<p>marysidney,
My point was that is how Bio is taught everywhere. Just too much material, there is no reason for discussion, there is no concepts (like in chem or physics), it is memorization at all levels. There is a hands on learning in Anatomy classes, but it is a bit deeper than HS Bio, although there is some dissections going on in middle school and HS, but it is really very little to consider seriously. In Bio they have to cover as much as they can. Otherwise they will be in trouble at college. AP Bio material was covered in 2 weeks in D’s first college Bio class (she did not skip it despite of “5”, was not recommended at her UG), then they move on to new material. Yes, you are correct, many honors college freshman pre-meds were burned out. But that was the purpose, they simply cannot allow more applicants to Med. School, they already accept only about 43%. Out of those who survived weed out Bio, some fall out in Organic Chemistry, very well known weed out for pre-meds. At least Bio is really needed, there is no use for Orgo in medicine, it seems to be used strictly to eliminate the weaker ones. If this process is not used, then Med. Schools’ Adcoms will be completely buried under application avalanche. Most of them already receive about 5000 for average of 170 spots at each Med. School.</p>