Physics, Biology, Calculus first semester (or quarter)

College Life
1

When I enter college, my classes for my first semester will include Physics, Biology, and Calculus.

My question is in regards to the difficulty of these subjects.

In HS, I’m going to complete CP Physics. I completed CP Biology and AP Calculus. I got a 3 on the AP test and got a C both semesters.

I got a 1270 and 1290 during the two times I took the SAT.

I did not take any AP sciences during HS besides Psychology.

How different will I find college to be based on these statistics that I’ve provided?
How will this courseload be?

I’m asking because I’m questioning whether I should go to a state college (SJSU for example) or attempt to get into UCSB, UCR, or UCSC

EE major

2

If you are an EE (Electrical Engineering) major, why on earth would you need to take Biology? Usually it is Chemistry, Physics and Calculus.

I think you may have a tough time…you should be prepared for Calc becuase you have basically already taken it.

However, forewarned is forearmed, so read these tips and get help before you need it:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html

3

You probably do not need biology specifically as an EE major. For an EE major, chemistry may be required, or science electives may be specified in addition to physics.

If you only earned a 3 on the AP calculus exam after C grades in the course, you are less likely to be ready to start in a course more advanced than calculus 1 (compared to someone who earned a 5 on the AP exam after A grades in the course). After you decide which college to attend, try the old calculus 1 final exams to check your knowledge. If you do start in calculus 1 in college, you will likely have to defer starting physics until second semester or quarter, since calculus 1 is typically a prerequisite to physics 1.

Example EE course plans starting with calculus 1 first semester or quarter, and physics 1 second semester or quarter:
http://student.engr.ucr.edu/majors/2015%20ELEN.pdf
http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/roadmaps/myroadmap-17-18/1718_Roadmaps/BS_EE_Roadmap_1718.pdf

4

It will be a challenging course load and you will need to be organized and diligent. Attend tutoring and professor office hours. Do not get behind or ignore difficulties. Spend the summer prepping or taking a prep class. The pace is faster in college and the material is a deeper dive.