I attend a prestigious four year university. This past year (freshman) I mainly took general education requirements and some math classes for pre med, but wanted to let myself settle in before I buried myself in labs/pre med coursework. However, after attending lots of research lectures, I am positive that I want to major in biochem. However, in order to graduate on time and be able to fulfill pre Ned reqs before I take the mcat my junior spring, I would have to take Chem 1 at my university this spring. Is taking this summer course in advisable even though it is at my own college?
Sorry for the typos. That was written on an iPhone. I would have to take Chem 1 this summer in order to be on track for biochemistry.
In comparison, if I majored in philosophy and fulfilled my pre med requirements, I would be fine not taking chemistry this summer, but I would be a philosophy major, not a biochem major…
Taking pre-med pre reqs during the summer is not recommended in general. However, you are talking about taking it at your regular university and it’s Chem 1-- which will be followed up by more Chem classes taken during the regular session. This won’t be a big issue for med school adcoms because you followed it up with harder classes taken with regular students. The problem is that will be condensed material during the summer session (they usually cover much less) and taught at a faster pace. Many classes during the summer are also taught by grad students vs, professors (who are on vacation-- especially at top colleges). Have you had AP Chem or a good high school Chem class?
You should pick whatever major you want- med school adcoms really don’t care what you choose. If you really want Biochem, take Chem 1 this summer and get back on track-- and be sure to schedule classes on track in the future. If you want philosophy, take philosophy!