AP Biology and College?

Question

So this semester i decided to take Ap Bio, and the major reason was because i liked Biology and I want to be a Nutritionist/Dietitian and also because it might look good on my transcript. The other classes that i am taking are very basic and doesn't really single me out with the other students. I ended up getting a D in the class. i do read most of the material but often give up because however much i read the test seems to be very detailed and i can't remember material from 75 pages in one week. Should i drop the class? I really want to get into UCLA OR UCB but i am scared that since my other classes regular basic classes i won't stand out.Can i still get into a UC school with a D first semester in Ap Bio? If i do tough it out and do better, will they still consider me?

Answer 1

If you switch out, they will likely not accept you. Getting a D, all by itself, is bad, but only if it is not improved. If you do stay and tough it out, and even bring up your grade to a B-the colleges will see that you had the perseverance to stay and that you are smart. Switching out of it will show that you cannot handle the coursework and no selective college appreciates that.

The other classes you take are basic, so they probably should not take a long time. Spend more time on AP Biology. The first semester can be quite hard, I know from experience. But if you spend, even one hour each night studying AP Biology, with perhaps three over the weekend, it will do you wonders. Really study in-depth though, this is not like studying for a basic course. Write detailed outlines and understand the material instead of simply memorizing it. Get a tutor, or do the self-quiz problems in the book. You will be at a higher grade in no time :)