Hi everyone.
I just finished my freshman year of college. I am majoring in biology right now. I was just wondering if someone could give me some advice or commentary about what I should be doing because I need some guidance.
My first semester I took general bio (cell bio), general chem, general chem lab, calculus 2, anthropology, freshman seminar. I got a B in gen bio, a B- in general chemistry, A in chem lab, an A- in calc 2, A in anthropology and A in freshman seminar.
Second semester freshman year I took general bio (organismal), gen chem 2, gen chem lab 2, soc 100, psych 100, and started doing research. I got a B in gen bio, B in gen chem, A in gen chem lab, A- in soc, and B+ in psych.
My cumulative GPA right now is a 3.37 and my science GPA is somewhere around a 3.17.
I am worried because I got low grades in my science courses. I did not slack off this year and I worked hard. I just feel like my chances are significantly reduced because of my low performance this year. Any advice or comments?
thank you in advance
Yes you’ve made it harder for yourself, but don’t give up hope. Both S’s GPAs were below 3.2 at end of freshman year. He’s an MD and will start his last year of residency in a few weeks. Try to stop worrying and try ASAP (along with your school’s student services (counselors, tutors) to identify the reasons for the disparity between your hard work and grades. What went wrong, what could you do better (eg, stay more on top of material, not cram, seek help earlier in term if you’re getting lost, not eliminate social life but have a better balance between social and academics, read all req readings, find old tests from any given prof to study, learn to take better notes, etc). Grades must come up soon as every grade below an A (especially in science courses) will be to your detriment. You may have to throttle back on research and other ECs as raising your grades is job number one. This could mean you not apply to med school until after graduating. You might rethink need to take 5-6 courses every semester as med schools don’t care so much about rigor. Good luck.
I’m concerned that the student is getting B’s in the chosen major. That doesn’t bode well for upper-division.
Re-assess your situation after organic chem 1 & 2 in your second year. Be warned, they are considered much harder than general Bio/Chem.