Biology or Communications
I am an upcoming senior whom is currently debating between a major in communications or biology. Since my first year, I have followed the biomedical pathway, therefore I have the coursework that universities look for. In spite of this, I haven ´ t been exactly a A + student, in fact I would compare my transcript more to an alpabet going up to D for the last three years. I have a tremendous enthusiasm for studying biology and would love to become a virologist, even if my marks may not fully represent. My peers have better chances than I have of going into the biology industry, based on what I've been observing. As such, my chances of getting into my dream school, USC, are small compared to students from all around the world who will be entering the same school and UCs. My involvement in sports and groups at school, despite my mediocre academic history, is highly valued by the administration. Since my networking abilities were demonstrated to be strong in high school when I really tried, I've been reevaluating my prospects and decided that I wouldn't mind majoring in communications in order to pursue a career. In addition, if I go the communication route, my demanding course load will be more noticeable to institutions. After all of this, what are your thoughts?
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2 answers
You're fundamentally debating between something you'd love to do and something you "wouldn't mind" doing but feel there would be less competition in. If I were in your shoes, I would almost certainly follow the biomedical route: you have the relevant coursework, higher interest, and (in the workforce) better prospects. In most cases, your choice of major doesn't have a huge impact on which colleges will accept you. While there are exceptions to this case, you should definitely go with what you're interested in and have an optimized profile for. The networking skills you already have will only get a little better with a communications degree; you don't necessarily need a degree that says you know how to talk to people. With biology, on the other hand, there are a multitude of career pathways you can follow. If you demonstrate enthusiasm and academic interest, you'll be more likely to find success--- even if you don't make it into your top choice institution.
Honestly im not positive of what would be best in this situation, but i would say you should definitely try to still apply as a biology major if that what you've worked towards so far. Even if the grades aren't amazing, if the classes are challenging i think you would still have a decent chance of being accepted. But if you really don't think you would, i would suggest finding a backup school and applying there as a communications major.
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