Science Majors: Easier Than They Seem

By: Laurence Black

Whenever I tell people that I am a Microbiology major with pre-medical intent, they reply with a troubled look and an apology for my perceived lack of a life. Over the past three years, I have not been able to figure out why others think declaring a science major is equivalent to committing social suicide.

Yes, science classes are hard; yes, the classes are time consuming, but how is that different from any other major offered here at UGA? No one likes to study or to be constantly plagued by schoolwork, but this is a sacrifice every student has to make in order to be successful.

As science majors, we must find time in the week to be involved in organizations, shadowing and volunteer opportunities, while keeping a solid GPA in order to be competitive applicants for pre-professional schools. Perhaps this is why non-science students think we are all antisocial hermits—we are all highly involved on campus and in our community. Even with all of these activities going on, there is surprisingly still time to breathe. Whether that “extra time” is used for studying, sleeping or hanging out with friends is ultimately left up to each individual student.

Pre-professional students tend to possess extraordinary time-management skills.  We are constantly developing those skills and others that will assist us for the rest of our lives. By sacrificing time throughout the day for studying, reviewing and homework, students can make time in the day for non-academic activities. After all, this time is required to remain sane.

Next time you are confronted with overwhelming pity from other students because of your major, walk away with a smile. After all, you are practically superhuman, capable of managing stress, applications, extracurricular activities and friends flawlessly day after day.