Major Decisions

<p>I was accepted a few weeks ago but have not heard back from my major. I have a pending Biology major, and I know it's a minimum requirement major - nothing 'hard' to get into unlike some majors such as Computer Science. I'm still on 'pre-science' on my unofficial transcript, but I know people who have gotten Biology majors already. I don't feel like I'm 'inferior' to them in terms of test scores, AP Bio grades, gpa, etc.</p>

<p>Does anyone know how the Bio department handles the freshman applications into their major? Anyone know if all the letters regarding majors are mailed out all at once?</p>

<p>I'd go ask the counselors at the UW chat room but it keeps crashing on my computer.</p>

<p>Edit: I'm starting to freak out, and although I know that people generally get their letters in the Spring, I know people who have gotten their Bio major who got accepted after I did. <em>mind is spinning</em></p>

<p>Biology is actually one of the most competitive majors at UW</p>

<p>It’s a ‘minimum requirement’ major though</p>

<p>I am waiting for this major as well. I’m not sure if I passed the minimum requirements though… I got a 3 on the AP Biology exam. Does that amount for anything at UW?</p>

<p>Oh yeah another question, do they look at your AP test scores when placing you in a major? How DO they decide, anyway? Do they also look at SAT/ACT and GPA?</p>

<p>You cant be “placed” directly into biology as far as I know. You have to take introductory Bio classes to get in. More info here [UW</a> Biology - Admissions](<a href=“http://www.biology.washington.edu/index.html?sdiv=UG&navID=44]UW”>http://www.biology.washington.edu/index.html?sdiv=UG&navID=44)</p>

<p>If I cannot be placed directly into biology, then can I get my computer science major? I’d like to double major in those two because I enjoy them. Why do they give ‘biology’ as an option if you cannot be placed into it?</p>

<p>You need to take at least Biol 180 at UW (and no, the AP test doesnt place you out of this…you get credit for Biol 161 & 162, which don’t even exist anymore because of the budget cuts…I would recommend not even sending your scores, because at least for me…all it does is push me closer to not making “satisfactory academic progress” and graduating on time…I would talk to your counselor (at UW) though and see what she says). But anyway, once you take Biol 180 and get a 2.5 then you apply, and everyone who meets the requirements gets in.</p>

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<p>Thanks UW Student! Could I take BIOL 180 first quarter?</p>

<p>Yes, you can take it during fall quarter…if you can get in. It’s a popular class and it does fill up pretty fast (and incoming freshman are one of the last groups that get to register). However even if you can’t get in right away, you should be able to watch the time schedule closely and find a spot eventually.</p>

<p>Thank you! Can I take other classes to work towards a biology major while I wait for that specific class to open up?</p>

<p>Yes, there is a lot of stuff you can take…</p>

<p>Check out these websites for some ideas (although a lot of the courses will have Biol 180 as a prereq…</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_09-10.pdf[/url]”>http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_09-10.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_08-09.pdf[/url]”>http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_08-09.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_07-08.pdf[/url]”>http://www.biology.washington.edu/pdf/UG/degreeCourses_07-08.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You could also take Chem, I know a lot of kids who can’t get into Biol 180 go ahead and start their Chemistry series. Also math is needed for the biology degree…you could take calculus or something like that.</p>

<p>Awesome! So last year I took Calculus (scored a 4) and this year I’m taking Statistics (I’m doing really well in the class). Could I use any credits I get from them towards my Bio major, or would UW perfer me take THEIR math classes? *I talked to an admissions officer and she says that I should probably retake Biology at UW since they want everyone ‘on the same page’ for Bio</p>

<p>You can definitely use your credits towards the Bio major. You might want to retake it if you are feeling like you don’t remember anything, but honestly I have never heard of anyone retaking Calc because UW wants them to take UW math classes. </p>

<p>I think for Bio they are wanting everyone to be on the same page, because obviously the intro to biology classes are very central to the major. And also, the intro to biology classes are very often a prerequisite to other biology classes. So that’s another reason why it is important that everyone is on the same page…they just want to be sure that everyone has studied the same topics. But I wouldn’t say the same for math. If you want to use your credits, I would say go ahead and use them. Check with your adviser if you want to be sure though.</p>