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Willow
Student
Altadena, California
1
Question
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I am a current highschool senior, and I plan to attend the University of Virginia next fall. How can I balance my time as a chemistry major on a pre-med track with a robust social life in college?
#Spring25 #college
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2 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
515
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
That's up to you. A "robust social life" means something very different to everyone, so what I think works won't necessarily be what you think works.
But ultimately, it comes down to time management. You only have so much time to spend on things. This is (probably) your primary limiting factor. Some things are immutable. You need sleep. You need to go to classes. You need to do homework.
Other things are more flexible. Do you want to try and join a sorority? Be active in clubs and other extra curricular? Do you want to watch a lot of TV and movies?
This now basically becomes a lesson in economics. You do not have enough time to do everything you want, so you have to start making choices. Maybe you have to give up watching TV because you need to spend more time studying. Or, maybe you want to spend more time watching TV, and let your grades suffer a little.
You have to decide what is most important, and what you can give up. And these can change over time. Maybe freshman year, you want to spend more time doing clubs, and less studying, since (theoretically) some of your classes will be easier. Senior year, when classes are harder, you give up some of the clubs and spend more time studying, since grades become more important and you may have to study for the MCAT.
It comes down to personal preference - you decide what is most important.
But ultimately, it comes down to time management. You only have so much time to spend on things. This is (probably) your primary limiting factor. Some things are immutable. You need sleep. You need to go to classes. You need to do homework.
Other things are more flexible. Do you want to try and join a sorority? Be active in clubs and other extra curricular? Do you want to watch a lot of TV and movies?
This now basically becomes a lesson in economics. You do not have enough time to do everything you want, so you have to start making choices. Maybe you have to give up watching TV because you need to spend more time studying. Or, maybe you want to spend more time watching TV, and let your grades suffer a little.
You have to decide what is most important, and what you can give up. And these can change over time. Maybe freshman year, you want to spend more time doing clubs, and less studying, since (theoretically) some of your classes will be easier. Senior year, when classes are harder, you give up some of the clubs and spend more time studying, since grades become more important and you may have to study for the MCAT.
It comes down to personal preference - you decide what is most important.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Willow,
Balancing a chemistry major on a pre-med track with a vibrant social life at the University of Virginia is definitely possible with the right approach. The key is to plan your time efficiently while allowing yourself the flexibility to enjoy the college experience. Start by creating a weekly schedule that prioritizes your academics, including classes, labs, and dedicated study blocks. Since chemistry courses can be rigorous, it’s important to review material regularly rather than cramming, which will help you stay on top of your workload. Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro method (study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break) to stay focused while avoiding burnout.
Next, make sure to incorporate social activities into your schedule. Join clubs or organizations that align with your interests, such as pre-med societies, chemistry clubs, or recreational sports, which will help you build connections while balancing your academic life. Set boundaries by reserving specific evenings or weekends for relaxation and socializing, so you don’t feel guilty about taking breaks. Study groups are also a great way to combine learning with social interaction, especially when preparing for tough chemistry exams.
Most importantly, practice self-care and stress management by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and setting realistic goals. If you start feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to use UVA’s resources like academic advising, mental health services, and tutoring centers. By staying organized and giving yourself permission to unwind, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and social life, making your college experience both productive and enjoyable.
Balancing a chemistry major on a pre-med track with a vibrant social life at the University of Virginia is definitely possible with the right approach. The key is to plan your time efficiently while allowing yourself the flexibility to enjoy the college experience. Start by creating a weekly schedule that prioritizes your academics, including classes, labs, and dedicated study blocks. Since chemistry courses can be rigorous, it’s important to review material regularly rather than cramming, which will help you stay on top of your workload. Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro method (study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break) to stay focused while avoiding burnout.
Next, make sure to incorporate social activities into your schedule. Join clubs or organizations that align with your interests, such as pre-med societies, chemistry clubs, or recreational sports, which will help you build connections while balancing your academic life. Set boundaries by reserving specific evenings or weekends for relaxation and socializing, so you don’t feel guilty about taking breaks. Study groups are also a great way to combine learning with social interaction, especially when preparing for tough chemistry exams.
Most importantly, practice self-care and stress management by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and setting realistic goals. If you start feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to use UVA’s resources like academic advising, mental health services, and tutoring centers. By staying organized and giving yourself permission to unwind, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and social life, making your college experience both productive and enjoyable.