UT BME vs UH Bio/biochem for premed

kpeazy3

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UT Austin is giving me a full-ride all expenses covered but I can only major in engineering to keep the scholarship. I'm currently an electrical engineering major but I was planning on transferring to BME as the pre-med requirements align better with the BME degree plan. However, I am concerned about the courseload and if I'll be able to maintain a high GPA while balancing premed ECs and 16-18 credit hour semesters. I am very strong in math and physics so maybe I would be fine. My other option still on the table is UH, which is offering me full tuition, so it would be free if I commute. For UH I can major in anything so I'd probably do Biochem or something similar. I like UT's atmosphere more but not sure if it's worth as I am only restricted to engineering.
 
I would go with UT tentatively. You want to go somewhere where you feel comfortable, above all.
Why do you have to major in engineering in order to keep the scholarship? That is very strange.

You are correct that ECs are the most common reason why GPA/MCAT scores suffer.
Unfortunately, there are a ton of kids with great MCAT/GPA scores and their apps are not outstanding otherwise. So it is a balancing act.
16-18 credit hours is a lot. Give yourself time for family, friends, time to unwind.

Overall I'm thinking UH because you're screwed if you change your mind about your major or if something happens where you are forced to change your major. For example, I was saddled by a bunch of family issues my freshman year. Meant to major in pharmaceutical chemistry and decided to change my major to biology as it's easier. I do NOT regret that at all.

Biochem is actually not as interesting as it sounds :laugh: and a lot of the techniques you learn in basic bio classes. Just FYI.

Congrats on the scholarhips, btw! 🙂
 
I would go with UT tentatively. You want to go somewhere where you feel comfortable, above all.
Why do you have to major in engineering in order to keep the scholarship? That is very strange.

You are correct that ECs are the most common reason why GPA/MCAT scores suffer.
Unfortunately, there are a ton of kids with great MCAT/GPA scores and their apps are not outstanding otherwise. So it is a balancing act.
16-18 credit hours is a lot. Give yourself time for family, friends, time to unwind.

Overall I'm thinking UH because you're screwed if you change your mind about your major or if something happens where you are forced to change your major. For example, I was saddled by a bunch of family issues my freshman year. Meant to major in pharmaceutical chemistry and decided to change my major to biology as it's easier. I do NOT regret that at all.

Biochem is actually not as interesting as it sounds :laugh: and a lot of the techniques you learn in basic bio classes. Just FYI.

Congrats on the scholarhips, btw! 🙂
Sorry for the late response, but the scholarship is directly from the school of engineering so one of the requirements for renewal is that I stay in an engineering major. Your reply is kind of confusing me though because you said UT first and then UH. Do you recommend that I go UT or UH?
 
Go with your gut.

Edited to add: If you are unsure, I would spend more time at each school to see where you fit in better/which school you like better.

Try not to worry about prestige/rankings. The schools that you have listed are both excellent schools. If you are happy, you will do better in your classes and this will carry over into ECs/LoRs/other things that you do. Hope that this helps! 🙂
 
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