<p>I am really interested in Amherst, and though I might not major in a science, I will definitely take a lot of sci courses.
Can any student (or friend/relative of an Amherst student) help me understand the difficulty of science classes? I understand that most are tough, and I totally applaud the challenge. At the same time, I don’t want it to be impossible to get an A in a class, even with hard work. (I read in another post that only 1-2 students get A’s in some chemistry classes.)
I would REALLY appreciate the input. :)</p>
<p>The science classes are difficult, but manageable. My D took Chem 11 and Chem 12 this past year and made A's in both (there were definitely other students who did better than she in these courses). She had a questionable background in HS chem, but worked hard and found the courses challenging, but not overwhelming. The average grade in chem 15 was higher than that in Chem 11 (as it should have been as the course was at a higher level for an intro couse than its Chem 11 counterpart). You need to look at the Amherst premed website and realize that a 3.1 average in the core science curriculum at Amherst will likely get you into med school (if that is your goal).
If you love Amherst and want to be there, don't let fear of the science curriculum dissuade you.</p>
<p>thanks so much!!
im really looking forward to visiting amherst this fall</p>
<p>I've only taken intro chem and physics, but so far, they haven't been that difficult, though they do make you think. Intro chem classes were fairly straight forward. It is the physics classes that make you think a lot, at least the one I took, which was the intro E/M class for possible majors or anyone who wants more of a challenge. It was my hardest class that semester, but it isn't hard to get decent grades generally if you try.</p>