<p>I am a freshman at a top-rated university planning to major in applied math/econ and am planning my next term schedule.
So far, I have these classes:
Multivariable Calculus
Electricity and Magnetism
Introductory Economics
Introduction to Logic
Introduction to Biology <em>required for everyone</em></p>
<p>-I am planning on working in finance after graduation (preferably in a quantitative position), so biology is definitely not my focus. Would it hurt my chances at future jobs if I took the biology course pass/fail? The other courses are known to be very tough, and I'd like to really learn the material in the first 4 courses, not just skim by, as I have been doing so far (just barely doing the HW, cramming for tests, not really understanding everything at a deep level). In addition, I'd like to raise my GPA, which is kind of shot right now (3.6). Do you think future employers, scholarship committees, etc will care if I take a bio course pass/fail?</p>
<p>I think that schedule is too heavy, unless if you've already studied that material thoroughly before. Anyway, nothing wrong with taking the Bio course Pass/Fail, just make sure you pass.</p>
<p>You have very difficult courseload. I think taking the Biology course pass/fail is an excellent idea and should not have any impact on your future. However, introductory biology can be tough without some dedication so you'll have to make sure you're keeping up.</p>
<p>The tendency when taking a pass/fail course is to let it slide....just be careful and you should be fine. Good luck.</p>
<p>I am a big fan of taking courses Pass/Fail outside your major and that you don't need as "foundation" for other courses. </p>
<p>I don't expect it will have any effect on future employment, etc.</p>
<p>Minor point: if you were ever transfer, sometimes (often times?) P/F credits will not transfer or will transfer iff you can document that your letter grade would have been C or better.</p>
<p>You might want to verify with a counselor that the course will still count towards your requirements, then I don't think it would be a huge deal. I know for my undergrad degree we were only allowed to use P/F credit as free electives and not to fill up mandatory requirements, though.</p>