Struggling to Recover GPA

[sittenfeld]

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Hello, I am a new member to the forum although I have been viewing the threads for awhile now. I am a UC student, about to enter my second year and currently taking summer classes. My first year of school did not go as well as expected; had difficulty adjusting, blah blah, but I managed to bounce back at the start of spring quarter. At the end of spring quarter, I had about a 2.5 GPA.

This summer, I took a math class (for the requirements of course) and I came out of it with a C+. I know I can do better in this course, but I am unsure whether I should take it again because then I will be setback in my planning for the next year... My parents are kind of on my back about my grades and classes, and they will not be happy to see me retaking math AGAIN. And I realize my GPA is looowww, but I'm hoping to be beyond a 3.0 GPA at the end of my second year/end of next summer.

Also, I came in as a science major but I am seriously contemplating switching to a non-science major because I'm more interested and passionate about it. I realize being a science major is NOT required for pharmacy school, but I was just wondering what are some of the experiences of non-science majors who applied to pharm school?


Sorry for the long post. Thank you in advance for your responses.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Hey there...

If you switch to a non-science major, ensure that you can still take the pre-requisite classes in addition to whatever major you choose, otherwise you're going to be behind the 8-ball in terms of time.

As long as you haven't completed too many credit hours, going from a 2.5 to a 3.0 in a year isn't impossible. Unfortunately, GPA is way easier to drop than to raise, so make sure your next few quarters are much better.

Which UC are you at? Perhaps you should visit the tutoring center and see maybe if they can help you. Or if it's not a competency issue but rather a focus issue, maybe getting out of the dorms would help you. Perhaps you should consider a different set of friends, maybe more some more conducive to studying? I dunno what to tell you - There's a reason that you got such a terrible GPA, and I'm sure if you got into a UC from high school, your problem is not a lack of ability or intelligence (probably).

When you say you're more passionate about non-science majors, what exactly do you mean? It sounds kinda weird. "I hate mathematics, but I LOVE everything not science! So like, basket weaving, communications, women's studies, child development, everything!" Perhaps you could narrow it down a little? Or is it that you just hate 'hard science' because it's, well, hard?

Chances are you're indulging in too many "extra curriculars" and having difficulties with time management... by no means insurmountable.

I am a non-science major applicant and I've encountered no interference so far because of it.

 

[sittenfeld]

Yea, I have definitely realized that about GPA's. My main problem fall quarter was just my chemistry class. I was not prepared at all. Winter quarter was just horrendous. But I did manage to bump my GPA up .5 points so in a quarter, so I think as long as I remain focused and continue the study habits that I have developed, I will be able to progress.

I go to UCLA. I do take advantage of the tutoring services offered at the school, although they weren't offered this summer and I did manage to do okay in my math class (and lord knows I struggle with math).

I am considering becoming an English major. Sorry I wasn't specific before. Before college, I did not think it was possible to be a non-science major and a pre-health student. I should be fine when it comes to switching my major, because despite the two courses I did bad in this past year, everything else I took was towards either my major or the pre-reqs. I am anticipating taking 4 classes at some point because I do not want to be there for a 5th year.

And I wasn't too involved in extracurriculurs honestly. I was just, slacking. A lot. But no more!

 

[ChainHeal]

one question, if you are not interested or passionate about science, why pharmacy?

 

[Passion4Sci]

I have a quick question.

When you say you were "slacking", what do you mean exactly? You obviously knew you were "slacking", so what occupied your time instead of school? In other words, what's your vice?

@Chainheal - Excellent question that I neglected to ask. BTW, try the new 5-man dungeon yet?

 

[sittenfeld]

You may be misunderstanding me. I do like and am interested in the sciences. But I just realize that I have a greater interest in English. If its not necessary for me to remain as a science major to apply to pharmacy school, I don't see why I should have to.

So, I like science. Just like English more.

 

[sittenfeld]

My vice was indulging in the freedoms of being a college student, i.e. partying, hanging around, going out, things like that. I had lost my motivation and ambition basically.

 

[Passion4Sci]

My vice was indulging in the freedoms of being a college student, i.e. partying, hanging around, going out, things like that. I had lost my motivation and ambition basically.

Ah, and you plan on rectifying that behavior for your 2nd and consequent years then? Should be able to turn it around.

Although if you're so interested in English, moreso than you are in science, what attracts you so much to pharmacy? Why are you not considering a career in, say, teaching? Or law, perhaps?

 

[sittenfeld]

That's the plan.

My uncle is a lawyer, and he is not happy person. He's still paying off loans, doesn't have as much work as he needs. Plus, law has never appealed to me. Never.

I considered teaching for a moment, but I think that is a profession that you have to be passionate about. As my high school teacher always told me, he may not make a lot of money but he's happy teaching AP Biology until he's 65 years old. I don't see myself being happy doing that for 40+ years.

Through high school, although I wasn't sure what field or area I wanted to go into, I wanted to be in healthcare. My mom is a registered nurse so that may be a reason why (And I considered nursing but didn't see myself working 12 or 16-hour shifts like my Mom does). I was going to take the route of going to med school and see where I go from there, but being a doctor was just not appealing to me anymore. Far too much school and too much time before I start reaping the benefits of all my hard work. I started looking into other fields and pharmacy stood out to me. Attended some meetings for the pre-pharmacy society at my school. AS I read more about it, I could see myself being a pharmacist and being happy about my career in 40+ years. And there is still patient interaction which makes me happy. I don't mind hard work, if I did I wouldn't be at UCLA, but I want to feel like my hard work is taking me somewhere that I want to be. Its not a fully formed answer, but I've been thinking about it for the past 8 months and haven't thought of any reasons to not pursue pharmacy.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Well, good luck and keep us posted.

 

[smislam]

UCLA is a tough school. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people struggle in that school. Some UC schools are getting tougher especially with the science curves.

Switching to a different major is a good idea. Try to take some classes at a community college, so that it can help you prepare for your classes at UCLA and make up for the classes you did bad in.

 

[fusionstyle]

Don't worry, man. I also have a 2.5 GPA right now, but since the past year and a half, I've been getting good grades in my classes including ochem. Just don't think you have no chance at pharmacy school, there's always a chance. Good luck!

 

[tydt]

I agree, after my first year, i was hit hard coming out with a whopping 2.3 GPA. 😱 Still, I manage to pull it together and manage to get my GPA to 3.1 two semesters after. so yes, It can be done even after one year, especially with a 2.5! Don't lose hope and keep on pushing!

 

[sittenfeld]

Thanks for all the support. I am looking forward to the upcoming fall quarter and quarters after. I am really determined, more so than last year.

I'm pretty confident that I am going to switch majors, and that I am going to retake math in the fall.