<p>I'm a Biological Sciences Major planning to transfer to UC Davis, I won't be able to fit either semester of Organic Chemistry into my schedule unless I stay another year. (I would prefer not to spend 3 years at a CC).</p>
<p>On Assist it is "strongly recommended" that I complete the O-chem series to move efficiently towards graduation, but if I don't will they be more likely to reject me?</p>
<p>I'm not applying with the TAG.</p>
<p>O-chem: How many O-chem classes will you be missing? 2 right?</p>
<p>Will you have done all the required prereqs?</p>
<p>Yes, I’ll have completed all the required pre-reqs.</p>
<p>Two O-chem classes are strongly recommended, which I will not be taking.</p>
<p>Also found out that it is highly recommended I take all three Biology courses, and I’ll only be taking two courses at my CC. Will this also hurt my chances?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I recommend that you take all three courses in the biology series as well as all recommended o-chem classes.</p>
<p>Other applicants will complete those classes and thus look very competitive to admissions officers. </p>
<p>I know you don’t want to spend 3 years at a CC, but I’ve known one or two STEM majors who’ve had to stay for 3 years to complete their requirements. In general, it’s a very good idea to stay for 3 years and take the necessary lower division classes. Most science, math, and engineering majors stay for 3 years or so at their CCs.</p>
<p>Honestly, you should spend another year at CC. O-chem is a pre-requisite for many of your upper-division courses. </p>
<p>Idk if its even possible for you to finish Davis in 2 years if you transfer without it. Finish O-chem unless paying for 3 years of Davis is not a problem for you.</p>
<p>Wow can I really not finish in two years unless I take O-Chem? I know it’s a pre-req for Bio Chem, but if I’m a Microbiology major is it a pre-req for Microbiology or Genetics?</p>
<p>Find the schedule of classes for Davis and see what pre-reqs are needed for what. And what classes you will take.</p>
<p>At UCSC, it really seems like it would be a nightmare to finish in two years. Biochem is a pre-req for a lot of required courses, including Microbio. Not needed for genetics.</p>
<p>A couple people I met at orientation transferred without it, meaning they cant take Biochem until the last quarter of junior year. If you’re willing to have a very busy senior year, you could do it. But it seems like a bad idea to me.</p>
<p>I would say apply this year. If you do not get accepted, then you know what you need to do. If you get accepted, then you’re good. I’m not a science major, so maybe I’m over simplifying, but that’s my 2 cents.</p>
<p>Chances are if you have a decent GPA, probably around 3.4+ for Davis, you’ll still be admitted without the o-chem series completed. I was admitted to Davis 2-3 years ago without taking o-chem. That being said, any lower division courses you can get out of the way in CC can only help you in terms of admission. Missing one of the biology prereqs is more likely to hurt you than o-chem, so prioritize that if you can. </p>
<p>Also, you should be aware that sometimes if you only complete part of a series, like 2 out of 3 bio classes, you may end up having to take more classes than you anticipate to make up that missing part of the series. One of my good friends took 3 out of 4 bio preqs in CC and he had to take 2 additional bio classes when he enrolled here at UCSD, despite appealing for credit. If you’re admitted missing that one bio class, just know it may not be a direct one to one substitution when you transfer. </p>
<p>Lastly, as others have mentioned any time you miss lower division courses that are required to enroll in upper division classes it’s going to set you back. Missing one class might be okay, but missing three will likely set you back a quarter or two. Ochem tends to be a prereq for other classes as you mentioned Biochem. Biochem can also be a prereq for classes also, for example Molecular Bio (I’m not sure if you have to take that or if that’s the prereq sequence at Davis). Chances are your one missing bio course is going to be a prereq for other upper divs also. At worst it could set you back significantly so that you have to stay another year or at best it puts you in a situation where you have to stick to a very strict 2 year plan when you transfer. One that could be jeopardized if a class you need fills up or is canceled. Anyway, regardless I’d still encourage you to apply and see if you get admitted. Just be aware of all the possible drawbacks there might be even if you’re accepted missing those prereqs.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I assume this is the plan you’re talking about: [Biology</a> B.S. at UC Santa Cruz](<a href=“http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/programs/biol/biolbs-transplans.html]Biology”>http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu/programs/biol/biolbs-transplans.html)</p>
<p>The plan for students to take Ochem their junior year. It doesn’t seem too bad my senior year, one or two upper division science courses per quarter. I might actually go to UCSC instead of Davis if this plan works out.</p>
<p>Does it seem viable?</p>
<p>It is viable. Some bio majors might be slightly more difficult since they require more courses with biochem as a pre-req.</p>
<p>But you’ll be busy. Junior year you’ll have 2 labs each quarter. Summer school is an extra expense (rent, etc). I would look into your Biology situation more, because that would also need to be taken your junior year. </p>
<p>And it may get messy should you not get into one of your junior classes. However, they are kind enough to reserve seats for transfer students for biochem, ochem and genetics. I had no problem.</p>
<p>Btw, when they say elective they mean any upper division Bio course</p>
<p>So which would you say is more important for transfer and graduation since I can’t take both Ochem and 2 Bios in the same semester? If I could only pick one, Completion of the bio sequence, or the ochem sequence?</p>
<p>Because I always hear that O-chem is a pre-req to many upper division courses. But what about the entire BIO series?</p>
<p>Bio is definitely more crucial than O chem. The full year of Bio is a hard requirement for admission.</p>