should i take a chance with upper-level science courses?

[alleyez]

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I'm currently a sophomore and a bio major with two minors

I don't know if I should keep my bio major since it requires me to take all the upper level science courses

The only reason that I'm worried is because of my low GPA. My transcript consists of mainly B's and C's....
My gpa is about a C+ average right now.. ~2.5 but it's only going uphill from here. I might even retakae some of the pre-med classes to get A's


If I didn't do too well on the lower level science classes like bio I, I can only imagine how terrible I might do on the upper level science courses like biochem/physical chem/etc...... and prefer not to take them if it will jeopardize my gpa (it's already jeopardized but it should be going up from now on... my goal is to bring it up above 3.0 by the start of my junior year)

 

[Apparition]

Many people think that upper level bio courses are easier than intro bio because they don't require as much rote memorization and are more interesting.

 

[genome25]

i really think you should retake classes you did below a C. i think its okay that you got b's and c's as long as it stops now. if you get really good grades next quarter/semester and continue, it should be fine. but i suggest you should try to learn the basics in bio and chem before you proceed with upper level. i have friends who actually did better in upper div classes. but you need to work at it. maybe you should consider another major, but i think what is imp right now is bringing up your gpa. maybe the 2 minors are giving you too much to think about. concentrate on one major and do well instead of being all over the place. i think summer school is good for maybe basic science because you can take one class? summer classes helped with my gpa. but i think you should take one quarter/semester at a time and hurry and pick a major you like and think that you can do great! i am sure your 2.5 gpa is cuz 1st year of college, and does not show your potential to do well. good luck and don't stress. just choose major not beause premed or grades, but something you like! when you enjoy it, you'll do well! good luck!!!

 

[robotdancing]

if you have c's in pre-reqs, schools will want to see that you're capable of performing adequately in upper division courses. in your case, i'll make you a guarantee: while you might not get in either way, you definitely won't get in unless you take some upper level science courses.

 

[alleyez]

Originally posted by genome25
i really think you should retake classes you did below a C. i think its okay that you got b's and c's as long as it stops now. if you get really good grades next quarter/semester and continue, it should be fine. but i suggest you should try to learn the basics in bio and chem before you proceed with upper level. i have friends who actually did better in upper div classes. but you need to work at it. maybe you should consider another major, but i think what is imp right now is bringing up your gpa. maybe the 2 minors are giving you too much to think about. concentrate on one major and do well instead of being all over the place. i think summer school is good for maybe basic science because you can take one class? summer classes helped with my gpa. but i think you should take one quarter/semester at a time and hurry and pick a major you like and think that you can do great! i am sure your 2.5 gpa is cuz 1st year of college, and does not show your potential to do well. good luck and don't stress. just choose major not beause premed or grades, but something you like! when you enjoy it, you'll do well! good luck!!!

thanks for the great advice...


the only class I got lower than a C was in calc I, my first semester. I retook it and got an A..... in bio I - C+.., my transcript is mainly B's and C's... for the most part for the first three semesters.

I'm definitely taking as many courses I can over the summer terms... I need to, i have no choice especially with my current GPA.
As long as I get above a 3.8 GPA next semester, my gpa will be above 3.0 plus if I take more classes over the summer to bring up my gpa, I'll be ok as long as I get good grades and keep improving.

About the two minors, I enjoy taking psych classes but didn't want to make it my major so decided to make it a minor. The other minor is something I chose from personal interest.

 

[ChiaPet312]

after your read those posts, always remember that you're the one who can determine your ability in upper level courses most realistically. we can give you advice but it all really depends on you (study habits, focus, drive, etc).

upper level science courses are excellent -- you learn alot, reinforce concepts you learned in more basic classes, and they can help you develop the analyitical/comprehensive test taking abilities required for the MCAT. before you take the courses, see if you can speak to the profs who are teaching them. voice your concerns, and find out how in depth the classes are. ask about exam format, topics covered in class, extra help opportunities (if you need it). find out how accessible the prof is! if you like what you hear and see...take the course!

in addition to this, if this is a concern to you (as it is to most premed students), interviewers look for students who have taken advanced sci. courses. at my last interview, my interviewer made it a point to comment that she noticed that i took alot of advanced sci. courses and did well in them. So, if you wanna think ahead, taking advanced sci courses not only teaches you a ton of stuff, but they can possibly be an excellent conversation starter for a med school interview (but don't take the course only to have something to talk about for an interview).

lots of luck to you. hope things work out!

 

[Amy B]

So what would you do..? Major in one of the minors you have now and drop Biology althogether? Now this is just my opinion but schools are going to look at your grades and your classes and the fact that you changed your major when you started getting bed grades and maybe they might think you can't handle the courses like you should.

You need to give this a whole bunch of thought before you do anything. You are going to need some upper level classes to show the adcoms you can handle them. Sorry. I wish you luck.

 

[sgilani]

why not make bio your minor and major in something that will bring your overall gpa up? not to mention, i'm sure adcoms are sick of reading thru a ton of applications from bio majors; do something different!