Little help would be good! :(

[Swan7]

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Hello to all!!! I am a sophomore at a local CC and planning to transfer to UCLA or UCSD (since I live next to the school) this coming fall. Now, the only thing thats bothering me is that you have to do full year of calculus in order to transfer. My problem is that I havent done math for a long long time. Seriously, Since I met all my Math requirement around Summer of my sophomore year HS, I stopped doing Math period. My freshmen year in college I took alot of Bio, and English, Other language. My counselor told me that I have to take MATH ASAP! So I was thinking of taking Math courses this semester till I transfer(Includes summer) but when I went ahead and read some math problems, I dont feel like I can handle it anymore. I feel like a dum*ss when looking at it. I am starting from scratch again. Im taking elementary algebra and probably go on from there. Is there any tricks that can help me boost my math skills?

Another question, say that I will end up transferring fall of 2011. I will be finished with Gen Chem I&II, Organic I&II, Hopefully calculus. So right after I transfer should I go ahead and take the MCAT? And to transfer you have to take Organic I&II so I have no choice but to do all my pre-req at a CC.
Do I need physics for MCAT? As for bio, I've taken almost every course of it at my school, so I guess I am going to be okay with bio for now.

Any tips on learning Math from scratch and understanding it really well? (Like Math for Dumm*es. lol)
MCAT with Gen Bio I&II, Chem I&II, Orgo I&II, Maybe Math = Okay? or do I need physics?

And for transfer admission, is my stats ok? BioGPA = 4.0 / Overall = 3.6. And how bad is it to transfer from CC to 4 year with 97+ units? Since High School till right now I have 53 units (33units of BIO and 20 for spanish + english)

Btw, I came from SDN.com but no ones ever there. So I decided to move and I've been monitoring this site for a month and it helps me alot already. 🙂


PLEASE DON'T BASH ME WITH THIS POST!!!!!

 

[mediterranean]

Your stats are fine for transfer and admission for MD or DO in the future. Yes there is physics on the MCAT and that section (which includes general chemistry) tends to be my strength (surprisingly). But the thing to know about physics on the MCAT is not just about calculations but CONCEPTS. If you understand concepts, you will have an easier time remembering formulas. Any calculations on the MCAT are either rounding (like 9.8 m/s2 for gravity is rounded to 10, etc.) and can always be saved for last for easier questions. It is a good thing you mentioned the For Dumm*es series since that popped into my head before I finished reading your post. But you actually want the physics version 😉

So try to buy it now and start looking through it. No calculus on MCAT but general algebra, geometry and pre-calc (physics).

Most schools will cap the amount of credits you can transfer in so call your school to find out so it is not a clear cut disadvantage since you can transfer.
I wish the best of luck to you.

 

[Swan7]

Thanks for your info. Since I am going to start Math from scratch I will probably need 3 or 4 more semester to get physics req and 2 or 3 semester to finish it. Lol. 8 years of undergrad here I come. 🙂 Also, am I at any disadvantage? because they wont let me transfer till I do basically everything what med school's pre-req at a CC.

 

[the duck]

Since when is a year of calc a requirement to transfer to UCLA or UCSD? I'm also a CCC transfer student, and I see no such requirement. What is your major?

I also started at intermediate algebra at the CC ( since I was 16 when I graduated high school) there were plenty of older students whom I am sure have been out of the loop a lot longer than you who did quite well. After that, it should only be one more semester before you can start on your calc.

 

[Swan7]

Right. I was basically talking about IGETC, TAG, ASSIST, and other guaranteed transfer admission form that you have to meet when you transfer. They only credit Pre calc and up for Math section. As for other requirements, UCSD requires a year of calculus-based physics or trigonometry-based physics. Other schools have their own req besides IGETC or other transfer stuffs.

 

[TTigers70]

And to transfer you have to take Organic I&II so I have no choice but to do all my pre-req at a CC.

😕

 

[mediterranean]

Thanks for your info. Since I am going to start Math from scratch I will probably need 3 or 4 more semester to get physics req and 2 or 3 semester to finish it. Lol. 8 years of undergrad here I come. 🙂 Also, am I at any disadvantage? because they wont let me transfer till I do basically everything what med school's pre-req at a CC.

Okay, since it is part of a program then you would not be at a disadvantage. Just in case, if med schools ask you about it, then take one or two upper levels in the college you transfer to (don't know which campus you will attend) so that you can demonstrate being able to succeed in ALL setting. But other than that, you are in prime standing. Also you do not need 8 years of undergrad. I just know if you were transfer to a school that did not have an assist program they will look at you funny because you would be a year short of graduation (standard deviation of 10 more credits than 120 since mine is 128).

 

[nickmx50]

I think someone's pulling your leg. A year of calculus? Most med schools don't require a whole year. Probably a md/phd program, but a state university? You might want to get a second opinion.