Im trying to get into med school, but im failing a remedial math class?

Question

I know it sounds ridiculous. The class is test based, & I've bombed every test to date this semester. I worked hard all semester just to fail in the end. I go to community college right now and am planning to transfer to a renown four-year university. I'm trying to get into med school. At this point, what can I do to still remain competitive for med school? Have any med school students out there failed a class as an undergrad?

Answer 1

Dude, you are in bad shape.

You cannot get into med school without excellent grades in some very tough courses, probably including calculus and/or statistics. You must take chemistry and physics. There is no way whatsoever to pass either chem or physics unless you are completely 100% comfortable with algebra, ratios, fractions, percents and scientific notation.

You should also understand that your chances of transferring from a CC to an elite university are slim to none. Some well known schools do take CC transfers, but they are the best of the best of the CC students, not the kids who failed rememdial courses.

To convince yourself of what you need to do, get hold of a practice book for the MCAT exam. If you do not do well on the MCAT you cannot get into med school. Try the problems there and if you can't do them, then you should take a realistic look at your plans and go to Plan B - the plan that doesn't include Med School.

Answer 2

I know, nobody even remembers math, algebra, or geometry anyway, and they have too many different sets of rules. When I've applied some things years later, I can see the error in the way it's taught. Anyway, you have to at least do some soul searching. Perhaps there's some other area in the medical field that you should consider. Cheer up. I know a person who doesn't even have a college degree, but started selling insurance and he makes more than most doctors. You can get a good job, and start your own business on the side. There are lots of possibilities if you don't make it here. I think it's worth at least one great last try.

Answer 3

You can fail a class and still get into med school, but you need calculus-based physics to pass the MCATs. If you can't manage algebra, you're going to have a serious problem later on.

Answer 4

Honestly, I don't mean to be cruel, but I don't think I'd want to be treated by a doctor who can't pass a remedial math class. You could look into an off-shore medical school; I doubt any med. school in this country is going to consider you. I admire your ambition--perhaps if you transfer to a top-notch university you might be able to do better work. (You'll have to, I guess.)