Ahhh!!!

[EthansMom]

yep, that is the recommended courseload. next quarter is calc2, the next chem, and bio.

Ah, but that's just a recommendation.

Check to see if it's possible ADD/DROP classes still. If you could drop into PreCalc for this semester for a refresher and then do Calc next semester, you would still be able to do the Biology thing, but it would take off some of the first-semester stress.

Also, check the prerequisites for the Chem and Bio classes. You could probably still take them next semester while you're taking Calc1.

But if you want to stick it out with the Calculus now, then definitely get some help now. Consider paying someone to tutor you -- lots of people on campus looking to make a few bucks. Don't miss your classes and do all of your assigned homework. Check all of your homework and ask the TA/prof/another student when you don't understand why your answer is wrong.

Good Luck!

 

[mudnuri]

Okay I'll jump in...being that Im in college now

1st- to those stating- check the add/drop.....be VERY careful with this. Dropping a course with 3-4 credits attached to it, can and does change your financial aid!....If you drop below full time, even by 1 credit you can and will lost part of your aid.

2nd- stop studying. No, seriously- only study for 30 minutes at a time then take a short 15-20 minute break. If you study for any longer than that, you are not going to be absorbing the information and frankly you'll be wasting your time.

I have Anatomy/Physiology and Psych right now, 2 courses that require an incredible amount of study/reading and it was starting to get to me. I am still carrying an A in both classes, however I did go into my A/P professors office after the last test (got an 81) to find out what I was doing wrong, and how I could better my test scores. She recommended the following

1. again, the 1/2 hour studying limit then break

2. form a study group with classmates, be VERY careful who you chose, you dont want to waste your time yacking. Limit it to 4-5 students

3. go to the learning center for test taking help- I'm sure your school has one check it out

4. If you start to feel as though you are falling behind GET HELP NOW...dont wait until you are behind. One thing with these types of classes (science espeically) is that they will build upon what you just learned.

5. RELAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BREATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REPEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL thats exactly her words there in Number 5!

Good luck sparx, and keep your chin up my dear, you'll get to the end and you'll look back and say- "damn that was hard, but I'm so very glad I did it" Trust me, being 29, with 2 kids and attending school isnt easy either...but just keep looking forward and push that way!

Brandy

 

[phillybeth]

On the other hand, if you are not going into medicine, what are your reasons for majoring in biology?

There are many many MANY things to do with a Bio major other than going to med school. Research, teaching, forensics, vet school, dentistry, chiropractic, opthamology, physical therapy, marine biology, zoologist, I could go on and on.

 

[icebrat001]

There are many many MANY things to do with a Bio major other than going to med school. Research, teaching, forensics, vet school, dentistry, chiropractic, opthamology, physical therapy, marine biology, zoologist, I could go on and on.

Trust me, I know that there are many many things to do with a bio major other than Medicine. However, many people major in Bio because they are under the impression that they MUST major in biology in order to attend medical school.

Biology in my opinion is a very fun and exciting major, however this is coming from a science junky, but to some Biology is not for th em and I was just wondering why she was taking bio.

I was in no way type or form attempting to say that Bio is only for pre-meds. I should've rephrased that.

 

[Caradana]

Hi Spam, where are you at school? I ask because maybe we can help you do a little research on how to restructure this courseload. The courses you're taking matches my recommended curriculum when I was a freshman engineering major, but I remember that there were definitely ways around that. Let us help. D

 

[tubaman]

You can still fall back on the fact that you are a Prime Minister.

 

[LK03]

Do you usually sit near the same students in Calc? If so, do you talk with them, are they having a hard time with the material? If not, ask them politely for help, I'm sure they'd be willing to help out. I didn't have any problem with math classes until Calculus, that was a killer and people do drop and retake that course all the time.

Also, don't over work yourself. It's college, take breaks, visit friends, go to Wal*Mart, it will keep you sane.

I'm quite surprised that is your schedule for your first semester. At my school your first semester had some basic courses for your chosen major but for the most part had a lot of requirements like English or History. How many credits are you you taking? If you're taking more than you can handle don't be afraid to drop a course so you can concentrate and do better on those other courses.

Keep us updated

 

[iggbees]

my first semester consisted of taking...

biology 101 - intro to bio
chemistry 101 - intro to chem
calculus 1
spanish 200 - second level spanish

after that, it just got more difficult. i never had to take any intro classes in english, history, or any of those courses, i took upper level ones starting sophomore year. i was a spring admit, but not a transfer student (basically i just was told to come in the spring, not the fall), and because of that i had to complete my degree in 3.5 years, which i did by taking courses over the summer. it was hard, but i did it.

if you can though, take a course you really like next semester. it's not like you are not going to finish your major if you take a few courses that aren't in it. i decided to take art classes and i loved them. i also joined the choir when i got to school, which is something that i participated in all through high school. my best friend in college was in the choir with me and she was another science student, so it was nice to have her to study with. it really does help to take breaks, don't over work yourself. we only retain something like 10% of what we learn in a day .

 

[Equidae]

Bio is tough. That's just the way it is. I got my BS in biology (minor in chem and phsyc) several years ago and I know how hard it can be. The first year is usually a 'weeding' out year. Many people don't make it through the first or second semseter before switching. Honestly, your schedule could be much worse for a first semester. It's a lot, but I think you are getting of easy. What chem are you in? General? If you are having trouble with general chem (lord knows I did) then organic chem may actually be easier for you (less formula, more theory). For the bio, get yourself LOTS of flashcards. Bio is just memorazation for the most part (only a few math things here and there -- dilutions, etc). As for calc, have you taken any precalc classes before? I know I had advisors that made sure I was ready for the harder stuff. Why did you choose this major? If you aren't looking to go to professional school (med, dental, vet) when you are done and just want to work in a lab or acedemia, you can get by with slightly lower grades (NOTHING lower than C at the least), especially at first. I work as a research scientist which I find more rewarding that medicine (something I thought hard about and shadowed for a while). Hang in there. I found it very worth it and my senior year was actually my easiest since I was done with all the 'required' courses and got to take classes I wanted to -- Genetics, Immunology and Biochem.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My first semester was really difficult freshman year--and I was a television production major!

No advice on the Calc...it has long left my brain. But have you thought of getting a study partner....one who excels at the subject.

That was how I tackled Calc 2 (which I voluntarily took like a fool!). My study partner was a very hot looking but incredibly smart student--I forgot his major...but something in the sciences. It really made a difference.

 

[sharbear]

Dana, Sparx is at The Ohio State University (sorry! had to say it that way). I know it's hard Sparx, and it sounds like you have a hard Freshman 1st Quarter.

Can you find someone, anyone to help you with Calc. My DS is taking AP Calc and I know that it's complicated and hard. He was having a few problems with a concept and went to a study group with a tutor. He came home so happy, "Mom, the way the tutor explained it, it's so easy and when the teacher explained it, I didn't understand." Try to find someone to help you, I understand that the help center is closed for the weekend (and what a dumb concept that is!) and I don't know where your dorm is, but do you or your sister know an engineering major. Maybe you could pay him or her to do some emergency tutoring to get you through this quiz. If you know no one, try the engineering library and there should be a million postings in there advertising math tutors.

If none of these ideas are workable, try doing example problems out of the book. And don't panic!

No matter what happens, Monday morning go to the help center and get some help.

 

[Just2554]

I, too, am a freshman this year and let me give you some quick advice. Just take a moment and breathe. You have a very difficult course load and if you stress yourself out and try and cram everything in, you're going to lose your mind. Try and study a little bit each day instead of all together and look in to a tutoring center. I know my school has one that has alot of hours, I'm sure your school has one too.

Also, consider taking one class just for fun next semester, it'll make your life so much more enjoyable. A good friend of mine is also a biology major and she's taking biology, genetics, chemistry, and calculus and is doing terribly. It's too late for her to drop anything, but she wishes she had taken a closer look at her work ethic and substituted one of these more difficult classes for something fun. My school requires you to take so many general education credits (classes not related to your major, just for fun) so that you're well-rounded, but also so that you get a breather from your major.

I know core classes (and such tough ones) are no fun, but you gotta stick them out. It's important to focus on them and learn because everything builds on the previous class. I'm an accounting major and although I don't necessarily enjoy all my core classes, I'm stuck until I get deep into the stuff I love. Taking something on the side, such as a film analysis class or an art class, helps me relax.

Good luck. I salute you for taking on all those science classes. I'd have dropped out of college by now if I was in your shoes.