HELP! Possible DQ from Major.

[Voj1]

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Hi guys,

I am currently attending UC Irvine and have just finished my 1st year as a BioSci major. I have been doing well in General Bio (A&Bs), but not too well in GChem(First two quarters: C, 3rd:awaiting grade). Unfortunately, I became increasingly immersed into the party scene and did not pass my GChem Lab (D+). This prevents me from going on into OChem and OChem Lab. At UCI, BioSci majors sign a contract stating that they must graduate in 4 years and they must complete the OChem series at the end of their 2nd year. So my only option now is take the lab again during summer. However, the possibility of taking it during the summer is looking very slim, I am currently wait-listed in 7 different labs. I am now accepting the fact that I won't graduate as a bio major.


My call for advice asks for guidance on what I can change my major to and still be able to be accepted in to an MD or DO school. Is it even possible? Should I stop wasting my time and start trying to look for a new profession?


Thank you.

 

[StoicJosher]

A bio major is not a pre-req to get into a medical school. You can major in anything you want. Just make sure to get your GPA back up and you will be fine - ace all the pre-req science classes.

 

[PlatypusMD]

I came into the topic expecting soft-serve ice cream...

On a serious note, talk to your academic advisors about getting an appeal for whatever contract you signed. Schools generally understand that crap happens, and there's usually a process in place for appeals.

 

[Voj1]

I've already spoken with my counselor. She told me that the only thing I can do is hope that a lab opens up, otherwise I have to change my major. BioSci is cutthroat major at UCI. It baffles me how I can get disqualified from my major just because I can't take a class during the summer.

 

[gettheleadout]

I've already spoken with my counselor. She told me that the only thing I can do is hope that a lab opens up, otherwise I have to change my major. BioSci is cutthroat major at UCI. It baffles me how I can get disqualified from my major just because I can't take a class during the summer.

Even better if you don't do it then right?

 

[Voj1]

Even better if you don't do it then right?

Not really. I absolutely love learning about biology.

 

[NightGod]

Graduating with a degree other than Biology = no problem for getting into med school (can actually help a bit).
Getting Cs and Ds in Gen Chem = problem for getting into med school

 

[Ashley1989]

Can you take it at a different university? If so I know of a place you could probably go

 

[Disinence2]

You should probably have studied harder for the test and not put yourself in this position.

 

[rch1]

just to let you know, you're not gonna get into any bio labs or some of the easier upper div bio classes if you're not a bio major at uci since they're all major restricted until the second enrollment window

 

[rch1]

just to let you know, you're not gonna get into any bio labs or some of the easier upper div bio classes if you're not a bio major at uci since they're all major restricted until the second enrollment window

ok, you may get into some if you're lucky but they generally fill up really quick before second enrollment even hits

 

[Voj1]

ok, you may get into some if you're lucky but they generally fill up really quick before second enrollment even hits

It seems like you go to UCI as well. What would you think is a good alternative major that lets me do all my prereqs and get my degree in an efficient manner?

 

[rch1]

i think as BME or public health you can get into most bio classes but i'm a bio major so i'm not positive. also i guess you can do another major and just take summer courses every summer for your prereqs since i think they lift the restrictions for summer courses.

 

[ronathan]

Can you take it at a different university? If so I know of a place you could probably go

Second that suggestion. Talk to your counselor about taking it another school and getting the credit transferred.

 

[Voj1]

Second that suggestion. Talk to your counselor about taking it another school and getting the credit transferred.

My counselor told me that i would not be able to make up the grade at another school. i'm really just stuck in a position where all i can do is cross my fingers and hope that i can get into the lab this summer.

 

[ronathan]

My counselor told me that i would not be able to make up the grade at another school. i'm really just stuck in a position where all i can do is cross my fingers and hope that i can get into the lab this summer.

Well, in that case the above poster is right. All you can do is hope for a bit of luck, but have a backup plan in case it doesn't work out, i.e. pick a major you can do well in that will still let you take your pre-med classes either as electives or over the summer (and hopefully, is also one that you'll enjoy doing!).

 

[dsoz]

Remember this moment when you write your personal statement. What went wrong, how did you fix it, and what did you learn?

I hope you learned that science majors cannot get to involved in the party scene...

Wait-listed still means that you have a chance. Show up to the first day of each of the lab sections and make sure you have all the paperwork filled out to add the class.

If that fails, then trip one of the students as they go out the door and help them break their leg. They will drop the class and you are in... (just kidding!!!!!)

 

[Ashley1989]

My counselor told me that i would not be able to make up the grade at another school. i'm really just stuck in a position where all i can do is cross my fingers and hope that i can get into the lab this summer.

I wouldn't take your counselors word only. Go to the admissions and records office and ask to make sure. Make an appeal if you have to. Write a letter. I sincerely don't think you should accept this and risk being disqualified from your major without exhausting every effort beforehand.

 

[hiyaman]

Maybe you should...um IDK Party less?

How many parties do you go to? If you party once a week you should still have plenty of time for schoolwork. Are you studying 2 hrs per 1 hr of lecture that you have that day?

Also don't get fckd up at each party.I know as a freshman you want to get drunk and silly but seriously..hangovers are neither cool nor fun.

 

[angldrps]

umm...are you sure such a contract exists? i know people who are bio majors who go to UCI and they said they don't remember signing anything like that.

 

[angldrps]

Hi guys,

I am currently attending UC Irvine and have just finished my 1st year as a BioSci major. I have been doing well in General Bio (A&Bs), but not too well in GChem(First two quarters: C, 3rd:awaiting grade). Unfortunately, I became increasingly immersed into the party scene and did not pass my GChem Lab (D+). This prevents me from going on into OChem and OChem Lab. At UCI, BioSci majors sign a contract stating that they must graduate in 4 years and they must complete the OChem series at the end of their 2nd year. So my only option now is take the lab again during summer. However, the possibility of taking it during the summer is looking very slim, I am currently wait-listed in 7 different labs. I am now accepting the fact that I won't graduate as a bio major.


My call for advice asks for guidance on what I can change my major to and still be able to be accepted in to an MD or DO school. Is it even possible? Should I stop wasting my time and start trying to look for a new profession?


Thank you.

i also know those who didn't graduate in 4 years. weird...😕

 

[Ashley1989]

umm...are you sure such a contract exists? i know people who are bio majors who go to UCI and they said they don't remember signing anything like that.

.

 

[Voj1]

For those who are wondering about the contract, Yes. I'm positive it exists. We signed it at orientation. Im not sure if its new or not, but i know that it applies to my class.



LINK:
http://students.bio.uci.edu/FAQ.html


What is the expected time-to-degree?
Students in the School of Biological Sciences MUST complete their degree within 4 years. A transfer student may have 3 years to complete their degree. Very few exceptions are made.

 

[Sonny881994]

Just change your major, I would guess that there are plenty other major that will be similar to biological science or closely related. You really shouldn't blame the school or the system for not being able to let you in a lab because after all, you are the one who slack off and partying instead of studying like other people who serious about getting in med school. You like all people need to realize there are always consequences for every bad actions that you took. Just suck it up and change to another science related major.

 

[Lil Mick]

Try to get the class while also thinking of a back-up major. I would suggest one of the social sciences or humanities. You'll get plenty of biology in med school, but this is your only chance to delve into Hobbes or Kant.

And you have time to bring your grades up. I almost got kicked out after a bad year, and three years of doing well brought up my gpa nicely--another perk of not being in a 4-year-graduation contract 🙂

 

[tantacles]

I came into the topic expecting soft-serve ice cream...

On a serious note, talk to your academic advisors about getting an appeal for whatever contract you signed. Schools generally understand that crap happens, and there's usually a process in place for appeals.

Yeah, I was hoping for that too. Maybe a dipped cone?

 

[theseeker4]

Maybe you should...um IDK Party less?

How many parties do you go to? If you party once a week you should still have plenty of time for schoolwork. Are you studying 2 hrs per 1 hr of lecture that you have that day?

Also don't get fckd up at each party.I know as a freshman you want to get drunk and silly but seriously..hangovers are neither cool nor fun.

You should probably have studied harder for the test and not put yourself in this position.

Graduating with a degree other than Biology = no problem for getting into med school (can actually help a bit).
Getting Cs and Ds in Gen Chem = problem for getting into med school

All of these. Whether you can continue your biology major is meaningless this point if your ultimate goal is med school. Getting into a lab is the least of your concerns. Have you gotten out of the "party scene?" If not, you might want to do that first before you tank your grades even more....

Not really. I absolutely love learning about biology.

Not having a major in Bio doesn't prevent you from learning about biology. Major in anything, transfer schools, do what you need to to get the grades so you actually have a chance at med school.

 

[Cypher321]

Not sure how it looks (anyone know?) but you might consider leaving UCI and taking some classes at IVC until you figure yourself out. At that point you can ask yourself:

1. If med school is your bag and if you are serious about doing the marathon required for it.

2. If UCI is a good fit for you. I spent 4 quarters at UCI and decided that it wasn't for me. There is no shame in figuring out what learning environment best suits you.

3. Which major you can take an interest in AND do well so that you have a competitive gpa when you apply.

Hope this helps.