Chem 1a or Bio 1b first semester?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
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<p>I'm an incoming freshman and am planning on being pre-med. Since I'm premed, I signed up for Chem 1A, but I've had many people (graduate students, siblings, etc. who have been to berkeley and have done premed) tell me that it's better to take Bio 1B first, before chem, because it's somewhat easier and a better class to start with your first semester since Chem 1A is supposed to be really hard and stuff. But other people have also told me to just take Chem 1A because that's what everyone does and there are a lot of study groups and stuff, but is it true that the science classes are easier when you take them at "non-traditional" times? If anybody knows anyone who has done/is doing premed, I need some input! </p>

<p>Also, can anybody tell me how the labs work for chem? are they really hard? do you get to choose your lab partner?</p>

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<p>Generally speaking, incoming freshman take Chem 1A fall and Bio 1B spring. Fall admits take Chem 1A spring and Bio 1B next fall. If you take Bio 1B in fall, there’s a greater chance that there will be more sophomores and juniors taking it at that time. Choosing one or the other also depends on your strengths/weaknesses in both classes.</p>

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<p>^ i think you mean spring admits take chem 1a in the spring and bio 1b in the fall.</p>

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<p>Looking over my post, I realized my mistake. Thanks for bringing that up.</p>