Hi, I was recently accepted to my top choice school (University of Minnesota) into the College of Biological Sciences, which is what I was hoping for. I am super excited about this but also have some concerns. My first question is, how difficult is the course work for CBS? I love U of M because of the cities but I’m concerned that the course work might be too difficult for me to ever enjoy it. I have a 3.91 GPA and a 31 ACT but I also come from a smaller school where the course work may not be as hard as at other places, and I’ve only ever taken 2 AP classes (which I’ve done fine in). I guess I’m really just asking how challenging is the school? I want to be challenged and I have no problem with studying but I also want to have some fun since it is college. Also does anyone have a list of the average courses for your freshman year? How many hours a week would you say you spend studying? Thanks!
What is your major in mind? Here is a sample plan for Biology. I can pull up a sample plan for other majors as well.
Thank you! I was actually planning on majoring in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development.
Where do you get course lists for each major?
I’m not a biology major, but I found that helpful! Could you possibly put one up for Economics major? I got in from Washington a few weeks ago! Thanks!!
@SJ3107 I have no idea about the particulars of the U of M in your chosen field; however, I do know that pretty much anywhere you go with that major you are going to be working hard. But if it’s a field you truly enjoy you will hopefully love the work and the challenge. Everyone needs to get out and on the town for sanity’s sake - but don’t pass up this excellent opportunity just because of the perceived workload. You’ll get out what you put into it so your only “concern” should be that you do your best. BTW, anyone with a 31 ACT is going to be able to handle hard academic work. Friendly advice from a mom. 
Econ BA sample: https://webapps-prd.oit.umn.edu/pcas/viewCatalogSamplePlan.do?samplePlanId=39713&programID=101&programSeq=37986&campus=UMNTC
Econ BS sample: https://webapps-prd.oit.umn.edu/pcas/viewCatalogSamplePlan.do?samplePlanId=38713&programID=105&programSeq=36806&campus=UMNTC
Here is links to requirements for all Undergrad majors. On each major page, you can find requirements, sample plans, and other useful information.
@SJ3107 … you had asked about hours needed for studying.
Typically, they say to plan on 2-3 hours per credit. Since a typical semester enrollment is 13-16 credits, that means you should expect between 30 and 50 hours of studying in addition to your class time. A strong student might not need that much, but it’s a good baseline expectation to start from. That number will fluctuate A LOT- some weeks you’ll have next to no studying, and the week before midterms or finals it will feel like there aren’t enough hours in the week to study and sleep/eat/do anything else. And some classes (like Freshman Comp) won’t need that much time- others may demand more.
CBS is a challenge, but I agree with @Mamelot - a 31 ACT and self-admitted strong student won’t have a problem taking on the challenge. CBS also has a good network of students in the same boat as you, so you will find study-buddies. There will be plenty of time to have fun as well.
The only recommendation I’d have is to make sure you don’t overdo it your first semester here. CBS academic advisors will help you with that. They want you to succeed.
Thanks for the advice guys! And for the economics course load 
Hey guys I’m really confused… How many semesters are there in an academic year at the U? Because there are classes starting in the Spring/Summer/Fall… And how long does a Summer semester last?
Just two semesters- Spring and Fall.
Summer session is minimal- some classes will be offered, but not a lot. Most students take the summer off to work full time or do research or intern or study abroad.
Summer session runs roughly from the end of May to the middle of August- but individual classes may run 4, 8, 10 or 13 weeks, depending on the content.
They make sure to finish up all summer classes the before the State Fair begins- the twelve days leading up to Labor Day. Fall semester starts the day after Labor Day (which is also the last day of the State Fair).
The potential hardest classes for many CBS students–depending on the specific major requirements and prior aptitude-- are Physics, Organic Chemistry, and Development of the Nervous System. Advanced prep work over the summers in targeted areas can be very helpful.