Do I have a chance?

I’m a current high school senior with a 2.6 GPA. I’m terrible at math and the highest level of math I completed was Algebra 2. I made C’s in all of my math classes and didn’t learn anything! I understand that now math builds on each other! It wasn’t until Algebra 2 I discovered this and now I am worried because I want to be pre - med! I plan on attending a local community college in the fall and I have to take Elementary Algebra 1 before I can take any other maths at the college level. The pre - med requirements for the University I want to transfer to require either Calculus or Statistics. I want to eventually get to the level where I can take Calculus! I know I have a long road ahead of me math wise but I am willing to get to that level because I know I want to go to medical school. My advisor said it’s possible but she’s never seen it happen!

I’ll be honest–you have a very long road ahead of you. Mathematics is cumulative. Each course builds on the concepts and skills learned in lower levels. You may need to go back even further than Algebra 1 in order to develop a sound basis/skill set for learning college level math.

College level math (calc AND stats) is required by every med school in the country. Stats is included in every section of the MCAT. Math is critical for success in gen chem and physics–both required pre-reqs for med school. Don’t even think about taking chem or physics until your math skills are solid and up to college level.

There is no easy way to learn math. It takes effort, time and lots & lots &l ots of problem sets.

Most CCs have a learning center which offers one-on-one or small group tutoring in math. Don’t wait until you get behind in class to get help.

I totally agree with @WayOutWestMom. Calculus relies on everything you learned in the past, plus new topics. You will have to put a lot of work into it. Go to office hours, study groups, tutoring, whatever it takes. Even the most basic math will appear in general chemistry and most college physics classes are calculus-based.