Hi
I just got accepted to UCSB UC Davis and UC Berkeley and right now Berkeley is my top choice (I love the location and academic atmosphere the best). I’m looking to major in Pubjlic Health (if I get into the major) but my end goal is med school. I’m a bit concerned with the grading at Berkeley because I know it’s extremely hard to get an A in the pre med courses (aka weeder courses).
Any advice on how to study and manage my time? Has anyone gotten an A in classes like chem 1a/al? I know I have to work hard (6-10 hours of studying each day, going to office hours, studying with gsi and groups) I’m willing to put in the time.
For my first semester I’m planning to take chem 1a/al math 16a and phychology 1. Is that a good course load for my first semester?
Am I better off just going to UCSB and having a chance at a 4.0?
Thanks everyone
Hey! I’m a second semester freshman majoring in environmental science but many of the courses are the same for any science majors. I took math1a, chem1a, spanish 2, and a decal my first semester and got a B, A, A, P respectively. Getting A’s is definitely possible but it takes a lot of time, and for me I think what made the difference was that I was actually interested in the subjects. I read everything carefully because I liked it. Find your internal motivation, something that drives you, and you’ll be just fine.
Office hours are key! You’d think all the pre-meds would be flooding office hours but nope, not at all, my math professor and I have had lots of one and one interesting conversations because I just go to office hours even if I don’t have any questions. I also do all types of problems not until I get them right, until I don’t get them wrong.
Berkeley > UCSB. Seriously. It’s hard here, sure. But it’s going to be nothing compared to med school.
Thank you so much… This really helps! I’m definitely leanining towards Cal. If I do end up going would you mind if I email or message you during my first semester with any questions… You seem to be the only person I know who was able to do well.
Again thanks for your help!