3 answers
Anita
Student
North Haven, Connecticut
21
Questions
Asked
2056 views
Do I have to have a strong understanding of High School Math in Medical School?
I'm struggling in Algebra 2 at the moment- will this affect me in the long run?
Login to comment
3 answers
Clayton Wagner, MD
Family Medicine Physician
1
Answer
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Updated
Clayton’s Answer
Most medical schools require you to have completed a university level Calculus course at minimum for admission to the medical school. The prerequisite physics and chemistry courses also weigh heavily on mathematics. Your GPA in these science and math pre-reqs are an important part of your application to medical school. Specifically medical school itself, I very rarely needed to use a calculator beyond my bio-stats course. Could you get by with math not being “your thing”?, yes probably. But having an established mathematics foundation prior to going into medical school is one less thing stress about once you’re there. My two cents. Good luck!
Sounds good, thank you!
Anita
Payal Gupta, DO
Physician
1
Answer
Brentwood, Tennessee
Updated
Payal’s Answer
You do need to have a good understanding of mathematics courses up to Calculus I (possibly more complicated math courses depending on your major in college). However, while in medical school, you will not use a lot of math in the coursework. Of course, you still need to be able use basic math and possibly some biostatistics, but you will not need to use a lot of math in medical school and beyond.
With that being said, I would not disregard the fact that you must do well in your math courses in high school and college because you will need good grades in math and science courses to get into medical school. Please get a tutor now if you are having difficulty with mathematics. Just remember, there is a light at the tunnel as you do not need to solve complex math problems in day-to-day life, practicing medicine.
With that being said, I would not disregard the fact that you must do well in your math courses in high school and college because you will need good grades in math and science courses to get into medical school. Please get a tutor now if you are having difficulty with mathematics. Just remember, there is a light at the tunnel as you do not need to solve complex math problems in day-to-day life, practicing medicine.
This is very reassuring, thank you!
Anita
Abigail Thompson
EMT - Emergency Medical Technician
2
Answers
Morris, Minnesota
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Not only will medical school expect you to have completed the necessary prerequisites for admission, but you will need a good understanding of basic algebra and calculus for majority of your premed courses in undergrad. All of the information you learn will only continue to build upon the knowledge you are already expected to have.
My advice would be to just focus on the task at hand, and take it one step at a time. High school before undergraduate school, and undergraduate school before medical school. If you find that you are struggling with a prevalent topic, seek help. Ask your professors for help, get a tutor, join a study group, etc. Staying a few steps ahead this way will prepare you for any academic hardships in the future. I wish you luck on your journey!
Tutor
Study Group
Seek help from Professor
My advice would be to just focus on the task at hand, and take it one step at a time. High school before undergraduate school, and undergraduate school before medical school. If you find that you are struggling with a prevalent topic, seek help. Ask your professors for help, get a tutor, join a study group, etc. Staying a few steps ahead this way will prepare you for any academic hardships in the future. I wish you luck on your journey!
Abigail recommends the following next steps:
This is great, thank you so much!
Anita