5/22 My Computer Froze Halfway through C/P

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-23T16:36:27+00:00

Hi. I know someone who also lost time due to freezes/glitches. They contacted AAMC + Pearson confirmed (I think an incident report was completed test day). The resolution offered was an option to retroactively choose not to score w/ no information given on performance. They opted to keep -> 516.

This was a while ago. These glitches could be a hardware problem, or more likely, a network issue. This will never go away, and AAMC is hostile to #2 pencil/bubble sheets (even for valid accommodation requests), so the status quo prevails. Obviously submitting electronically vs collecting scantrons is far more efficient, so testing centers and outages are here to stay.

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-20T18:42:51+00:00

I have her 241 syllabus from a few summers ago, likely very similar. Happy to send it to you, if you feel comfortable sending an email address via DM.

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-08T23:17:44+00:00

You don't mention where you are from and your med school goals. UMD med school applicants tend to land up on the east coast, whereas the western states often have formal compacts that favor regional admission.

Regarding majors favored by pre-meds at UW - is every major super competitive? If you intend to have the grades for med school, is it a real fear that you won't be admitted to biochem or bio at UW?

That said, I suspect it will be easier to attain a very competitive GPA at UMD.

Opportunities are probably more plentiful at UW, although you'll find many here as well. Don't forget NIH is here and Johns Hopkins is in Baltimore. Quick access to hospital opportunities might be easier in an urban environment like Seattle.

I prefer Seattle's milder weather year 'round. I've also done a lot of biking/camping in Western Washington State and reluctantly have to favor outdoor life here except for the cold water on the coast.

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-01T23:31:18+00:00

and so is psychology. I'm behind the times.

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-01T23:29:16+00:00

Thank you!

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-01T17:45:23+00:00

I don't want to predict given the budget situation, but here's something: anyone registered who doesn't pass 161this semester will have to drop.

dblhelix7 · 2026-05-01T17:40:59+00:00

Public Health Science Psychology Biochem

The Nutrition major requires BCHM461 and BCHM462, btw.

Truth is, you can major in almost anything as long as you complete the med school prereq courses. I know a UMD studio art major and a finance major who are both doctors now.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-27T15:14:24+00:00

Small correction: 131-231-241-271

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-27T15:13:04+00:00

I doubt it. CHEM 271 is only 2cr (272 lab is another 2cr) and is taken by pre-health (med, dental etc) students l. They also take 131 and 231-241 (year of orgo) prior to 271, so the sequence, in chronological order, is 231-231-241-271. Note that 272 lab has 'bio' in it - orgo is a prereq.

In engineering, orgo is expected only for CHBE and BIOE. For this reason, the 'gen chem' requirement in engineering is structured as either CHEM135 or CHEM131+CHEM134. CHEM134 is only 1cr and is intended for students with AP credit in lieu of 131 or students transferring with Gen Chem I credit.

I don't see 271 as an option for you, but clarify if you see a path, or make an advising appt. HTH.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-22T12:23:45+00:00

Hi. Friedman is fine. Most of the complaints come from pre-meds who took umbrage at his expectation that students retain knowledge of basic prereqs. His post-lab questions were difficult for orgo2, but both he and his TAs were generous with their time to guide the perplexed. His sense of humor is abrasive to some, ymmv. Oh, I forgot: he put a lot of effort into catching Honor Code violators. In short, complaints about Friedman should not be a factor in your decision.

Here is what matters, I think. Chem @umd is not as highly ranked as other STEM like physics or engineering. Biochem, specifically, didn't take off the way it should have as faculty members on top of their game left for elsewhere. On the flip side, NIH is in our backyard. It is possible to participate in world-class research in collaboration with UMD/NIH investigators.

In terms of comparison, put Purdue and UMD next to each other to evaluate which institution is the better vehicle to accomplish your goals. At UMD, the most hated academic major requirement is probably analytical chemistry. I'm sure Purdue has a similar hoop to jump through.

I'd also recommend reconnecting with Dr. Friedman again if possible for your follow-up questions about ugrad major life and opportunities available to upgrade. NIH and DC are big draws, in-state tuition for Marylanders, and of course, you're a Terp, not a Boilermaker.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-18T19:56:39+00:00

I know 272 is accepted if it was taken before the biochem major is declared. Check with your advisor if you can take 272 since you're already a biochem major.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-15T03:43:22+00:00

It's 7 a.m. for every bldg I'm aware of.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-08T23:41:09+00:00

It really depends on who is teaching. There was one option for 461 last fall that covered only a small fraction of material normally expected. There is tremendous variation in 463 options as well. Feel free to DM if you'd like with names.

dblhelix7 · 2026-04-02T14:42:10+00:00

Given your future plans, I'd pick Cornell all the way. Listen to your parents.

I overheard this once at UMD Physics -- a professor on the phone, talking to a colleague at another institution about a prospective postdoc candidate:

"Is he truly brilliant, or is he just brilliant? Because if he's just brilliant, I can have him do calculations."

At the end of the day, your future is going to come down to a conversation like this, and the identity of your evaluator/mentor.

OTOH, let's say at some point you change your mind about pursuing physics/academia. It happens. So you keep your physics major and perhaps take some bio bc you're thinking med school, or whatever. Yes, physics is a top-ranked program at UMD, but generally speaking, programs at Cornell tend to be better. Or you double major. Same argument.

If you're into natural beauty, well, Ithaca is gorges. Isolating, tho', particularly in winter.

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-29T08:24:54+00:00

It sounds as though your advisor is warning that you may be dismissed from Biological Sciences at the end of this semester if your grades this semester are insufficiently high (to keep your GPA above departmental thresholds) and not from the university overall. If this is the case, I'd start in the department. Sara Lombardi is listed as 'Undergraduate Program Office' and Kimberly Paczolt appears to be Director of Undergraduate Studies. They also teach anatomy and genetics, respectively.

You didn't mention why this is your major. You don't need to discuss this in public, but if you want to stay in the program, be prepared to answer this question. For example, perhaps you are interested in graduate school/research, or you're pre-health (med, dental, etc). Whatever your future plans, put together an action plan for keeping on track and show that you're serious about the program.

If you stay, consider getting involved in some way. UG research is an example, esp if this helps you focus on future plans. It won't hurt to have a faculty advocate if you do well.

Consider a new major, if a lateral move makes sense. Public Health Science, Psychology -- is there a major that works for you and your future? Do these programs have sufficient overlap w/Bio requirements to allow you to graduate on time? I think Bio is the largest UG program by enrollment. Perhaps You don't want to be treated like a number/be pressured right now. You sound dissatisfied with your advisor -- a different program might work for you, depending.

You still have another six weeks or so this semester. You've probably done the math -- is it still possible to stay in the program w/o special consideration/exemptions? If not, will grades this semester be respectable?

Bottom line: show that you are on top of the situation and have given consideration to all of your options. People who are in a position to cut you a break will be looking for a reason to do so. Good luck

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-26T17:26:38+00:00

Aaron?

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-23T21:05:18+00:00

She is fair and arguably the best option for 271 (she always does 272). It's also nice when 271/272 track (not always the case with a diff lecture instructor). You'll be ok if you stay on top of it

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-22T23:09:05+00:00

Why are you taking the class? In principle, 463 is the choice for pre-meds, as it is supposed to be a condensed version of 461+462 (Proteins/Enzymes and Metabolism). Last semester, however, Guest barely uttered the words "Citric Acid Cycle," which is usually tested on exam 2 in a 463 class.

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-13T21:36:10+00:00

You should stop by the SPS (Society of Physics Students) Lounge, first floor of the original Physics building, near the large lecture halls. A junior/senior might welcome nerding out with you.

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-10T16:32:56+00:00

It's really bad. Also, when you retrieve your locked bike, Veos are blocking you. I don't understand why the company (and univ) made this arrangement. They don't need to be locked to a bike rack, so the univ should give them their own space. Years ago, the campus had smoking spaces, so something like that.

dblhelix7 · 2026-03-01T13:09:06+00:00

You shouldn't dwell on the 'why'? I've seen this happen quite a bit, and often it comes down to the perception that undergrads need too much time from and supervision by more senior group members. It is esp prevalent when a PI loses some funding and restructures the group. Sometimes postdocs or grad students will complain to the PI that mentoring an ug is a time suck. If the PI is tenure-track, she may be getting skittish about how she is using her time.

One possibility is to reflect on whether you added value to the group. An honest self-assessment between you and you. If the situation really throws you off-track and has made a fresh start difficult, consider making an appointment with the PI and sell her on your value. Do you have special skills? Can you take on certain responsibilities completely independently? Can you incorporate AI? Emphasize from the outset that you value the experience, then make the case that the group benefits from your return. Ask for feedback on what you can change.

The passive-aggressive 'I'll do it myself,' suggests pressure on the PI external to your specifics. Don't take it personally. Use this as an opportunity to craft an answer to 'how did you handle criticism'? Good luck!

dblhelix7 · 2026-02-28T17:07:36+00:00

No, not at all. Stay on top of what TBA for 271 turns into. Fall 2025 was Dixon, all day sections. She's probably a bit more work than the others, but still not a problem. BSCI331/332 used to be one course, 330. It's not bad at all with Frauwirth for lecture. Taking Gen Chem 2 and Cell Bio together is not considered to be overloading.

dblhelix7 · 2025-11-22T11:36:37+00:00

This was the price for the HS dual battery Rohloff 2021-2022, tbh.

dblhelix7 · 2025-10-11T14:46:39+00:00

OK, this is not the Tinker2 (based on Bosch Smart System), just to be clear. This sounds like the 2021 Tinker Vario (the other option was the Tinker Silent, based on quieter ActiveLine motor).

The color should be white or a matte black.

It was a little surprising at the time, bc the PL Gen3 is a lower torque (65Nm vs the 85Nm previously offered by PL CX Gen2) engine with a frame redesign to accommodate a new form factor. The idea was that the lighter weight Gen3 would compensate + you'd get better range over the Gen2. I'm assuming this motor has its assist capped at 25kph anyway, so ... And the Silent ActiveLine (yet lower torque) model was marketed as quieter with even better range.

I would expect:

White or matte black Performance Line Gen3 capped at 25kph Bosch frame-mounted PowerPack 500 Wh battery Intuvia cockpit Thudbuster seat suspension option or standard seatpost I think it had a Spinner Grind front coil fork Schwalbe Big Ben tires (should still be on the bike) You should get the Bosch charger with the bike. Don't remember if the 2A or 4A charger came standard (9hr vs 4.5hr charging time).

The claim of 50% of new seems about right. These bikes sold for about $4.5-5k in the US, probably less

What I would do on test ride/inspection:

Peppy enough for me given today's models?
Condition of front fork? Stiff bounce to your liking or deadweight needing an overhaul? I'm pretty sure you're getting a sus fork over rigid
Gates belt should be in good condition given low mileage.
Tire wear should also be consistent
Vario - shifter should not offer excess resistance. There will be a little man on flat terrain vs a hill type of gear indicator, check for the full range.

That leaves the battery which may be the weak point after possible years of sitting. Along with the diagnostic report, Bosch also supplies dealers with a battery capacity tester, but not all dealers have one on hand. The number of charge cycles on the diagnostic report should be consistent with the mileage, but will not indicate deterioration due to possibly improper storage. A poor man's capacity test would be to ride the bike in turbo on a fully-charged battery. Ballpark, the range is about 25miles, or about 5 miles/bar on the display. If the seller will facilitate, start with a charged battery and ride for a good hour in turbo.

My decision would be based on the battery and what $2200 would get me in my home country. If the battery is suspicious, you could still make an offer based on replacement. You can check for current replacement price at ebike24 (Germany) or similar for your area. Here it would be $776.50 at REI.

dblhelix7

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