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)

What's a relatively manageable science major in college?

Hey everyone, I'm definitely a science-inclined person but I don't want something super intense for college. I'd like to maintain my GPA while doing research or extracurriculars. What are considered the 'easier' science majors that still provide a good foundation in science?

a month ago

While it's crucial to remember that the particular difficulty of a major can vary by individual and institution, one science major that's historically seen as more manageably paced is Environmental Science. This major generally includes a breadth of courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and geology, but also includes courses in policy and economics, which may be somewhat less rigorous. In terms of research, environmental science offers numerous opportunities, including fieldwork and lab experiments.

Another science major you might want to consider is Geology. This major tends to have less mathematical rigor compared to others such as Physics or Chemistry, focusing on landscape formations, earth materials, and environmental changes over time. Many students find this major to be a comprehensive and intriguing way to study science.

Bioinformatics might be another major to explore. This major blends biology, computer science, and mathematics to analyze and interpret biological data. The balance between these fields might make the workload seem more manageable, particularly if you have a knack for computer science or mathematics.

That said, what one considers "easy" or "hard" is subjective and greatly depends on the individual's skills, interests, and dedication. It's essential to approach a major not solely in terms of perceived difficulty, but by how relevant it aligns with your career goals and passions. Be sure to review the curriculum of these majors at the colleges you're considering to better gauge if they're a fit for you. It might be worthwhile to speak with professors or students in these departments to get a better sense of what to expect in terms of workload and opportunities for research or extracurriculars.

a month 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.