<p>Context: I am currently a Sophomore in high school taking Algebra 2/ Trigonometry and am struggling in that class with a C. I plan to major in Biomedicine (lab work), however, I’m getting scared that my poor math skils will inhibit that. In my math level, students are supposed to go from Alg 2/Trig in sophomore year to Precalculus Honors in Junior year. However, I plan to drop my math level to Math Analysis (watered down Precalc) in Junior year so try to get an easy A to solidify my GPA in Junior year.
My question: If I plan to do a biomed major in college, will dropping down to a lower math level in Junior year be bad for colleges, even if they know I’m doing biomed? Is it bad in general to drop your math level in Junior year to a non-honors class?
Thanks!</p>
<p>It depends on the school you want to go to. If you plan to apply to Ivy leagues, yes. And if you plan to apply for biomedical engineering and you can’t do math, perhaps you should rethink your major.</p>
<p>Generally it never looks good to drop down a level in math. That being said, if you are struggling, I would discuss your options with your math teacher. Perhaps you could do some self study this summer to prepare. My kids said that Pre-calc is nothing like Algebra II. Also, if you take the “watered down Precalc” what will you take as a senior? I would think if you are planning on Biomedicine you would not want to drop math as a senior.</p>
<p>Would you rather get an A or a B in Math Analysis or a C in Precalc? You need to be real with yourself and decide what will help you reach your goals.</p>
<p>So do public colleges (i.e. University of Texas or University of California) look for this kind of stuff? Furthermore, do the classes in college for biomed majors come in math packages that all STEM majors have to do.
I am extremely thankful for you edification!</p>
<p>I go to one of the hardest/most competitive high schools in California, so I’m not sure how the curriculum went for your kids. Generally the Alg 2/Trig is essentially like an honors course without the official title and weighting in my school. I plan to take AP Calculus AB (easier than AP Calc BC) in senior year.</p>
<p>bump bump bump</p>
<p>I’m sorry… but if you’re already struggling in math then going into any form of math or science might not be good…you might want to think about business courses?.. because they still deal with formulas but not as much as biology and chemistry and those kind of subjects. Please answer my only question!</p>
<p>If you’re really struggling, talk with your teacher, but if you plan to do math analysis in 11th grade then Calc AB and prepare well over the summer to catch up on what you missed when you got C’s, you should be fine as far as biomed prereqs at most schools. This is assuming you get A’s in those two classes - if you keep getting C’s, reconsider your choice of major. Engineering is hardcore math and science. However, you’ll need to show many Honors Science classes, especially Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, preferably all 3 at the AP level and all 3 with grades in the A-B range</p>