Hello everyone,
I’m currently a senior in HS and I finished all my college applications and I applied to the majority of my schools as a chemistry major. Recently, however, I’ve been having second thoughts. I took honors chem and AP chem in HS and I really enjoyed the subject matter and pulled As in all my chemistry classes. However, my math skills are poor. I’ve only taken regular math classes–I’m currently taking regular calculus and I got a B as my final grade. I’m stressing out if a chemistry major is right for me. I’m interested in going to pharmacy school so I need to get a high GPA in college. Should I reconsider the chemistry major and maybe switch to neuroscience or psych since I am also interested in that? Or should I continue with chemistry?
Reaching calculus while in high school does not mean that you are poor at math. You are actually a year advanced compared to the normal sequence.
If you enjoy chemistry, try taking a few chemistry classes in college and see how you do. Some aspects of chemistry are more dependent on math than others. Also, a B as a final grade in calculus is nothing to sneeze at! At most universities, both neuroscience and chemistry require similar chemistry classes the first year of college. You have plenty of time to make a decision.
You’ll do best in a major that interests you. From my experience, you’ll also do best at the math when it’s related to something you care about. And getting a B calculus in high school is nothing to be ashamed of or indicate that you won’t do well as a chemistry major. For now, I’d say stick with chemistry if that’s what you’re interested in, but realize that you can switch majors after you start and the world won’t end. Also, people who love chemistry but not the math tend to actually really enjoy organic chemistry, in my experience.
I’m not good at math at all, however I’m going for a double in Biology and Chemistry. For me, personally, Math that relates to science is a bit easier, sure there are times when i have no clue what I’m doing, but I have an amazing professor that helps us out and helps us to learn the math we need to be successful in chemistry.
I’d say, take Chemistry in College and see what you think then. If it’s difficult, try using kan academy or something to brush up on algebra skills and calculus skills; or ask your professor/math teacher/tutor for extra help