Prospective mathematics major, but have never been quite strong in math.

[Krypton36]

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I'm exploring majors and mathematics fascinates me, as does Chemistry. Although, I'm nervous because I've never been that strong in math. My belief is that I might be lacking some of the key concepts needed in order to move forward.

 

[apumic]

Math builds on itself. If you struggle w/ basic math coming into college, I'd probably avoid the math major as it will kill your BCMP GPA. (Many a student and many a professor have said that the hardest part of calculus courses has nothing to with the calculus itself -- it's the sometimes difficult algebra and geometry that is required to finish the problem!) Other applicants area averaging about a 3.6 BCMP GPA and if you get a few Bs in your major courses (which it sounds like that'd be a pretty real possibility if your math base is weak and you plan to pursue math as a major.

 

[ksmi117]

What apumic said. I'm a math major and there are people who are excellent at calculus, algebra, etc. who struggle bad with the abstract stuff you have to take. If you have trouble with regular stuff, you'll be miserable.

If you think you can solve your issues, by all means, try. Math is awesome, but it does build upon itself, and trust me, you won't like it at all if you don't get the basics.

Why don't you just enroll in some basic math classes and see how they go? If you struggle, I'd try and find something else, but if you can get through it, enroll in a math major course and see if you still find it interesting. Then go from there. You'd be surprised how surprising these courses are. It's like relearning math all over, but in a harder way. Def. not what I was expecting from my major, but I still liked it.

 

[nisarg2010]

I would go with chem major.

 

[tennisball80]

I'm exploring majors and mathematics fascinates me, as does Chemistry. Although, I'm nervous because I've never been that strong in math. My belief is that I might be lacking some of the key concepts needed in order to move forward.

Why would you be a math major if you are weak at math.

 

[billw]

Does math interest you more than medicine? If so, your course is clear.

Why not take some more college level math and see how you do before you make the decision on a major?

 

[Krypton36]

Why would you be a math major if you are weak at math.

Mathematics interests me.

 

[Krypton36]

Does math interest you more than medicine? If so, your course is clear.

Why not take some more college level math and see how you do before you make the decision on a major?

I think that's probably the best course of action. Medicine peaks my interest more than math does. My plan is to apply MD/PhD; that's why I'm debating Chemistry vs. Math. Also, upper level chemistry courses involve more advanced mathematics. I'm on the fence between these two majors.

 

[ksmi117]

Honestly, if I could go back in time, I'd double major in Chem and Math. Or major in Chem and minor in Math.

Why don't you plan on trying them both out and see where it takes you? You don't need to decide right now. Chemistry is really good though. I'm still pretty upset that I couldn't major in Chem when I wanted to.

 

[URHere]

I think the answer to your question depends on which type of math you have traditionally struggled with. Many people have difficulty with basic calculus, but later go on and do very well with linear algebra, differentials, number theory, etc. I think what you need to figure out is whether or not you do well with abstract, proof-based math.

I would suggest signing up for a number theory class if one is offered at your school. Number theory relies very heavily on making abstract connections and very little on basic calculus. If you do well with that course, I think you have a chance at doing well in the major.

One other option would be taking an advanced basic calculus series if one is offered at your school. My school had a series like that designed to weed-out the potential math majors, and it was far more abstract than traditional calculus. If you do well in the series, then go for the math major. If you struggle, then you should really reconsider.

As for the MD/PhD path - a biology or engineering major of some sort would probably prepare you better for MD/PhD world. Although there are always outliers like me who decide on a Chem PhD (I would have done a Math PhD, but it's really hard to make a case for how that relates to patient care).

 

[chman]

Start from the beginning and see how it goes. Otherwise you might end up like this girl in my calc class who asked the professor what factoring was.🙁

If you do well, consider it. Also, keep in mind, higher level math is very abstract and nothing like algebra (from what I hear).

 

[Lil Mick]

If you're still debating, feel free to PM me. I am an MD/PhD student hoping to do mathematical biology/quantitative medicine as a career, and I can give you an idea of what we do, as well as what advanced mathematics is like.

 

[surftheiop]

I'm exploring majors and mathematics fascinates me, as does Chemistry. Although, I'm nervous because I've never been that strong in math. My belief is that I might be lacking some of the key concepts needed in order to move forward.

At what point are you in your education, and what topics in math do you find fascinating?

I think its tough for the average person to understand what upper level college math actually is, heck I'm an engineer who has taken 4 semesters of engineering math but I still have no idea WTF math majors are learning.

 

[Negrodamus]

I'm exploring majors and mathematics fascinates me, as does Chemistry. Although, I'm nervous because I've never been that strong in math. My belief is that I might be lacking some of the key concepts needed in order to move forward.

You need to choose whether majoring in math is more important than becoming a doctor. You said you've never been strong in math. Do you believe that you will increase your mathematical proficiencies within the next semester? I don't mean to sound like an ass but enough Cs or god forbid a d could easily derail your chances at matriculating into medical school.

 

[Playa]

I'm exploring majors and mathematics fascinates me, as does Chemistry. Although, I'm nervous because I've never been that strong in math. My belief is that I might be lacking some of the key concepts needed in order to move forward.

Pretty much answer your own question there boss.

 

[Lil Mick]

It really depends on your deficiencies in mathematics. If you can't calculate well but you understand why operations are performed and how to get from one point to another using any number of ways, a mathematics major may work well for you, since none of us mathematicians can calculate well (hence computers). However, if you have trouble following the logic inherent to mathematics (especially if your deficiencies were proofs), major in chemistry instead of mathematics. Personally, high school mathematics did not make sense to me until I learned higher mathematics, such as differential geometry and abstract algebra.
Be aware, though, that if you do a chemistry major, you will have to do quite a bit of mathematics. Physical chemistry involves quantum mechanics and statistical physics, which use sophisticated mathematics to solve problems.