I didn't take any Calculus in highschool, can I still apply and Major in Biology at Penn State?

I am a Senior, who is about to graduate, and I am struggling with applying for colleges. I aspire to become an OB/GYN, so I my plan is to major in Biology. The problem is that I didn’t take PreCalculus after Algebra and Geometry. Instead I took classes on Probability and Statistics, Trigonometry, and Accounting without knowing that it would affect my future plans for college. So the big question is would I need to take a class over the summer (Which could be difficult considering the pandemic…) or does Penn State offer the ability to take PreCalculus or Calculus while Majoring in Biology?

You could go in DUS, meet the entrance to major requirements for biology and switch in.

Every university has calculus courses, and many (or most) students only take calculus when they are in the university. If you took algebra and trigonometry, you have covered pre-calc, so you’re likely ready to take calculus. Precalculus is just a bit higher level algebra (which you may want to cover), and trigonometry (which you took). They may, conceivably, want you to take pre-calc, but it will mostly be stuff that you already know, but it may be worth your while taking it anyway, as a refresher.

On the other hand, probability and statistics are great for anybody who wants to study biology.

Okay, so if were to go in for a major in Biology would they allow me to take Precalculus while I’m in the program? Or would I have to go in DUS? And another question I have is that is it to late to apply to Penn State for the fall? If so, is there a way for me to apply to start in the 2nd semester?

Yes, it’s too late if your goal is to get into UP. (Deadline was Nov 1 or Nov 30).
However if you’re okay with a 2+2 AND you’re instate then it might be possible
(not sure).
Where do you live in Pennsylvania? Is there a Branch Campus you
could commute to? (Some branch campuses have dorms and students live there
during the week then go home for the weekend. The “full on” colleges like Altoona,
Erie, or Harrisburg may be “full” already. As a result, if you choose one of these
three as your starting campus, make sure to pick ANOTHER branch campus, one
close to your house, for your second chocie.
A branch campus would also allow you to take Precalculus first semester.
Finally, you don’t need to major in biology to be a doctor and biology has very
poor job prospects (there’s an oversupply of biology majors on the market and
even before the crisis it couldn’t be absorbed, so it’s even worse now).
You may want to consider Biobehavior Health at Harrisburg
or at Greater Allegheny.

Okay, well from the looks of it, it could be pretty beneficial if I do 2+2 because I would like to stay near home, and potentially save money based on what I read on the site. I live in Chambersburg, which is in Franklin County. The campus that is closest to me is Mont Alto.
Well a biology or chemistry major is common for OB/GYNs.
Would Biobehaviorial Health be acceptable for becoming an OB/GYN?

Yes it would. Any major is acceptable - what matters is being in the top 10% of every class you take. THAT’s the challenge. Nevertheless, BBH is especially suited for premeds. :slight_smile:

You can major in just about anything provided you meet the premed requirements, which you can take outside of any major. I’d recommend 2+2 since so you can get your math and chems out of the way before coming to UP. Also, Penn State will have you take a math placement test to determine where you start in math. Hopefully you can place directly into precalc. Good luck!