<p>This kind of goes hand-in-hand with the doctor thread that was just posted...all my life, I've wanted to go into medicine. Quite honestly, it's the only thing I've ever been interested in. Unlike some students, my parents never prodded me or encouraged me to pursue the field...it was something I discovered on my own, and found a passion for. I've never been able to see myself as doing anything else, despite researching a number of less-challenging majors. So. There I stand.</p>
<p>The thing is, I'm terrible at math. I honestly believe I have some kind of learning disability with regards to mathematics. I withdrew from calculus last quarter, because I had a -low- F. Now, I'm back in it, and have a D again! I had to take trig three times in high school. My science grades, as you can imagine, especially in chemistry and physics, aren't great either. I've tried getting tutoring, but it doesn't seem to help. I turn in all my homework--I still do poorly on tests. Study groups with friends, online math help message boards, teacher consultations...nothing works for me.</p>
<p>Can any of you recommend a course of action? My friends and parents are all urging me to consider majoring in the humanities: "You know, if your math grades are that bad, you're not going to get into med school." "Ever thought about studying English? You're good at that, aren't you?" "You know, there's more to life than being a doctor. There are lots of other good jobs out there too." It hurts so much that they're just telling me to give up on my passion--but, I have to admit, things aren't looking too bright right now.</p>
<p>Can anyone offer advice? I'll take anything. Really.</p>
<p>Humanities majors may actually have a better chance of getting into med. school than science majors. There are so many pre-med focused types applying for med school that the competition is much more intense for science majors.
Major in something that interests you and do well in, and take the required science classes for applying to med school (i.e. biology, org. chem, physics, etc.). That way, you keep your options open while optimizing your chances of success. =)
Good luck!</p>
<p>Humanities will definitely be a plus in applying to med school, but you should try to also persue a pre-med program along with it. To be honest though, if you're failing math and science, I wouldn't really want you to be my doctor. After all, being a doctor basically <em>IS</em> math and science. Look at it this way: Would you want your French professor to speak only Spanish and Romanian?</p>
<p>If you can't nail physics and chem unfortunately you have little chance at any U.S. medical school, you can however go to a foreing one in Carribean or Europe. But then you have a much harder time coming back here to practice. As long as you could pulls B's or better in physics and chem though you should be fine.</p>
<p>have you used the study guides with worked problems? These are thick books called something like "Calculus Problem Solver" and they have thousands of problems in each area (limits, derivitives, etc) with clear explanations. These are available for subjects like bio, chem, etc. also. You can find them at college bookstores (even community colleges) or online.</p>
<p>Many people use these books in the wrong way; they find an example similar to their homework problem and use that as a base to get their answer. That doesn't teach you anything.</p>
<p>The way to use the book is to cover the answers and try the 1st problem in the section covering what you're studying. If you can't get it, read the solution and then try the next problem (which will be similar). Keep doing this until you can solve the problem correctly.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say using utilizing study guide solution is a bad thing. Stepping through a clearly displayed solution and then applying it to the problem at hand is usually how I figure a concept out instead of just deducing it from some theoretical discussion about a technique. Its all about learning styles, I learn best by seeing the the practical application.</p>
<p>I actually thought I was pretty poor at math myself after taking calculus. I tried and tried and nearly failed, I had to use my one-time drop my first semester to get out before I received a D or F in the class.</p>
<p>I'm re-taking calculus right now and i'm enjoying it. I actually made an A on our first exam this year and it's amazed because I can't even remember the last time I've gotten an A in math! Here's what helped me:</p>
<p>Last semester, my TA was very theoretical, it may have worked for other kids but it just didn't hold up with me. My TA this semester is much more hands on and helped us learn by doing problem after problem after problem. I applied this to my own study habits. Before I'd take an exam I would re-work all the problems in my textbook, I managed to buy the solution-booklet for my textbook and I started using <a href="http://www.calc101.com%5B/url%5D">www.calc101.com</a> (it's a great website but use it to learn how to do problems, not just to solve them for you) then I'd do my homework questions over again. Thats a good 200 calculus problems right there. But I wouldn't stop. If I ever found myself taking too long or messing up on a problem, I'd circle them and try again at them (sometimes a little while after looking at the solution) I got to the point where calculus almost became second nature.</p>
<p>I think reptition really can help with learning calculus, it did for me. You need to do the material so much that you get comfortable with it.</p>
<p>wev162, you're fortunate if you can learn that way, but if its working for you then don't change. Most people's experience is more in line with dcfca, where it takes a lot of practice to learn to do math problems. For many people, learning math or science subjects is more like learning a foreign language or tennis. It takes practice in order to be able to do it quickly and correctly. You don't memorize a list of verbs and then turn around and use them fluently; it takes practice, lots of it. Same with sports; seeing the instructor hit a forehand and doing one yourself doesn't mean you're ready for the school team.</p>
<p>I think this is at the base of gets a lot of people in trouble; they see a concept and a worked-out problem in their text. They read thru it and each step makes sense, seems reasonable. They assume they've learned it, but they can't do it without seeing the worked-out example in front of them. So that's why I say not to use a workbook to do your homework; it will get it done, but for most people they haven't really absorbed the concept; they've just followed a recipe. Be happy that you are an exception!</p>
<p>I do not have any advice on improving your grades (I'm a high school senior). However, I work at a doctor's office. I advise you to consider that there are many options in the medical field that do not require an MD and some may be more suitable for you. RNs and Physician Assistants can make a very good salary and do many of same things doctors do. Also, if math/science prove to be too hard for you, consider related fields, like becoming a radiology tech or a pharmaceutical representive.</p>
<p>^ i second that. RNs and physicaians assistants can make upwards of 100k a year. doctors arent exactly lucrative with all that malpractice insurance these days. okay, its still a good living, but its so much easier to be a RN or PA.</p>
<p>one other comment for the OP. Are you spending enough time on the classes? In college one rule of thumb is that you should spend 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour in class. Science or math classes probably belong at the higher end of the scale. So for calculus which probably meets 3x a week you should be spending 9 hours each week outside of class doing homework, studying, working practice problems, etc.</p>
<p>Erm.....<em>weak chuckle</em> That IS what they tell you...but, generally, I tend to spend the required five hours in class and about two hours outside working the homework. Up until now, it's worked for me...perhaps it is time to change my ways? <em>naive grin</em></p>
<p>Speaking of Physicians assistants, how much math is required in order to pursue this profession? Is much math required? Like the OP, I have difficulty in math, however would love to be in the medical profession. Would I HAVE to take Calculus?</p>
<p>To be a physicians assistant, the admissions requirements vary but most only require two years of college but most applicants have a bachelor's degree. I don't think you'll HAVE to take Calculus but it may help. </p>
<p>Besides, I've been to Wuthering Heights. It's lovely there.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I tend to spend the required five hours in class and about two hours outside working the homework. Up until now, it's worked for me...perhaps it is time to change my ways?
[/quote]
Maybe its time for a gut check. Do you REALLY want to be a doctor? My guess is no, and that what you're doing is self-sabotage. Rather than announce to the world (friends, parents, yourself) that you've changed your mind or aren't so sure anymore, its a lot easier to just not get good grades the classes and have the decision appear to be made for you. Few people think they are going to pass a college calculus or science class with 2 hours of study (including doing the homework, apparently) a week. </p>
<p>And this unwillingness to take a clear look at the situation is pretty deep rooted; earlier you wrote "I honestly believe I have some kind of learning disability with regards to mathematics." So apparently the fact that you spend 2 hours/week on it is unrelated to your problems. Or did you really think you were so bright you could spend almost no time studying and still get top grades?</p>
<p>I say this not be be cruel but to figuratively splash some water on you to get your attention. It may already be too late to salvage a career in medicine, and if it's not too late you're certainly careening down that path. They aren't going to admit you to med school because they've looked in your heart and found you're really sincere about wanting it. They're going to look and see if you did the things it takes to get in, and one pretty reasonable way to gauge dedication/effort is to look and see if you got the grades to be a competitive applicant. So far that measure of your effort looks dead-on.</p>
<p>i don't know, this may be a stupid question but what do doctors actually have to do with math in say hospitals or private practices? or advancement concepts like organic chemistry in professions like say, dermatology or a pediatrician?</p>
<p>Orgo is very important for medicine. Most chemicals in the body that are natural are organic. All the hormones, etc. Many medications also are based off of orgo concepts and are organic. Once you dive into real medicine, you realize how important it is to really grasp orgo since it really is the basis of life as we know it.</p>