32 replies to this topic

[metallicsteel13]

I wanted to take the Biological sciences major because I want to go into the medical field for college. I thought it would help me the most because of AP Biology, Genetics, Human Anatomy and Organic Chemistry. My global teacher started talking about how one of his old students chose the chemistry major and how she felt that it helped her a lot when it came to her courses at Yale medical. Another teacher that I talked to said that organic chemistry will be really hard in college and that it's better that I take it in high school to gain a head start. So I'm stuck between choosing chemistry and bio-med.
If I take something hard in high school and if my grades drop, will it all be worth it? Is it possible that I might jeopardize my chances of getting in a good school with a 65 or 70 in organic chemistry? Would a college also look for experience? Which one would I be better off with?

[Mushrooms]

My global teacher started talking about how one of his old students chose the chemistry major and how she felt that it helped her a lot when it came to her courses at Yale medical.

Kivanoski right? LOL

[metallicsteel13]

Mushrooms, on 12 March 2010 - 11:45 PM, said:

Kivanoski right? LOL

Uh, yeah.

[MaiAndy]

College look at rigor (or at least that's what they tell you when you visit them) and they will take into account the fact the course is Advanced Placement. So it does help. Thought if you were to fail, that is a bad look either way. But also don't get all caught up with APs that all your grades drop.

[metallicsteel13]

For medical school, is a background in chemistry better than a background in biology?

[banapopy]

Well in either case you will need to take Organic Chem senior year (Chem or Bio). You should really pick which subject you are best at and would enjoy more. Both bio and chem would help you in med school, it's really a matter of how you're gonna tackle the process. Regardless you will need to retake both courses in college. I hear often that it is suggested to take AP Chem instead of AP Bio because chem is a lot harder in college and grasping the concepts in high school first would make life much easier in college, but that's really up to how you work and etc. But I mean other than that, in the end it really doesn't matter because its not like colleges look at your major and say one is harder than the other -- both Bio and Chem majors are pretty rigorous.

I'm thinking about med school too, but I like bio more so I picked bio-med. And Anatomy >>>> Quant. Sorry chem majors that's true haha.

[blackmanor1000]

I would think Anatomy would look better if you were considering going to Medical School. And if you just happen to wind up with Dr. Parlo as your Anatomy teacher, then grades will not be a concern.

[NickC]

She is currently the only anatomy teacher I believe.

How are you so sure that grades will not be a concern?

[blackmanor1000]

Dr. Parlo is a great teacher. I have her for Chemistry Honors and her class is incredibly fun and everyone does well in the class. I've seen one of her Anatomy classes a few times and even they get to do really fun-looking projects; all the seniors look like they're having a great time in her class too.

[Noldi]

Education should be based on personal satisfaction, not some double-digit numbers.

[MaiAndy]

Noldi, on 13 March 2010 - 09:25 PM, said:

Education should be based on personal satisfaction, not some double-digit numbers.

In an ideal world... or Reed College.

[blackmanor1000]

Noldi, on 13 March 2010 - 09:25 PM, said:

Education should be based on personal satisfaction, not some double-digit numbers.

Sure, but I was just saying that if you happen to get Dr. Parlo as your teacher, you wouldn't have to worry about your grades.

[NickC]

blackmanor1000, on 14 March 2010 - 09:31 AM, said:

Sure, but I was just saying that if you happen to get Dr. Parlo as your teacher, you wouldn't have to worry about your grades.

But it doesn't mean that you shouldn't work hard.

[Aldalome]

I didn't want to create a new topic - but I have the same question. What do I do if I still can't decide which major to pick even after the major fair? D:

I'm choosing between two majors that I really like - Math or Law.. and I just don't know which one to pick, because they are so different but I like both of them! >_> Math is good because I already have a lot of experience with math [math team and stuff], but sometimes I'm just not too creative for the math problems. And law is good because I like history, and talking. However, I don't always like talking, and I heard that if you can't talk in law you gonna basically fail. (oh, and ranking is no problem here)

Ugh... What do I doooo?!?! Stupid major system...

[metallicsteel13]

If you don't choose by the deadline, you're gonna be placed in whichever major has an empty seat for you. Either that, or College prep. For either Math or Law, choose the one that you think will benefit you the most. In almost any field, math is a must. Over time, you'll get used to each major anyway.

I think I wanna choose Biomed now cause taking Organic chemistry now will help for college and the extra classes seem pretty interesting. I kinda like AP Bio more than Chemistry and if it's necessary to take AP Chemistry, I'll take it in senior year.

[Aldalome]

Isn't the deadline this Friday?

[metallicsteel13]

Aldalome, on 14 March 2010 - 08:06 PM, said:

Isn't the deadline this Friday?

Yeah, it's this Friday. You should submit your choices now, in case you forget. If you change your mind before Friday, you can submit another order.

[Aldalome]

Well, I still don't know what to put first.. >_> Why can't we pick two majors at the same time!! >:O

Hm... will you stay with the same people for two years in L&S, just like in less populated majors (math for example)?

[banapopy]

BS. I have Dr. Parlo now and while we have loads of fun, she definitely does teach a lot of material and her tests are not a cakewalk. Just because she teaches one class one way doesn't mean she teaches another class the same way.

And pft. Reed College happens to be a really tough school... just because they drink a lot doesn't mean anything!

@Aldalome
Nope you do not.

[Hiromi]

Aldalome, on 14 March 2010 - 08:22 PM, said:

Well, I still don't know what to put first.. >_> Why can't we pick two majors at the same time!! >:O

Hm... will you stay with the same people for two years in L&S, just like in less populated majors (math for example)?

do you know what you want to major in college ? if you do then just pick the one that helps more ..

hehehehehehheeheheheh i know who you are heheheheehhehe .