Advice on dropping a classes?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I'm really having trouble deciding on whether or not I should drop a class, so I was hoping maybe you guys would have some ideas.</p>

<p>So some background information.....Right now, I'm a second semester freshman, and a biology major. For the past two semesters, I've just been taking my required science classes and a few language/humanities classes for my minor. Last semester went really smoothly for me. Problem was, I didn't really like my science classes. I chose to major in bio mainly because I felt obligated to study a science and then go on to medicine or pharmacy, in part for my parents. I began to reconsider my major around October/November, but then dismissed such doubts in favor of "toughing it out." I'm about halfway into second semester now, and long story short, I recently realized that I really cannot bear to continue with bio anymore. I'm planning to change my major to math (and possibly double with econ), something I guess I always wanted to do.</p>

<p>Problem is, I'm still stuck with my bio and chem classes. I had a rather rough first five weeks this semester, due to personal issues. Recently, I was able to bring all my grades up to As, except Organic Chem I, since we haven't had many assignments/tests in that class. I have a high C in the class right now, but I know I'll be able to pull it up (trending upward and only 1/4 of the total points for the class have been awarded so far). Problem is, I don't know if keeping the class is worth it anymore since it's really time-consuming for a class I won't need for either of my majors. I have to take my 300/400 level math classes next semester, so maybe I should keep my GPA up while it's still fairly easy to. A 4.0 should be easily attainable without orgo.</p>

<p>Another issue is, I've been going back and forth, questioning my decision to drop the bio major. The only real justification I have for keeping it is that I feel I've spent too much time on it to stop now. So I guess if I dropped orgo, I would sufficiently cut my losses and feel more comfortable with my decision to renege on my original plan. My bio class yields more credits than orgo does, so if I were to drop one of the two, it would have to be the latter.</p>

<p>On the other hand, I fear the repercussions of a 'W' on my transcript. And I don't know if this will matter in the long run, but I'm also afraid that I'll look like just another of the many former bio major who chickened out because they couldn't handle orgo. </p>

<p>Any advice on what to do? I know this is ultimately my call, but I would really appreciate any insights that might help me make this decision.</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post! Thanks in advance for your replies. :)</p>

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<p>Haha, I just noticed the typo in the topic line. Sorry about that.</p>

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<p>You should tough out Organic Chemistry and drop the Bio major. How is it that you will be taking 300/400 Level math classes as a sophomore, I assume AP Credits?</p>

<p>Stick out the semester, even if you end up with a B you will be fine. </p>

<p>On the other hand, a W won’t affect you in the long run. Most people have “W” on the transcript, but do be sure that you don’t go around dropping more classes later on because too many do look bad.</p>

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<p>Math shifts from calculations into proof-based mathematics when you go into upper division. Just keep that in mind. The 300/400-level math courses might just prove to be a problem.</p>

<p>You don’t know how well you’ll do in upper division math until you try, so just make sure you have a backup plan before committing all your resources to this path.</p>

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<p>@paradox3: Yeah, it’s because of AP credits.</p>

<p>@excelblue: Yeah, I know. Next semester I’m probably taking an intro analysis class, which I think is the gateway to the higher level proof-based math classes. I might choose to go in the statistics direction, but I’ll see once I finish the the requirements. </p>

<p>Thanks for the input, guys! Another concern I have with organic chemistry is that I could be using this time to brush up on my math, as it’s been a year since I’ve taken any math classes. And although I’ve pulled my other grades up, they are still kind of borderline. There are just so many things to consider. Glad I still have three weeks to decide.</p>