Math...

[YankeesfanZF5]

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So I am a sophmore in calc 1 and I have never be good at math. I know a lot of schools like to see students with some calculus. The schools I plan to apply to do not require calc but I was interested and figure what it could it hurt? Well probably my gpa...I got a B minus on my first test and the concepts are not clicking but I do a lot of practice problems. Any suggestions to help learn calc besides good old khan academy? Well my other question is would a D or C hurt my chances of getting in somewhere even if its not required? I am getting As in physics2, orgo2 and abnormal psych right now so hopefully that continues...Do doctors even need this much math?

 

[ciestar]

Id try to avoid that D...
But if you get one C in your college career, life will go on. Just as long as the rest of your grades are good.

 

[eteshoe]

YouTube videos (khan and others) and google "Paul Dawkin's Math Notes" (Awesome resource I used when taking AP calc and differential eqns back in HS). Also go to your learning center and get a tutor's help - that's what the place is there for.

 

[Link2]

Since you are having difficulty understanding the concepts, I would suggest going through a more rigorous textbook (Spivak, Apostol etc) to get a deeper understanding. It will take more effort but you will understand the concepts much better. You don’t have to go through all of it, only the parts relevant to your course.

 

[ahc336]

An adcom dean visited my school this past week. His words when I asked about calc: "It's not necessary unless you are looking to specialize in rad/onc." Obviously that's paraphrased but you get the idea.

 

[TallPreMed]

Mathway. Plug in the numbers and it gives you the correct answer. Pay $10 a month and it shows you step by step what to do... Worth it IMO. I flat out suck at math. It's helped me maintain a 95 in my precalc class. Got a 96 on my first exam. Yeah it's precalc... But I haven't seen a math problem since 2008 lol so it's definitely helped

 

[sharpstickie]

Khan academy got me A's in calc, differential equations, and linear algebra.
But first thing you need to do is never say "I'm not good at math" again. That phrase alone hampers you more than you think.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

But first thing you need to do is never say "I'm not good at math" again. That phrase alone hampers you more than you think.

Very much this, I've been tutoring math for years and this is the number two problem people seem to have. (Number one being making lazy mistakes...usually with a sign)

 

[Dandine]

With calc for me it was the opposite problem: loved studying the concepts but problems bit me hard (mainly with stupid mistakes, hello, algebra).

I think that with math, you have to see the concept alongside the problem. Usually the more problems you do, the clearer the concept becomes as well because you're seeing the different ways in which it can be applied.

Based on what you said, I'd probably review your test to figure out why you made the mistakes you did and then keep those in mind as you do more practice problems for review. And also get help from outside sources if you can't see where you're wrong (professors, peers, tutors).

Not sure what your next exam is, if it's a midterm on final, but best of luck to you for the rest of your course!

 

[YankeesfanZF5]

Got an A on my last exam took all of your advice! Thank you! Yeah its my alegbra that needs work. Otherwise calculus is really interesting!