<p>Hey! I'm going to be a college sophomore next year and I have been seriously considering switching my major for a few months now. I am currently a biology major and I was thinking of switching to environmental science (population/organismal ecology track). I am strongly interested in conservation biology and ecology, and my plan was to go to graduate school for conservation biology. My question is: will it look bad for schools if I am basically going into a biology program and I didn't even major in that? My reasons for switching my major have to do with the fact that the other track's courses fit my interests a lot better, whereas a general biology major has me taking a a full year of organic chemistry, a full year of physics, and 4 courses in microbiology. The EVS option has me taking conservation biology courses, ecology courses, statistics, and a couple genetics and microbiology courses as well, so it isn't a huge leap from a general bio major. So what do you think? Will grad schools think negatively of the switch (since it means I am skipping organic Chem. and a semester of physics)?</p>
<p>Your school’s gen bio major requires 4 courses in microbiology?? Man, that’s pretty intense.</p>
<p>My best advice has two parts: First, look at the websites for grad programs you think you might want to go to. See if there’s a consensus as to what courses these programs require–that will help you decide. Second, I’d be just a little wary of skipping organic chem and physics 2… are you certain you don’t want to go into one of the bioscience fields? Those programs usually require o-chem, a year of physics, and calc. If you take those courses, you’ll have more options down the road in case you change your mind.</p>
<p>Also, How competitive is grad school? Especially for biology programs? What should I do to get an edge up?</p>