Math... How important? Really?

[polojoe12]

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I'm taking intermediate algebra over summber term 1a, however it's a lot tuffer then I expected to be. How bad does this look if I can only manage a C?

 

[AmoryBlaine]

I'm taking intermediate algebra over summber term 1a, however it's a lot tuffer then I expected to be. How bad does this look if I can only manage a C?

Tuffer?

How does a C in int algebra look? Not good.

 

[Zephyrus]

Hey,

As the character so neatly plucked from Fitzgerald's greatest novel is trying to tell you, a C in intermediate algebra will look bad. However, it is not the end of the world, and if you show an upward trend with your academic performance, it is certainly forgiveable. The problem is that they expect high performance in classes like calculus, and are impressed by vector calculus, calc-based physics, and upper-level coursework. So if you can't hack intermediate algebra, it will raise eyebrows. Improve, and you'll be fine.

Z

 

[akinf]

A C in anything looks bad. I would recommend dropping the class and taking something else at the same year of course work, but gives you less stress.

 

[72531]

I think a C would look bad in anything...but really I think if you have a weakness in math it might be overlooked especially if you have excellent grades in biology, chemistry, and physics. If you plan on taking calculus, make sure you get help from the very start.

 

[Pose]

Have you taken any chemistry courses?

 

[relentless11]

I'm taking intermediate algebra over summber term 1a, however it's a lot tuffer then I expected to be. How bad does this look if I can only manage a C?

As stated above, a C in anything looks bad. Whats more concerning is the fact that intermediate algebra is the basis for subjects such as physics, and to some extent general chemistry.

As the saying goes, biology is merely chemistry, chemistry is physics, and physics is MATH. Therefore your deficiency in a very remedial class may hurt you in the long run. Basic math is certainly important in medicine (dosage calculations, etc) so yea.

Anyway, this C isn't too bad if you do better in a more advanced class. I'd drop the class if possible, and reevaluate how you dea with math classes. On a side note I did not know schools offered intermediate algebra. I wish I could've taken that. Look on the bright side, at least the lowest math in your school isn't calculus....like here🙁

 

[Pancho Villa]

so you haven't even taken the class, but you're anticipating a "C"? bad idea... ALWAYS expect to get an A, and then you will. 🙂 simple as that.

 

[kevster2001]

Well you're going to be seeing algebra all over the place so make sure you really understand the stuff, otherwise physics is going to be not so fun

 

[newbie1kenobi]

so you haven't even taken the class, but you're anticipating a "C"? bad idea... ALWAYS expect to get an A, and then you will. 🙂 simple as that.

You have to really work for it though. An understanding of abstract and logical concepts is essential in medical school. Work hard and seek help if you're having a "tuff" time.

 

[CrazyTulip]

You should honestly try to get some tutoring (most schools offer this), if you can't hack Intermediate Algebra you will have a lot of trouble taking regular College Algebra... and it just gets worse from there...

My advice is to go for tutoring as soon as possible, or try to get the teacher after class or whatever. Intermediate Algebra is the basis of many things you will encounter in College Algebra, you don't want to go ahead into something without understanding what comes before it because you really will have no idea what the heck is going on... So try to do your best and grasp as much as possible! 😎

 

[OSUdoc08]

I'm taking intermediate algebra over summber term 1a, however it's a lot tuffer then I expected to be. How bad does this look if I can only manage a C?

C's are fine. Just don't get too many.

There is no math in medical school, anyway.

 

[jojocola]

I have no idea what the schools would think of a C as. I would just cry. seriously.

 

[jojocola]

Assuming you're a pre-med you want the best grades which consist of only 2 letters, A and B. The "A" is what you want to get, the "B" is second best. Second best is first worst. ECs here I come.

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

As some of the others said, I wouldn't be too worried about just 1 C. I would, however, be somewhat worried about your future performance in classes like chem and physics if you are finding algebra difficult.

 

[Dr.Acula]

Along the lines of my fellow SDNers:
I would agree that C's aren't great, but aren't the end of the world either in most cases. In your case, I would be less worried about getting a C and more worried about EXPECTING a C. There will be many classes ahead of you that you 'wont' be good at' you can't just say i can get by with a C. Algebra, although a math class, is far from upper level. If you think you are going to have trouble with a relativly easy math class like algebra you better prepare (private tutoring or at many schools like mine they have free tutors for lots of intro classes) Either way, work hard and do your best. If a C is all you can cut, then be proud of it knowing that was the best you could do.

 

[72531]

Well you're going to be seeing algebra all over the place so make sure you really understand the stuff, otherwise physics is going to be not so fun

I took a non-calculus based physics (part 1 so far) and it was just a little trig.

 

[polojoe12]

Thanks for the advice guys, its not that I don't understand it enough to do well, it’s that the class is so fast paced and has so much h/w that it’s a bit overwhelming. It’s a full semester crammed into a little over a month, twice a week. I’m feeling so burnt out that I was only going to show up for the tests and forget the attendance homework and quiz grades. I guess that’s no longer an option so I may just not take any classes over term b of the summer so I can relax a bit. Again, thanks for your advice, sometimes I need to be told the hard truth from people who know what’s going on.

 

[BradenDO]

Thanks for the advice guys, its not that I don't understand it enough to do well, it’s that the class is so fast paced and has so much h/w that it’s a bit overwhelming. It’s a full semester crammed into a little over a month, twice a week. I’m feeling so burnt out that I was only going to show up for the tests and forget the attendance homework and quiz grades. I guess that’s no longer an option so I may just not take any classes over term b of the summer so I can relax a bit. Again, thanks for your advice, sometimes I need to be told the hard truth from people who know what’s going on.

Is it possible to take the class during a different semester? It seems pointless to miss out on all the homework/quiz/attendence points just because you're burnt out. You could probably get an A if you did all of the work.

 

[Callogician]

If you were my son, I would say, "stop being a lazy sack of **** and study hard core!"

*Note: I am implicitly telling you the same thing even though you are not my son.

 

[beponychick]

I think if you still can, drop the class. That's not to say that a C will kill you in med school admissions. I personally got a C- my first semester in calculus (granted, it is not algebra) and I still managed to get in. However, it WILL pull down your GPA, unnecessarily. Most med schools do not require math (the ones that do are mainly top tier schools). I would go and take biostatistics instead. I took that course at my college and it was incredible and was a lot more relevant to bio than some calc course. Good luck.

 

[brains]

A C is not good in undergrad, however, many physicians I have spoke with have said that as a physician, math is rarely needed. In other words, not anything you can't do with a calculator. 😀

Just try harder from now on. I just got, not one, but TWO C's this past semester. One was in Trig too, but from now on just work your butt off to get those A's.

 

[72531]

I think if you still can, drop the class. That's not to say that a C will kill you in med school admissions. I personally got a C- my first semester in calculus (granted, it is not algebra) and I still managed to get in. However, it WILL pull down your GPA, unnecessarily. Most med schools do not require math (the ones that do are mainly top tier schools). I would go and take biostatistics instead. I took that course at my college and it was incredible and was a lot more relevant to bio than some calc course. Good luck.

yeah but at my school to take chemistry you have to have placed out of the low level math or take it.

 

[Gabby]

yeah but at my school to take chemistry you have to have placed out of the low level math or take it.

At my school you need Trig in order to take even the algebra-based (lower level) Physics, which is a requirement for med school.

I'm math phobic as well. Honestly, when I was in undergrad, the thing that ruined my GPA were the math courses. I got a C in Intermediate Algebra, a W in College Algebra the first time, then a C the second time, and a B in Statistics. I'm dreading taking Trig in the Fall.

 

[deuist]

You will indeed use math in medical school. Pharmacology and epidemiology are loaded with algebra problems.

 

[72531]

At my school you need Trig in order to take even the algebra-based (lower level) Physics, which is a requirement for med school.

I'm math phobic as well. Honestly, when I was in undergrad, the thing that ruined my GPA were the math courses. I got a C in Intermediate Algebra, a W in College Algebra the first time, then a C the second time, and a B in Statistics. I'm dreading taking Trig in the Fall.

ah yes..I just looked at the req for the Physics class here and you need to take the college algebra/trig class or precalc first. I'm glad I placed out of those classes..it seems really annoying to have to wait to be able to take required classes.

 

[eeboy]

i don't know about you guys, but to me it seems that math skill is the best testament to one's ability to make rational and logical decisions.
sry, i may be biased, because i love math. or maybe just trying to make myself feel advantageous? 🙄
but seriously, you need the good grade and the skills from that class, because you will need them in gen chem and physics. even if you can't get a good grade this semester you can try and do well on a higher level math class. just don't set yourself up. remember: BCPM

 

[OSUdoc08]

i don't know about you guys, but to me it seems that math skill is the best testament to one's ability to make rational and logical decisions.
sry, i may be biased, because i love math. or maybe just trying to make myself feel advantageous? 🙄
but seriously, you need the good grade and the skills from that class, because you will need them in gen chem and physics. even if you can't get a good grade this semester you can try and do well on a higher level math class. just don't set yourself up. remember: BCPM

Fortunately, you don't need those math schools in medical school.