Will bad grades in non-prerequisite math classes kill an application?

[Ghiradelli]

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I hate math and math hates me. It's literally the only academic subject I have ever had problems with in my life, and no matter what I do I cannot get A's in it, going way back to 5th grade. Unfortunately for me, my university requires a lot of other math classes before even attempting Physics.

How badly is this going to hurt me?... I have all A's in everything else.

Elementary Algebra - A (doesn't count for college credit...sadly... did not help prepare me at all for next classes either)
Intermediate Algebra - C
College Algebra - C
Precalculus Algebra - C
Precalculus Trigonometry - B
Introductory Statistics - B

Physics I - ? (Let's just hope for the best and assume a B)
Physics II - ? (Let's just hope for the best and assume a B)

Am I screwed?

 

[Dr. Scribe]

You need math for the MCAT...I'd be more worried about that than Physics....

Chances aren't looking too hot for physics either.....

I'd start learning algebra ASAP IIWY

 

[21Rush12]

You barely need math for the MCAT, as it relates to physics and general chemistry.

It won’t be the end of your chances, but you do have to learn to do physics problems. Practice a lot, that’s the only way.

 

[Darmani]

I hate math and math hates me. It's literally the only academic subject I have ever had problems with in my life, and no matter what I do I cannot get A's in it, going way back to 5th grade. Unfortunately for me, my university requires a lot of other math classes before even attempting Physics.

How badly is this going to hurt me?... I have all A's in everything else.

Elementary Algebra - A (doesn't count for college credit...sadly... did not help prepare me at all for next classes either)
Intermediate Algebra - C
College Algebra - C
Precalculus Algebra - C
Precalculus Trigonometry - B
Introductory Statistics - B

Physics I - ? (Let's just hope for the best and assume a B)
Physics II - ? (Let's just hope for the best and assume a B)

Am I screwed?

How much more math do you need? For physics without calculus, you should only need a pre-calculus course after trigonometry.

While low grades in math courses won't kill your app, they will still hurt your sGPA, so you should compensate with higher grades in your other science courses. FWIW I had C's in my math courses but got in to med school and received multiple interview invitations, including one at a top 20.

 

[grizzly1093]

On one hand, you're talking about a consistent and systematic problem on your transcript, and it would be difficult to explain this as circumstantial.

On the other hand, there seems to be an upward trend (from C's to B's), and if you can finish with B's and A's in your remaining math-based classes, that would show growth and solidify your upward trend. You should make the rest of your math and physics classes a priority. If you can, space them out so you can knock them out of the park.

Then for the MCAT, just do lots and lots of practice problems to get a feel for what kind of math is expected.

 

[Ghiradelli]

Thank you for the replies everyone, it makes me feel better to know hope isn't lost yet.

How much more math do you need? For physics without calculus, you should only need a pre-calculus course after trigonometry.

While low grades in math courses won't kill your app, they will still hurt your sGPA, so you should compensate with higher grades in your other science courses. FWIW I had C's in my math courses but got in to med school and received multiple interview invitations, including one at a top 20.

The Precalculus Algebra/Trig being done qualifies me to take Physics I now, however I at some point also need Calculus I with Analytic Geometry as a degree requirement separate from the premed stuff.

So... Physics I (trig-based), Physics II (trig-based), and Calculus I with Analytic Geometry are what is left.

That's awesome to hear that you got multiple interviews and a top 20 with C's, that gives me hope, thank you.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Thank you for the replies everyone, it makes me feel better to know hope isn't lost yet.



The Precalculus Algebra/Trig being done qualifies me to take Physics I now, however I at some point also need Calculus I with Analytic Geometry as a degree requirement separate from the premed stuff.

So... Physics I (trig-based), Physics II (trig-based), and Calculus I with Analytic Geometry are what is left.

That's awesome to hear that you got multiple interviews and a top 20 with C's, that gives me hope, thank you.

Do you absolutely need to take calc for your degree? You are going to have a rough time in calc if you have a poor understanding of algebra and trig.

 

[Ghiradelli]

Do you absolutely need to take calc for your degree? You are going to have a rough time in calc if you have a poor understanding of algebra and trig.

Unfortunately yes. Just about every type of science degree at my university has calculus one as a "collateral requirement" even though there is really no reason for it to be that way other than a way to reduce the amount of people in those majors, the only exception I know of is Geology. The upper division biology classes like Genetics, Physiology etc. are also difficult to get into at all unless you're a science major (space available basis, and the science majors fill like 95%+ of the spaces because they get automatic preference over non-science majors when choosing science classes).

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Unfortunately yes. Just about every type of science degree at my university has calculus one as a "collateral requirement" even though there is really no reason for it to be that way other than a way to reduce the amount of people in those majors, the only exception I know of is Geology. The upper division biology classes like Genetics, Physiology etc. are also difficult to get into at all unless you're a science major (space available basis, and the science majors fill like 95%+ of the spaces because they get automatic preference over non-science majors when choosing science classes).

Then I strongly recommend Khan Academy, Paul's Online Math Notes, and especially this: