<p>I applied to UT because of its incredible academic programs, but I've been reading on some of the threads that the chemistry major is one of the hardest programs. Someone said that the retention rate was 50%??? I have put chemistry as my major, since I want to either become a chemist or pharmacist (maybe even a physician). What are the real facts about the major and what do you recommend?</p>
<p>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't know a thing about the chemistry department... but I recommend that if it interests you and is something you want to do, then do it. Don't let the difficulty (which is always subjective) stop you.</p>
<p>i dont go to UT or am a science major...</p>
<p>but i would recommend you take it easy...dont be afraid of taking just 12 credits (especially your first semester) as you figure out if chemistry is right for you...</p>
<p>you can catch up in the summer (with your electives) while focusing on the core requirements in the spring and fall...</p>
<p>I also want to know this. I might switch my major to chemistry because I'm thinking I might pursue a career in the pharmacy field.</p>
<p>Anyone else care to post their advice? Any relevant information is helpful.</p>
<p>Hello, there, I actually go to the University of Texas at Austin and I can say that the Chemistry and Biochemistry department is quite difficult. (For example, I believe the average GPA of biochemistry majors is around a 2.8 or so). However, it is doable if you have sufficient motivation and don’t overwork yourself.</p>
<p>I’m actually a Biochemistry major, and I can say that since I share most of my coursework with Chemistry majors, that you should not be a Chemistry major if you’re wishy-washy about your decision – however, if you really want to do it, do it. UT-Austin’s Chemistry and Biochemistry department is excellent.</p>
<p>The average GPA is 2.8?! What is your GPA, Chiasmus? How would you say most of the Chem majors are like? The party animals? Or students that somewhat study?</p>
<p>Wow, I’m really nervous now…I do extremely terrible on tests. I probably will go to UT anyways.</p>
<p>BTW: Can you pursue a pharmacy-related occupation without a pre-pharm degree? If this is the case, should I double-major Chemistry and Pre-Pharm or is that just a terrible idea?</p>
<p>There is no such thing as a pre-pharmacy major. To apply to the college of pharmacy, you have to meet their prerequisites, which can be found on on the UT College of Pharmacy (COP) website. You can declare whatever major you want (bio, chem, etc) then apply to the COP after you meet the prereqs, which can be done in two years.</p>
<p>Ok, just making sure. Thanks.</p>
<p>Also, how would I go about switching from engineering to a science like biology or chemistry? Can someone explain the process in-depth that I can change my major. I am thinking about faxing them a request but I don’t know if it would be too late or not. Also, am I too late to switch now or can it still be possible?</p>
<p>nitinkarya, switching from the College of Engineering to the College of Natural Sciences is very easy since the natural sciences department is so big and can accept many students. Although I cannot explain it in-depth, the process would include calling them to explain that you’re changing majors and then going to the summer orientation and finalizing your major transfer.</p>
<p>nitinkarya</p>
<p>I responded on to your other post about this in another thread. Just drop by the office in WCH and fill out the one page form. You don’t need an appointment or to see an advisor. You’ll be in and out in five minutes.</p>
<p>Fiyero, after I fill out the form, how fast will my major be switched? Also, could I wait until orientation to do this or should I go before then? I want to get it done before orientation because I think I will be busy taking placement tests and doing other stuff.</p>
<p>You can do it at orientation. When I did mine, the change took effect immediately following the completion of that semester. Orientation? Are you not already a student? Yes, I would imagine you can do it at orientation.</p>
<p>No I’m not a student currently. I will be a freshman this fall. Do you think I should fax them a request that I want to change my major just in case there are no spots left during orientation? Also, will I be able to transfer without any problems? I want to transfer as soon as possible so that I can sign up for the right classes at orientation.</p>
<p>This is an easy transfer and there will be sessions at orientation where they will explain what you need to do and help you make sure you register for the right classes in the fall. This move is much easier than a move in the other direction (natural sciences TO engineering).</p>
<p>So I shouldn’t worry/do anything right now and just wait until orientation? I’m scared that if I wait that long then I won’t be able to take the classes that I need (the pre-requisites for the pharmacy school). I want to be able to knock all of the prerequisites out in 2 years and try to get into pharmacy school after 2 years undergrad. I have some AP credit so far and hopefully I’ll get some more this year. So far I have AP Calculus and AP English Language and Composition. I hope to get AP Statistics, AP English Literature, and AP U.S. Government this year.</p>
<p>Anyone have any advice/recommendations for me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.</p>
<p>The pre-pharm prereq. classes you take your first year are all lower division courses (bio 311d, ch 301, m 408c, etc), if for some reason you can’t transfer you can still take these courses. If you want to do the two year plan, I suggest you do some research, so that you are prepared. It takes more than just getting A’s to get into pharmacy school.</p>