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I Have a question. I’ve been In yeshiva [with zero secular studies] for about 10-12 years.
I am considering getting a bachelor that include general Biology and general Chemistry. This means I’ll be in class and in a lab with other students who’ve studied these subjects somewhat in the last few years. I have little back round in these areas- and whatever I did learn, I have long forgotten.
I consider myself to be of above average intelligence.
At the same time I will be new to this.
What does anyone have to say about this?
Can it be done easily (with dedication to the course obviously)?
Will it be near impossible?
Any recommendations on how to go about it?
Thanks.
I hate to be a yenta, cause you already snatched the name :), but I would suggest finding someone with whom you can work/study with- The intro courses are somewhat self-explanatory but it always helps to have someone with a stronger background- As it says, “O chavrusa, o misusah”….Hatzlacha v’kol tuv! How lucky you will be to study the niflaos haBorei!
yenta is a guy? who knew!
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You can do it!
I would talk to the Professor and see what resources are available to help you (there will be some). Make use of those resources! This will probably mean a few extra hours a week working on stuff.
The other thing is that in Yeshiva you probably got pretty good at memorizing stuff, this is a useful skill in bio and chem class.
Oh and remember to have fun! This stuff when taught well is very interesting. My father is a biologist so I grew up around science.
There is a saying I like:
It will be difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first
And ‘am yisrael chai’ is only one person! Olam hafuch ra’isi! 🙂
Speak with your academic counselor after you’ve enrolled. There may be remedial classes or tutoring available. It depends on the school. If you want to go to Harvard, you’re in trouble, but a local school will probably cut you some slack. But be prepared to work hard. Also to be interested. Chemistry and biology are very relevant to everyday life.
Also, try the Schaum’s Outline series of study books. They present the material in a very understandable and business-like mannter, with lots of quizzes and self-tests, with the correct answers explained. If you’re really in the dark, try the “XXX for Dummies” or a similar series. Ask the librarian at your local library about what to get. And be sure your English reading and writing skills are adequate. College is reading, reading and more reading. And they’ll ask you to write a lot too, term papers and exams and what not.
My suggestion -go to a community college for the first two years or a Frum college -it’s much easier than an university. Even though it’s the same material, the univ. can sometimes make it much harder for no reason. Learn from my mistakes.
If you get into the class, just go to the class and study as you are capable. You are going to be in over your head it might seem without any much of a background, but that said, something is going to stick with you and you will be instructed. You can not expect to absorb all of the information nor should that be your goal to master the course. One should study, attend classes, learn and then take the tests. Who knows, you might just get an A.
If you are not Majoring in Biology or Chemistry you dont have to take them
Most colleges allow Psychology or Astronomy (along with Physics )
Have you considered taking a senior high school level chemistry and biology in summer school before the college season begins in the fall? Even if you have taken them before, it will be excellent review. Or you could get the high school textbooks and some exam review books and work by yourself, with a study buddy or even a tutor.
Yenta, from someone who graduated high school in the top 5% of the year (in terms of regent marks)I would suggest the following: the biologies, although you may find them hard at first, are mostly grasping infromation, and therefore do not necessarily require previous knowledge although it will definitely be harder for you. In terms of chemistry, the typical chem 101 courses assume you have mastered high school chemistry and the college couse builds on that. I would not advise you to take chem 101 without taking the equivalnet of a high school chem course beforehand. Your other option is being prepared to spend a lot of time at tutors and work super-hard.
Unless the professor dumbs it down, its not easy even after mastering high school chem.
zahavasdad- “If you are not Majoring in Biology or Chemistry you dont have to take them”
Wrong! If you’re going into the Health sciences, most require Bio & Chem!
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