Switching to business major?

[dvmcatdog]

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Hello!

I am currently a Biology major at my university, I have to take a lot of extra classes beyond what vet school requires that I'm not so interested in. I really only have genetics, micro and biochem left to take. My GPA is less than desirable at a 3.1 and I am worried if I continue with a bio major that I won't do well or be able to raise my GPA. Currently, I am a business management minor and I love those classes. A lot of the classes for the business major are classes I wanted to take but didn't have enough time with the minor and bio major. I know it doesn't matter what major I choose but I want to make the right decision. I do hope to open an animal hospital one day which is why I am interested in business. I already switched my major from education to bio because I thought I wanted to teach. I just don't want them to think I can't makeup my mind. Also, I wonder if any of the classes like mo cell, physiology, ecology would help me in vet school and if they are worth staying within the bio major to take? Help? Thanks!!

 

[pp9]

Hello!

I am currently a Biology major at my university, I have to take a lot of extra classes beyond what vet school requires that I'm not so interested in. I really only have genetics, micro and biochem left to take. My GPA is less than desirable at a 3.1 and I am worried if I continue with a bio major that I won't do well or be able to raise my GPA. Currently, I am a business management minor and I love those classes. A lot of the classes for the business major are classes I wanted to take but didn't have enough time with the minor and bio major. I know it doesn't matter what major I choose but I want to make the right decision. I do hope to open an animal hospital one day which is why I am interested in business. I already switched my major from education to bio because I thought I wanted to teach. I just don't want them to think I can't makeup my mind. Also, I wonder if any of the classes like mo cell, physiology, ecology would help me in vet school and if they are worth staying within the bio major to take? Help? Thanks!!

Besides physiology and molecular cell (I'm assuming that's what mo cell means?), what other upper level science courses are you hoping to avoid? Newsflash, a lot of undergrad upper level sciences are visited in vet school if not a major subject you have to learn. Ecology not so much, but things like immuno, cell bio, parasit, virology, pathology, neuro, bac-t, histo, etc etc are huge courses in vet school. If you find yourself wanting to avoid those like the plague, you should be realistic about the fact that those are core classes in vet school. Now, I didn't take any of those classes except cell bio in undergrad and I'm doing fine, but it wasn't because I wanted to avoid them/wasn't interested. I'm not going to tell you whether to stick with bio or switch to business, but you should evaluate whether or not you can/want to handle an extremely rigorous 2-3 years of pure biology in vet school.

Whether you switch or not, it sounds like you might be reaching the end of your undergrad career and your GPA likely won't budge significantly at this point unless you were to ace every class you take in the new major (assuming you'd have a significant amount of credits to complete, not just a few semesters more of business classes). Trying to raise your GPA after the first two or three years of undergrad is like trying to move a mountain, especially when you have the additional credits of a minor diluting things.

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but these are things you need to consider.

 

[TrashPanda]

I agree with pinkpuppy- what you major in doesn't matter, but you will need to do well in similar (but more demanding) courses in vet school.

I already switched my major from education to bio because I thought I wanted to teach. I just don't want them to think I can't makeup my mind.

They'll see what classes you've taken, but not what your majors have been (only your final one). It really doesn't matter anyway.

Also keep in mind that many (all?) vet schools look closely at your science GPA and/or your GPA in pre-requisite courses. You need to prove that you can do well in science classes in vet school, so taking upper level biology courses or retaking pre-reqs you've done poorly in will help.

In June on the What Are My Chances thread, you said your cumulative GPA is a 3.5 and your last 45 GPA is 3.7. Are you sure your current cumulative GPA is 3.1? If so, that means you have an extreme downward trend and getting your GPAs up (cumulative, last 45, and science/pre-req) is even more important.

Check out averages for the schools where you want to apply, see how you compare, and plan from there. If the 3.1 GPA is accurate and science/last 45 GPA are similar, you will need a plan for how to improve your application.

 

[dvmcatdog]

I agree with pinkpuppy- what you major in doesn't matter, but you will need to do well in similar (but more demanding) courses in vet school.



They'll see what classes you've taken, but not what your majors have been (only your final one). It really doesn't matter anyway.

Also keep in mind that many (all?) vet schools look closely at your science GPA and/or your GPA in pre-requisite courses. You need to prove that you can do well in science classes in vet school, so taking upper level biology courses or retaking pre-reqs you've done poorly in will help.

In June on the What Are My Chances thread, you said your cumulative GPA is a 3.5 and your last 45 GPA is 3.7. Are you sure your current cumulative GPA is 3.1? If so, that means you have an extreme downward trend and getting your GPAs up (cumulative, last 45, and science/pre-req) is even more important.

Check out averages for the schools where you want to apply, see how you compare, and plan from there. If the 3.1 GPA is accurate and science/last 45 GPA are similar, you will need a plan for how to improve your application.

I appreciate both replies and I see where you are coming from. I have to take a lot of human related classes along with mo cell, ecology and phyiso. But I would rather take them and have them help me in the future. My only other question would be I got a C in chem 1 and 2 and a B in orgo 1 & 2. Do you think it's worth retaking chem 1 & 2 for a better grade? I wanted to retake calc but UF took it off their required classes.

 

[TrashPanda]

I appreciate both replies and I see where you are coming from. I have to take a lot of human related classes along with mo cell, ecology and phyiso. But I would rather take them and have them help me in the future. My only other question would be I got a C in chem 1 and 2 and a B in orgo 1 & 2. Do you think it's worth retaking chem 1 & 2 for a better grade? I wanted to retake calc but UF took it off their required classes.

It looks like UF looks at science GPA (so all your science classes lumped together) rather than a specific pre-req GPA. If you're applying to other schools that look at pre-req GPA or that replace rather than average grades, retaking chem 1 and 2 would definitely help. For UF, it shouldn't matter if you retake Cs or take different science classes and do well (unless admissions counselors there have a preference). No matter what, the most important thing is to do really, really well in all your classes. It's not impossible to get into vet school with a 3.1, but it's very difficult and generally requires a strong upward trend and high last 45 GPA.

 

[pp9]

I appreciate both replies and I see where you are coming from. I have to take a lot of human related classes along with mo cell, ecology and phyiso. But I would rather take them and have them help me in the future. My only other question would be I got a C in chem 1 and 2 and a B in orgo 1 & 2. Do you think it's worth retaking chem 1 & 2 for a better grade? I wanted to retake calc but UF took it off their required classes.

I had C's in Chem 1, Orgo 1, Biochem, and Genetics and I did not retake them. However, even with those C's my cGPA was a 3.6ish with my science being around a 3.3-4ish if I'm remembering right. With a 3.1, you may very well need to retake courses you have C's in unless you can seriously knock it out of the park with the rest of your application (like, thousands and thousands of veterinary hours, awesome GRE, etc.). Retaking the classes would (ideally) kick up your cGPA, science, and prereq GPAs if you do well. The effect is even greater if you apply to schools that replace grades rather than average attempts.

 

[dvmcatdog]

I had C's in Chem 1, Orgo 1, Biochem, and Genetics and I did not retake them. However, even with those C's my cGPA was a 3.6ish with my science being around a 3.3-4ish if I'm remembering right. With a 3.1, you may very well need to retake courses you have C's in unless you can seriously knock it out of the park with the rest of your application (like, thousands and thousands of veterinary hours, awesome GRE, etc.). Retaking the classes would (ideally) kick up your cGPA, science, and prereq GPAs if you do well. The effect is even greater if you apply to schools that replace grades rather than average attempts.

I decided to retake Chem 1 over the summer and Chem 2 the semester after that thanks to your help! Do you think it's worth it to retake calc? Not many schools require it. So I am assuming it wouldn't be factored into a pre-req or science gpa? I have almost 2,000 veterinary hours and I am currently studying for the GRE. I am focusing on schools that replace grades or at least average them.

 

[pp9]

I decided to retake Chem 1 over the summer and Chem 2 the semester after that thanks to your help! Do you think it's worth it to retake calc? Not many schools require it. So I am assuming it wouldn't be factored into a pre-req or science gpa? I have almost 2,000 veterinary hours and I am currently studying for the GRE. I am focusing on schools that replace grades or at least average them.

I think the calc would only affect your cGPA. I would definitely retake your science pre-reqs that you didn't do so well in because they will affect both cGPA and science/pre-req GPAs, so you'd get a greater effect with less time 'lost' if that makes sense. With a 3.1 I'd suggest trying to get in the 160s on your GRE and continue getting hours (and varied/quality hours at that). Just remember that if you retake a class, you really need to do well the second time around. Good luck!

 

[battie]

I appreciate both replies and I see where you are coming from. I have to take a lot of human related classes along with mo cell, ecology and phyiso. But I would rather take them and have them help me in the future. My only other question would be I got a C in chem 1 and 2 and a B in orgo 1 & 2. Do you think it's worth retaking chem 1 & 2 for a better grade? I wanted to retake calc but UF took it off their required classes.

Taking into account the bolded, most of our physio and histo classes seem like they could be interchangeable between human and omnivores of any type. Don't forget humans just happen to be smart apes and there is a lot of overlap between us and animals. Our current professor links us YouTube videos from a med school professor and it's almost identical.

 

[Bottle of Bear]

 

[that redhead]

I decided to retake Chem 1 over the summer and Chem 2 the semester after that thanks to your help! Do you think it's worth it to retake calc? Not many schools require it. So I am assuming it wouldn't be factored into a pre-req or science gpa? I have almost 2,000 veterinary hours and I am currently studying for the GRE. I am focusing on schools that replace grades or at least average them.

I think retaking Chem 2 with a B as your original grade is not in your best interest - financially or time-wise. I would retake prerequisite courses with a C or worse. As for your major, it won't matter much but I think it's worth the change if you really enjoy those courses.

 

[dvmcatdog]

I think retaking Chem 2 with a B as your original grade is not in your best interest - financially or time-wise. I would retake prerequisite courses with a C or worse. As for your major, it won't matter much but I think it's worth the change if you really enjoy those courses.

I got a C in Chem 1 & 2. I got a B in orgo 1 &2. I only wanted to retake Chem 1 & 2.

 

[dyachei]

I got a C in Chem 1 & 2. I got a B in orgo 1 &2. I only wanted to retake Chem 1 & 2.

don't. it's not worth it.

you're looking at a proud C in chem student that became a vet.

focus elsewhere

 

[dvmcatdog]

don't. it's not worth it.

you're looking at a proud C in chem student that became a vet.

focus elsewhere

But my sci GPA is being brought down by those grades. I also got a C in physics 1 but there's no chance in hell I would do that again. I'm just worried I won't get A's in biochem, genetics and classes like that.

 

[dyachei]

But my sci GPA is being brought down by those grades. I also got a C in physics 1 but there's no chance in hell I would do that again. I'm just worried I won't get A's in biochem, genetics and classes like that.

so? what is your GPA? is it really that bad or is it your perception?

 

[pp9]

But my sci GPA is being brought down by those grades. I also got a C in physics 1 but there's no chance in hell I would do that again. I'm just worried I won't get A's in biochem, genetics and classes like that.

Those are only two classes, though. your cGPA is a 3.1, that tells me you have a lot more C's than just chem and physics. Do you have any D's in any classes (not just pre-rqs)? How many C's do you have? If you really only have 3 C's in pre-reqs, I'd agree that it's not worth it (I mentioned I got in with 4 C's and good vet experience). However, I had nothing less than a B in every other class I took. What are we looking at here? It's hard to give advice without the full picture. If you don't want to post all the details for all to see, feel free to message me.

Also remember that you can actually do whatever the heck you want. Anyone posting on here is just giving you advice based on their experience/knowledge.

 

[dvmcatdog]

so? what is your GPA? is it really that bad or is it your perception?

Those are only two classes, though. your cGPA is a 3.1, that tells me you have a lot more C's than just chem and physics. Do you have any D's in any classes (not just pre-rqs)? How many C's do you have? If you really only have 3 C's in pre-reqs, I'd agree that it's not worth it (I mentioned I got in with 4 C's and good vet experience). However, I had nothing less than a B in every other class I took. What are we looking at here? It's hard to give advice without the full picture. If you don't want to post all the details for all to see, feel free to message me.

Also remember that you can actually do whatever the heck you want. Anyone posting on here is just giving you advice based on their experience/knowledge.

Below are prereqs, most of my other classes are A's & B's. More B's than A's though.

Biology 1 B - Got a D the first time (family member passed)

Biology 2 B

General Chemistry 1 C

General Chemistry 2 C

Organic Chemistry 1 B

Organic Chemistry 2 - In progress (probably getting a B)

Biochemistry - Not yet taken

Microbiology Not yet taken

Physics 1 - C

Physics 2 - B

Genetics - Not yet taken

Physiology - Not yet taken

Statistics - B

Calculus - C+

Animal Science - A

Animal Nutrition - In progress (hopefully getting an A, leaning towards a B though)

 

[pp9]

Below are prereqs, most of my other classes are A's & B's. More B's than A's though.

Biology 1 B - Got a D the first time (family member passed)

Biology 2 B

General Chemistry 1 C

General Chemistry 2 C

Organic Chemistry 1 B

Organic Chemistry 2 - In progress (probably getting a B)

Biochemistry - Not yet taken

Microbiology Not yet taken

Physics 1 - C

Physics 2 - B

Genetics - Not yet taken

Physiology - Not yet taken

Statistics - B

Calculus - C+

Animal Science - A

Animal Nutrition - In progress (hopefully getting an A, leaning towards a B though)

Right, but besides your prereqs, it sounds like you may have some lower grades in gen eds as well (mind you, I'm doing the rough math in my head). Also, bio 2, animal science, stats, calc, nutrition, and genetics are not required by every vet school. I applied to schools where even gen chem 2 wasn't a pre-req. Keep that in mind when selecting schools, because that could potentially eliminate the need to retake calc and gen chem 2 in the first place (although IS tuition would trump that imo). It will also change your how your pre-req GPA is calculated, obviously.

What I'm trying to say is that I had four C's and finished with a 3.6. I'm not trying to get you to compare yourself to me, I'm trying to figure out why your cGPA is a 3.1. What else is dragging that down/how many credits have you taken thus far? I'm also assuming you're near the end of your undergrad career given that you only have four pre-reqs left.

You also mentioned in the 'What are my chances?' thread last summer that your cGPA was a 3.53. What happened? To drop down to a 3.1 over two-ish semesters is a huge red flag. Either your math is wrong or you failed several classes.

 

[dyachei]

seems more like you need to focus on getting A's in any other classes you might be taking than to retake C's

 

[dvmcatdog]

Right, but besides your prereqs, it sounds like you may have some lower grades in gen eds as well (mind you, I'm doing the rough math in my head). Also, bio 2, animal science, stats, calc, nutrition, and genetics are not required by every vet school. I applied to schools where even gen chem 2 wasn't a pre-req. Keep that in mind when selecting schools, because that could potentially eliminate the need to retake calc and gen chem 2 in the first place (although IS tuition would trump that imo). It will also change your how your pre-req GPA is calculated, obviously.

What I'm trying to say is that I had four C's and finished with a 3.6. I'm not trying to get you to compare yourself to me, I'm trying to figure out why your cGPA is a 3.1. What else is dragging that down/how many credits have you taken thus far? I'm also assuming you're near the end of your undergrad career given that you only have four pre-reqs left.

You also mentioned in the 'What are my chances?' thread last summer that your cGPA was a 3.53. What happened? To drop down to a 3.1 over two-ish semesters is a huge red flag. Either your math is wrong or you failed several classes.

I must have done my math wrong for the 3.53 for sure. I just looked over my transcript and I only got a C in two additional classes and a few education classes (i wanted to be a teacher) I had some B-.

 

[pp9]

I must have done my math wrong for the 3.53 for sure. I just looked over my transcript and I only got a C in two additional classes and a few education classes (i wanted to be a teacher) I had some B-.

Again, how many credits do you have? Something isn't adding up to me. Either way, with a 3.1, you have two options: Retake the GRE to get a better score (160s for both Q/V) and get more hours in varied areas, or retake the classes you have C's in/ace your remaining classes. How many credits do you have left?

 

[dvmcatdog]

Again, how many credits do you have? Something isn't adding up to me. Either way, with a 3.1, you have two options: Retake the GRE to get a better score (160s for both Q/V) and get more hours in varied areas, or retake the classes you have C's in/ace your remaining classes. How many credits do you have left?

I have 126 credits and maybe 40ish left.

 

[pp9]

I have 126 credits and maybe 40ish left.

Even if you got straight A's from here on out, you're only going to reach a 3.3 or so. Definitely better, but not quite competitive. You may want to retake the GRE, get more quality veterinary hours (so probably not the scribe job), and make sure you have outstanding essays and letters of rec.

Also, remember that many schools consider your last 45 GPA too. Having a 4.0 for that will do you a lot of good if you can manage it. Getting in with a 3.1 or 3.3 isn't impossible, but many people with GPAs like that face multiple application cycles. Others make up for it by blowing everyone else out of the water when it comes to experience (thousands and thousands of quality hours in multiple areas).