Incoming freshmen to UC Irvine with quuestions...

[destined_wind]

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Hello. First of all I would like to say that reading many of the posts and reply has been a humbling experience. Although I have only been here for a few days, I can already say that I have learned much from the plethora of information available here. Apparently there is so MUCH I still don't know above a career in medicine and the pursuit of one. However, I am happy to have learned so much from one source. Thank you. I am an incoming biology major at UCI. I am wondering when I should start preparing for my MCATs and whether or not it's too early to start worrying about such matters. Also, I understand that many medical school prospects take their MCATs during the Spring before they apply to medical school. Is it a good idea to take the test during August of the previous year? (As in the summer after your sophmore year.) I am also wondering if I have to be designated as pre-med in order to attain a LOR from the pre-med committee at a school (particularly UCI); since I am not. In addition, if anyone here is from UCI (or any other school for that matter) and wishes to offer me an bits of information and advice I would be more than willing to listen. Thank you for your assistance. 🙂

 

[ASDIC]

hi there,
I have a friend who goes to UCI and is a bio major. A career in medicine is something that requires perseverance, hard work, and foresight. If you have these qualities, then this is the career for you. Since you will be a bio major, try taking the first semesters of biology an general chem. And dont worry about the MCAT just yet...just do well in your courses...get As.
When i was a freshman, I didnt study much and screwed up my grades. So I advise you not to party too much and just concentrate on your studies. However, sometimes fun is necessary to cope with all the stress you will be through.
Lastly, you must not succumb to ridicule from your peers for wut u are doing.
Take Care,
And Good Luck!!

 

[harrypotter]

Hi destined_wind!

I graduated from uci but not as a bio major.. I did psych..

My only advice is if you are taking genetics..which you might as a freshman..i'm not sure.. be sure to get Dr. Abbott...she is an awesome prof and she's really cool to talk to...

I also did Lark tutoring and that was helpful as well... diane is a great tutor..

if you have any other questions let me know! Good luck! I loved uci a lot and hopefully you do too! 😀

al

 

[Pandora's Box]

I am going to be a fourth year neurobio major here at UCI. My only advice is to not party to hard Freshmen year, and start your GPA out high. Humanities Core which a lot of us take freshmen year is hard and will be a GPA drain, but it's nice to get the requirments out of the way. The UCI's bio criculum prepares you well for medical school and you shouldn't worry. Other then that, enjoy your college career, because it'll be over in a blink of an eye 🙂

 

[destined_wind]

Wow! Thank you for your insight everyone! As a matter of fact, Pandora's Box, I am taking Hum Core... Ummm, I am not taking genetics yet (at least I don't think I am...), I am taking the classes recommended during the advising session (bio 2a, bio 94, chem 1a, and hum core) Yes, I have already heard that hum core a difficult class, still it's worth 8 units. I not really a party type, but , I have never been away from home so I don't know HOW I will behave without parental supervision...

 

[beatla19]

Hey Destined, i'm a bio major at cal poly, and i wish you luck at UCI. I kinda screwed up my freshman year and the best thing i can recommend is to review your notes after class every day at your own pace. I get A's now, and I think that's a big part of it.

 

[destined_wind]

Thank you for the input, beatla19. I actually have a bit of a problem with note taking. I generally studied striaght from the book in high school. Many people have told me that it's a BAD idea. I will be sure to take your advice and take better notes.