<p>I really had dreams of going into med school, not sure for what but something. I decided to major in Biology because I thought it was the logical thing to do. I am attending a four year university that's ticket priced at 54,000 a year. It's my first semester... and I am sinking in my Biology lecture. I am on scholarship, and I really feel I am not going to get a good midterm grade in at least two of my classes. One, I am really questioning changing my major, the fact that i am not even doing well in a Biology 101 class makes me question where I could even get into or do well in med school. Or if I even want to major in Biology. Another thing is money, these are my pre reqs and I had to take out a 14,000 loan to pay for the rest of this year. Is it worth going to a college that I have to take out 14,000 a year for for just my pre requisites. I am really considering going to a community college. I just feel like I am really impacting my GPA by me getting a C or lower in these classes, and risking losing my scholarship, along with my loan. Should I just go to a community college? My thoughts are all over the place, and i don't know what else I could major in, I love english, but I know I cant run away from biology right? I'd probably still have to take a class like that at some point. You can probably tell I am an undergrad since i'm so unknowledgeable on this subject, but I could really use your help. Thanks</p>
<p>You can only answer this question. I think you should give your absolute best shot at your first year, and then decide. I heard that lots of med school are like a distorted bell curve, with difficulty level early on. Try your best and then decide. </p>
<p>First, med schools frown on community college classes, especially prereqs because they’re easier than at a 4-year college and thus not a strong enough preparation for med school.
Second, if you’re getting a C in Biology 101, you ought to consider med school through another major than biology, but you’re right to be questioning that choice. In any case, about half freshmen who came to college thinking they’d be premed change their mind. The first year classes are “weed out”: they make students who aren’t motivated enough and who can’t compete in that subject change their major for something they’ll be better at.
Note that you don’t need to major in biology to go to med school, but an A would be expected in all your science/math prereqs freshman year as it’s only going to get harder.
If the drop period has passed, stick it out. Go to Office Hours EVERY WEEK, no excuse. When you do the readings and the exercises, jot down questions about what you find difficult, and bring it to office hours to discuss. Register with the Tutoring center and get help, every day if necessary. </p>
<p>If you do NOT go to med school (and if you’re getting a C at midterm in Biology 101, it doesn’t look promising for an A - it’s mathematically impossible), staying at a good college is very important since the school has a larger effect on what happens next. It’s not very important if we’re talking public flagship vs. top private, but it’s important if we’re talking good college vs.community college, especially depending on your state (Nebraska vs. California, for instance), especially if you’re first gen (neither one of your parents has a college degree) or lower-income.
However, $14,000 in debt for your first year is way too much.
What college is this?
Are you first-gen or lower-income?
What classes are you taking right now, which ones do you like very much, which ones are you getting an A in?
What’s your parents’ budget?</p>