I’ve gotten a few B’s in math, and I’m wondering how much this hurts my chances of being admitted if I apply as an applied math major. I genuinely like the subject, but am slow in calculation, which hurt me on tests, leading to bad grades. Any thoughts?
Apply for the major that you want.
Are you slow with hand calculations, or also slow using a calculator? How slow are you? Are you running our of time on the tests? Go speak with the guidance office and the resource teacher at your school. Get yourself formally evaluated fo processing speed. If you have a diagnosible learning differnce, there are accommodations you can be given in class, and strategies you can learn to help you work more efficientlt.
I’m not slow to the point that I will be diagnosed for a learning difference. My school is very competitive and strong especially in STEM, and the classes are graded on a curve, so I because I’m slow relative to them, it hurts me. I got 800 on sat 2 math, so I’m not that slow.
I am not aware of any universities that direct-admit into any form of math major: afaik, you will be admitted to the school, and declare your major sometime between the end of 1st year and the end of 2nd year. That your Bs are specifically in math won’t be why you don’t get in.
For heavens sake, what colleges? Are they ones that will look at your level of learning and math success? Are they right for your grades, scores, and ECs?
First, don’t be discouraged that you didn’t ace math courses in high school. Higher level college math is largely proof based where the ability to think clearly and deeply will count for more than the ability to speedily solve equations.
Some things that may help: (1) Your counselor will provide colleges with a profile of your high school which will put your grades in context. (2) You can get a recommendation from a math teacher who can speak to your aptitude and interest in the subject.
That said, what really matters is that you apply to the right schools. Your GPA and test scores need to be in range. If the school admits by major, recognize that math, CS, and engineering admits nearly always have stats at the very top of the school’s range so your GPA and test scores need to be excellent relative to other applicants. Depending on the school, you could also consider applying as “undecided”.
My GPA and test scores are alright, it’s just that the transcript looks bad. My gpa is 3.8 UW 4.2 weighted. Sat is a 1540 and have 5s in Calc BC, Physics 1, US History, Language and Composition, and Computer Science, and a 4 in Chemistry. I’m also national merit semifinalist, if that helps. I’m not applying hyps, but a tier below that like northwestern, USC, washington st louis.
So what are the “sub par math grades?”
What do they put in the water at that high school of yours that makes you think an unweighted GPA of 3.8 is “bad”?
Your GPA is fine. Your SAT is fine. Your AP scores are fine.
Definitely stop worrying about your stats, and get back to writing those college application essays.
@happymomof1 I know you have a very robust history here, but…welcome to College Confidential. 
@JenJenJenJen - LOL! Anything to help the OP to get the craziness under a bit more control. 
Haha thank you my classmates are a bit crazy and it might have rubbed off on me. In Algebra 2 trig 1st sem - A - 2nd sem - B, precalc honors 1st sem - B, 2nd sem - A, calc bc Bs both semesters.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
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First, don't be discouraged that you didn't ace math courses in high school. Higher level college math is largely proof >>based where the ability to think clearly and deeply will count for more than the ability to speedily solve equations.
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This is not true for Applied Math. You will need to get past *Real Analysis, but after that you can avoid most proof based theory courses and target Applied for the electives. This varies by school so YMMV. Also, just because the course is not proof based doesn’t mean it is easy.
*My son recently took RA and the assignments were absolutely grueling and the would renown Analysis professor was terrible. When it came to tests, he made them so easy my son scored 100 on every exam. I took the same class 30 years ago and the opposite happened. Easy assignments and a class median in the 40s on exams. I recall getting a 28 on one test and it was a B. Needless to say, I switched to Applied and CS.
Your grades are fine. Write an outstanding essay and have some good safeties. You definitely have a shot.
All colleges have a math major. Choose some “match” colleges and apply!