Need help choosing between two courses (a little long, sorry)?

Question

I'm in college and I'm registered for psychology, but classes haven't started. I got my books and started flipping through the psychology book. I'm actually quite disappointed. It seems like useless pseudoscience. I have a real love of biology and did well in my high school AP bio class. It's not too late to change my schedule, but the problem is that I've been out of school so long that I'm afraid of bringing down my lab partners by taking a long time and/or not knowing basic laboratory procedures. Also, I keep hearing that first year bio is a "weed out" class, which is frightening. On top of all of this, the only available slots are on Tuesday and Thursday, days I would otherwise have free to sleep in, study, do laundry, etc. However, if I don't take bio in this first year, I can't do anything in medicine, etc. Sorry that this is so long. I'm having a tough time making a decision. What would you do, and why? Thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Check and see if this class if offerered in the spring semester.   If it is, you mine as well do it then.  If you're that freaked out about it, I would hold off if you could.   If it's only in the fall, do it.  In the long run, you have to decide what is more important, having the chance to go into medicine, or sleep/your laundry.  And don't worry, they should run over the basics of lab work in the first few days or so (it's usually as simple as wearing your goggles).  If you were great at AP bio, you shouldn't have too much trouble.  Good luck!          

Answer 2

Don't worry about not knowing how to use the lab equipment - most people don't.  You'll pick it up quickly, or you can just let them do the technical parts.  First year bio does tend to be a weed-out course for people who think they want to be doctors but really aren't prepared for it, but if you're considering majoring in biology, go for it.  Or you could take something like astronomy or geology.  Psychology isn't pseudoscience, but it deals a lot more with large-number statistics since every person is a bit different - unlike every hydrogen atom.

Answer 3

I'd say put yourself first and go for it.  Sounds like you need this for your long term goals, but I hear your worry as being failure.  Understandable!  How about if you have the financial resources starting the class with a tutor on the side?  If you take the easier route, your degree may not lead you where your true calling is.  I have a BBA and MBA, and I know that keeping a good gpa is important (and stressful).  However, try and keep the big picture in mind and what's going to lead you to your goals.

good luck.

Answer 4

Which class would you rather take? To me, psychology is really interesting, and your class might be more interesting than your textbook. Maybe you would end up really liking it. But to me, it sounds like you really want to take biology more. I wouldn't worry about not knowing lab procedures, I'm sure you'll pick it up in a flash, especially if you find it really interesting. Don't worry about dragging your lab partners down, they might not be any more experienced than you. And if they are, then they can help you and soon you will be an expert yourself. It's unfortunate that it would take up your free days, but if you think that taking biology your first year (and keeping your options open) is worth it, I say go for it. They won't weed you out if you really like the class and are very interested in it. It will be the people who thought they wanted to do this stuff, but taking the class, they realized that it really wasn't as interesting as they thought, and not what they want to do. Even if you end up being one of the people who gets weeded out, at least you'll know.