I am SO CONFUSED!

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>I'm just going to face the music right now and say it; I AM TERRIBLE AT MATH AND SCIENCE! </p>

<p>But I enjoy <em>some</em> aspects of science. As this may be a surprise to most of you that read this, I am a sophomore in an advanced junior and even senior chemistry class. I really love the class and the teacher; but it's a huge struggle for me. Here's the thing: most of my extracurriculars have to do with science. For example, here's my science-related ECs for this year: </p>

<p>Astronomy club (president)
Science Olympiads
Aquarium Junior Educator
Science National Honor Society
Hospital volunteer </p>

<p>Next year, there will be even more.
I find anything that has to do with Arctic Marine Biology or just Marine Biology in general, extremely fascinating. I want to be a veterinary surgeon, but what will they think of me if I don't have honors math? </p>

<p>I'm better at science than I am at math, that's for sure. I have all advanced/honors classes except for math; and the standard math class that I DO have is hard enough. Just the thought of going into honors to impress the adcoms sounds nauseating; and besides, my guidance counselor won't let me. So there's nothing I can do about that. I'm graduating with Pre-Calculus and that's all there is to it. No testing out or dual courses or self studying blah blah blah. I tried. It's just the way it is.</p>

<p>So, what would UPenn think of someone whose weakest points are math and science, and is in standard math (Geometry), but is in an advanced science course a year above their grade level; and participates in many science-related ECs?</p>

<p>My strongest points include writing, linguistics, and history (the humanities.) I want to be an International Lawyer just as much as I want to be a veterinary surgeon. </p>

<p>WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!?!?!?!?!</p>

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<p>Good news: I hear people find higher level math easier as they grow older.</p>

<p>Bad news: To be a doctor, you need to have taken calculus. Since a vet is sort of like a doctor, I am assuming they have very similar requirements. Higher level sciences, like physics, also require higher level math. (I’m not sure if you need this to be a vet, but I’m pretty sure physics is necessary to become a doctor.) For example, the basic physics class at my high school requires an incredibly firm grasp on trigonometry word problems. In short, the higher the level of science the more it incorporates really complicated math techniques.</p>

<p>My advice: Depends on your personality. Some people enjoy doing things they struggle with because they love the subject and enjoy the challenge. Others find it too much of a struggle. They end up getting really frustrated because the material is way more than just a “challenge”; it’s near impossible for them.</p>

<p>I kind of understand the position that you’re in. I’m horrible at math and science (really bad at word problems, lol) but was in love with the idea of becoming an engineer, despite the fact that my talents lay in English, psychology, and foreign languages. This past summer I did some researching and evaluating, and I ultimately decided that I’d much rather become an English professor instead of an engineer. So I plan on doing a double major in English and East Asian Studies instead of Engineering. I’m very, very happy with that decision and plan to stick with it. I believe wholeheartedly that I made a great choice.</p>

<p>My advice for you is to just wait a while. You’ll figure it out :wink: Since you’re taking chemistry this year, you’ll be taking physics next year, right? You’ll probably be able to make a decision after that, but if you can’t I wouldn’t worry. Many people change their major throughout college, so it’s no big deal. However, I would do more of a variety of extracurriculars if I were you. What if you decide by your senior year that you would rather be a lawyer instead of a veterinary surgeon? You want your extracurriculars to reflect that. Not to say that you should drop all your science extracurriculars, but perhaps you should consider joining debate or something.</p>

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<p>You should go to the UPenn forum and look at the decision threads. Then you might get an idea of how competitive you are. But remember that the threads are always wrong.</p>