Choosing a Major

[PreMedPoohBear]

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I'm currently a student at a community college, and I'm about to transfer this coming fall. Originally, I've decided to major in English while completing my pre-medicine requirements; however, I looked over the catalog of the school I plan to transfer to, and it looks like I might have to go to school during the summer time unless I go over 19 hours a semester, which I think I could handle if necessary and if I can get the permission of administration. If I decide on a science major, such as biology, I won't have to go to school during the summer or take more than 19 hours a semester to get in all of my requirements. The problem is if I go to school during summer 2005 (I can't this summer because I'm doing a program), I will miss out on doing research programs that I plan to apply to, not to say that I will get accepted but if I have to go to school in the summer than there's no point in me applying. There's different things I like about both majors, but I really love English, and that's what I want to do, but I also want to graduate on time and still do research or some different type of program during the summer. Should I stick with English or switch to Biology?

 

[NRAI2001]

Could u graduate a semester or year late and do both English major and ur research over the summer?

 

[Daedalus]

I'm in the same place you are. Currently, I'm a first year Philosophy major. But I've been looking at my requirements recently, and in order to complete pre-med requirements, GEs, and classes for my major in four years (and under the 216 unit cap at my school), I'll have to take four classes a quarter as well as summer school for the next three years. So I have been considering changing to physiological science, which would make my class schedule much much better. However, I really enjoy philosophy, so I think i'm just going to suck it up and take a full courseload from now until the end of time. As far as the research goes, is it near your school? I was planning on continuing with my research even during summer - it would be easier even because of a lighter classload, and living on campus, I would be right next to the lab. So go with whatever interests you more. In the end, I think that will be the better choice.

 

[PreMedPoohBear]

As far as the research, I want to apply to some of the programs associated with the other top universities. I live in Mississippi, so I don't think we have that many programs. There's one that my friend told me about, so I might check with that, but I think I might stick with English. I'll have to get with my advisor this summer and talk with him/her about my options. I'll just have to take 19 or more hours a semester.

 

[jlee9531]

stick with english....cause thats what you want to major in...

i dont think you need permission to take 19 units a semester...i think its if you want to take 20 or more then you need permission.

but it is smart of you to go to your counselor and work out a timeframe. but there is nothing wrong with not being able to enter medical school right after you graduate from your ugrad. lots of people take a year or two off before they enter without it harming their chances of acceptance at all. if you need to take the extra time to do research and finish an english major...then by all means i think you should consider it.

 

[klonoff]

Just wanted to add in my thoughts. Taking over the recommended number of hours per semester or quarter is a good way of burning yourself out. I think it's best to take fewer classes and have more time and energy to devote to each class. Also, don't forget that you'll need to leave yourself a few months of serious study time for the MCAT, and I doubt you can do that will a overly full load each semester.

I agree with the other poster, if you really like english as a major, consider taking an extra year and spread out your classes more. English classes have a lot of homework (papers, large amounts of reading).

In college, I really enjoyed psychology classes. I got a biology major, but let myself take one psych class a quarter. It was nice to have a break from sciences, plus an easy and interesting class.