Prospective student here. I’m not that good at math, but I do love science. I would like to learn more about science. I hope to be a part of the world where I can make significant changes throughout the world from the bioscience community. However, can I major in biology or chemistry if my math skills aren’t so great?
I have a dream to become a physician in the specialty of family medicine. I’ve always wondered if is it possible for me to pursue my dreams? I’m concerned if because of my weakness in math, and afraid of a low GPA or MCAT score.
If this is your goal, then medicine is probably not the right path for you. You’re unlikely to have this type of national/international impact unless you are a high level researcher and academic.
How bad at math are you?
Are you "I barely passed pre-calc" bad? Or are you "I hate math but I can get a B in calc 1" bad?
The latter is OK; the former is a death knell for any pre-med dreams.
Gen chem requires strong advanced algebra/pre-calc & computational skill. OChem uses a lot of polar geometry.
Colleges generally require bio majors to take 1-2 semesters of calculus as a degree requirement. Some also require statistics or biostatistics.
A chem major is more math-intensive than a bio major. Colleges require at least Calc 1 & 2; some will require or strongly recommend Calc 3 and/or differential equations. PChem (which is a universally require course for chem majors) is very calculus intensive.
To do well on the MCAT, you need to be competent in statistics and statistical methods since stats is heavily tested in several sections of the MCAT.