<p>Right now I am a Chemical Engineering major with a biomolecular concentration. The course work is extremely math-intensive; I have already completed Calc 1, 2, 3 and Differential Equations, as well as Calc-based Physics 1 without lab (it isi not required by my major).</p>
<p>I am thinking of changing to Biochemistry, as math has never been my strong suit, though I am capable of it. I know that it will bring my GPA down significantly to remain in this major; my fellow engineering students are shooting for 3.0s to be placed well in jobs, and in many classes it is not at all unusual for no one to get an A at all. My GPA is still very high, 3.9, but I know that it will not survive the onslaught of high level engineering courses, especially when many of them aren't even designed to give A's.</p>
<p>Upon discovering that med schools don't put a ton of importance on math and that GPA seems to be a more important factor, I've decided a biochemistry major would be a better option. That would mean that I would register for algebra-based physics II with lab next semester intsead of calc based. However, am I going to have to go back and re-do the lab? If so, would I do the calc based or algebra based lab for physics I? And is my impression that a biochemistry major is preferable for med school correct? My school offers an ACS Chemistry major as well, which seems more difficult than biochemistry (Calc-based physics is required, and many of the same courses as ChE without the engineering ones). Might that be a better option?</p>
<p>I need to get this all sorted out soon, as my registration is tomorrow of all days...</p>
<p>You need to talk to your premed advising office for this level of detail. They can help you figure out which physics course meets the medical school requirements. Do you have a regular academic advisor? I would have thought that the math in intro calculus-based physics would be trivial for someone who has done as much math as you have, with such high grades. In fact, speak with your advisor about your overall program through graduation. At many schools, you would have finished your required math for engineering. If you are getting A's in your math courses, as you apparently are, then you may find that, from a math point of view, it is all downhill sledding from here on. </p>
<p>You already have FAR more math than you need for medical school. FAR, FAR more math. You could have happily quit after one year of calculus. So taking even one day past differential equations is something you should do only if you like it.</p>
<p>As far as admissions committees are concerned, chemical engineering and biochemistry are equivalent majors for medical school. For that matter history and comparative literature are also viewed the same as quantum physics. They don't care much what you major in.</p>
<p>The only hesitation I have is that you have an eye-poppng GPA in engineering right now. You and your advisor should know the lay of the land for the upcoming courses, but you are certainly on track for admission to top medical schools with your record so far. There is a temptation to say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" about your academic performance at this point.</p>
<p>If you think you will get better grades in biochem, and you do not have burning desire to do engineering, then by all means switch. But how much better could your grades get?</p>
<p>You're right in that as of now, everything looks great. I do loathe math, but I am also very proficient in it. I will almost certainly get an A in Calc-based physics. It's not a question of whether I can do the math classes, it's more a question of the fact that the time it takes to study them and the engineering classes themselves are so boring and tedious to me that my life is a living hell. Classes like biology are much more interesting to me. I know I can do either major, probably with a lower GPA in engineering. But if medical schools assume I am in engineering because it is my passion, that couldn't be more off-base. If I were to not be accepted into med school and be forced to be a chemical engineer for the rest of my life, that would be the worst possible outcome imaginable.</p>
<p>Right now, it doesn't seem "broke." But I really don't know if this degree is setting me up to do well. Like I said, it is not designed for a certain base GPA. My school has such a good engineering reputation that even graduating from here is usually enough to get you a job; the classes aren't really designed, necessarily, for an A to be attainable in some cases! My classmates are aiming for a passing grade, while I am working myself to death for an A that I am not even expected to be able to get so I can have a certain GPA for med school. And if I fail, if my GPA is too low, then the price of that will be having a job that I hate. I want to do whatever the best choice is for med school; my goal is to be a doctor, not an engineer.</p>
<p>My only concern is that the biochem seems a lot easier, since it's without a lot of the math. I think I high GPA in that major might not even mean much. Unless, like you said, undergrad doesn't matter, in which case why would I waste my time killing myself in math courses that won't even matter in med school?</p>
<p>Calc or algebra-based physics is okay for med school. But they must have a lab component. I don't know how you can make up the lab portion of the physics course you have already taken.</p>
<p>I am inclined to say that you should take whatever courses interest you most, and it sounds like you would be happier as a biochem major. A couple things you might want to think about -</p>
<p>1) Do any of your Chem E classes also count for the biochem major?
2) How much farther do you have to go until you complete the Chem E major?</p>
<p>If you are almost done with the Chem E major, you might want to just stick it out, and take as many interesting upper-division bio classes as you can on the side. However, I hope you will be able to do what makes you happiest.</p>
<p>On another note, I wouldn't necessarily say that the biochem major is preferable for med school. If people can get in as English and Art History majors, you can get in as a Chem E major (especially with that GPA). Just make sure you've taken some upper division bio... which it sounds like you want to do anyways. Good luck, and I hope it turns out well!</p>
<p>I am only half way through my second year, which explains the high GPA. We haven't gotten into a lot of the heavy engineering work, and from my taste of it I know it will hurt my GPA.</p>
<p>As for the Physics... well, I am hoping that Calc-based physics with Physics honors (we did some lab stuff in there) will replace Algebra-based physics with lab. If not, it's not a big deal to go back some time and take the algebra lab. I'm sure it would be easy.</p>
<p>Oh, and part of my Biochem major includes 12 free electives. I can use my engineering and math classes for those. Ironically, it would take me less time to graduate if I switched majors than if I stay with the one I'm in.</p>
<p>i think youve answered ur own question. Your gpa is great, and you have a great alternative. If i were you, id switch. Just a warning, biochem aint no walk in the park, but its prolly easier than ChemE.</p>
<p>I'm in a similar situation, I'm a freshman CHME who wants to switch majors. Only difference is my grades for this semester aren't gonna be so great, its calc based physics 2 thats actually killing me. i know can get good grades, its just been a combination of unfortunate circumstances that have really hindered me this semester. It would seem like switching to biochem or something else would save me a lot of CHME torment, and i'd probably graduate faster. My only concern is if this is going to look like taking the easy way out? Also, I know that med schools are looking for different majors, are there any other majors that might make me more desirable?</p>
<p>Major does not matter for admissions. If you are struggling in your current major, and you don't plan to spend your career in it anyway, then switch. Bad first semester grades are not a good thing, but if you are going to get low grades, first semester of freshman year is the time to do it. Lots of people have problems making the adjustment to college. Talk with your advisor about your options for switching. </p>
<p>Changing majors in you freshman year cannot possibly harm your admissions chances.</p>