Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Level of Difficulty in Biochemistry Major

I'm quite interested in pursuing biochemistry as a major, though I've heard it's quite rigorous. Can anyone studying biochem share their experiences? Just how tough is it compared to other science majors?

a year ago

Hey there! Biochemistry certainly is a challenging major, but don't let that scare you off if it's something you're passionate about. If I were to rate on a scale, with1 being straightforward and10 being highly demanding, biochemistry would probably fall around an8 or9. It's definitely among the heftier majors, primarily because it combines principles from both biology and chemistry, and requires a strong base in mathematics as well.

That said, assessing difficulty levels varies from person to person. If you've always excelled in and enjoyed both Biology and Chemistry in high school, you might find it less daunting than those who are a bit shakier in either subject. You'll be delving into topics like molecular genetics, thermodynamics, biological structures, and complex metabolic pathways - things that require a good deal of analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Comparatively, it’s generally considered harder than some of the life science majors since it veers more into the physical sciences with a heavier focus on pure chemistry and physics. Other science majors like microbiology or environmental science, while still challenging, might not have as strong an emphasis on these particular areas.Just remember, while biochemistry does include a decent workload, it's also a field ripe with fascinating breakthroughs and application possibilities. So, as long as you're genuinely interested in the subject material and have an aptitude for problem-solving, that will drive your success more than anything else. And definitely ask for help when you need it - your professors and classmates can be great resources. Good luck!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.