<p>Hi, as an incoming freshman, I heard that it is hard to achieve a good gpa at UCSD. I wanna be able to have fun and go out with friends but maintain a 3.7 and above. I'm going in as a biochem/ cell biology major.</p>
<p>I really don’t see the point of asking this question because whether it will happen or not depends entirely on your time management skills and work ethic. If you allocate time in your day to studying for your classes, I don’t see why you would have to worry about getting your desired GPA. </p>
<p>However, just know that this isn’t like high school where your grade is inflated by a bunch of homework and quizzes and filler exercises. For the vast majority of your major classes you’ll probably have maybe 2-3 midterms and a final that will account for 75-90% of your grade (so mainly tests). Of course, some classes may be easy (for you) and some may be hard, but you should never slack off until the whole class is finished. </p>
<p>Also, just know that graduating with a 3.7 very likely puts you within the top 15% of your graduating class (you will be eligible for the Latin honors like Cum Laude) which is by no means an easy feat, Once again, I’d like to reiterate my point that this isn’t like high school where you’re competing with a melange of individuals basically mandated by law to go to your school and attending your school based on district lines. College is a conglomeration of people who are just as talented (on paper) as you. If you roll into any UC thinking that you’ll not study for tests because high school was just that easy you’ll take a major GPA beating. Just because you’re in the top 1% of your high school class of 600 won’t mean that it’ll be the same process to get into the top 15% of your college graduating class of 8000+. It won’t be impossible of course, but you probably will have to prioritize it over a lot of your other activities. </p>
<p>Your freshman year will probably be easy despite what I’ve said above. Use it to get acclimated to life at school and don’t kill yourself on classes. Basically use it to test the waters and get a feel out for the amount of units you feel comfortable taking, all while developing social contacts with a close group of friends, because quite frankly you’ll get so busy (if you are pre-med especially) with extracurriculars in your 2nd and 3rd years that you won’t have much free time to develop close relationships outside of your major/profession. </p>
<p>Welp, that’s basically all I have to say. If you need any more advice, I’d be happy to help (though I’m only a 2nd year myself). I was just taking a break from studying for a midterm. Gotta get back to the grindstone now. Good luck and have fun.</p>
<p>It totally depends on each individual’s ability, hard to say.
I would say maybe usually it’s very hard to get around 3.7 but I know a person who is a bio major and usually get A’s no matter what and she parties a lot, dances in a team, does a lot of stuff.</p>
<p>Completely depends on how well you can do. Some people can do 4.0 and party and join frats. Others focus completely on school and struggle to stay over 3.0. UCSD Biochem is very difficult, can get quite demanding. If you devote yourself to it you can stay on top of it, and if you do very well you’ll have time for friends, definitely. But it won’t be easy if that’s what youre asking. 3.7 is very very very good at UCSD IMO, especially in Biochem</p>
<p>Interesting conversation ! I would contend that one very important factor is adaptability. Give your professor what he/she wants, if in doubt ASK. Don’t be so set in your high school ways of doing things. Figure out what is effective for you in each class. Identify and use resources.</p>
<p>The very fact that you have a goal in mind tells me you will probably do just fine. The challenge level will be high but your desire and commitment to do well will pull you through.
Good luck</p>