I'm just starting to pick myself up; I feel like adcoms would think that I'm just taking the easy way out because I can't handle a bio major, while in fact, I just happened to realize a potential shift in interest.



So basically, my questions are:

1) How important is my science GPA relative to my other GPA's?

2) Will it hurt me if I only have the minimum required science classes? (i.e. a psych major who took no science classes beyond those required for med school compared to a bio major, who would have taken many more science classes as major requirements)

3) What do you think adcoms would think of my major-change in terms of my trend/situation?

Any guiding words are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.

First of all, I am personally against bio major pre-meds. This statement just offended 60% of people reading this, so let me elaborate. I am against students that choose the Bio major simply b/c it is the correct pre-med major. If however a person does in fact enjoy Bio, then that is fantastic! Judging by the fact that you think you'll enjoy Psych. more, could it be safe to assume that you fall into the category of said Bio people?

However, in your situation (you didn't state exact GPA, so I will assume 3.4 for the sake of argument) I would advise against switching to Psych. b/c (like you said) your Sci. GPA will be locked in.

1) Both GPAs are vitally important, but keep in mind that only science courses will raise your science GPA. So if you are in need of boosting (which I assume you are), you NEED to take more science classes and do well!

2) I am a non-science major so I personally will be taking the bare minimum + maybe a couple UD courses. With this said, I also performed well on my pre-reqs to basically show that although I am not a science major, I can still do science well.

3) Well upward trends are always better than downward trends, that's given. Honestly though, don't mistaken Psych. to be an easy major because it is not.

PS: Bio isn't really considered a HARD / INCREDIBLY IMPOSSIBLE major.

PSx2: I just wanted to add 1 more thing that is tangent to this topic, but is worth noting. Being a non-science majors, it was very hard for me to get a research position. Anytime I spoke with researchers, they were usually very happy with my personality and all that good stuff, but immediately declined when they found out my major was ___________. Luckily, I did find a researcher to give me a shot and I have not let him down yet. The point is that it is not impossible, but IMO a little harder.

GL

 

[Tots]

My 2 Cents:

Switch to Psych since thats what you want to do. If you feel you need to take more science classes to raise your science GPA take some! You can be a psych major and take some science classes, take something that interests you. Maybe some neuroscience classes?
This way you major in what you want, and work on your science GPA too.

 

[J ROD]

I guess I will be the dissenting opinion here then....

I dont think it is huge that you change....HOWEVER;


You need to raise your science GPA. It is important and looked at pretty hard since you are going into the sciences. So, more classes will help..

Then, on the switch, if I am looking at it,

you have a downward trend...so bio is too hard, hence the switch...they did not even stay around to try and raise the sGPA.

I dont think it looks that good.