University vs College Physics (GPA vs Rec Letter)

[kasamarie6]

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University Physics is calculus based, College Physics isn't...
I've heard that university physics is significantly harder than college physics at my school.
I did okay (B+) in Calculus1/2 this semester. Next semester I will be taking orgo, 3 kinsiology classes, physics, and labs so I already have a heavy course load.

The only difference is University Physics corresponds with the pre-med/science honors program I am currently in which in the long run gives you a "really good" recommendation letter from the premed advisor/committee, because this program is really hard and >40 kids finish it, etc. That letter in return also gives you a very good shot at entering the medical school tied to my university, although idk if i could realistically go there (location).

If I take College physics I am immediately out of the program and become a "normal" pre-med student, with the potential to have a slightly better GPA...

Could anyone shed some light on this situation? What material is present on the MCAT?
Is it "worth it" to choose a significantly harder class/program for a killer rec letter despite the fact your GPA may be lower? Or is it better to "play it safe" ?

Thanks!

 

[medic86]

MCAT physics is straight-up algebra physics.

The decision is yours.

 

[CollegeGirl94]

I'm taking calculus-based now. Honestly, I see no difference (yet). Yes, there is some, "hey you should understand this is the derivative of that and that is the anti derivative", but nothing I had to apply. I believe that even next quarter there will be minimal use. I am SO happy with my decision. The class is smaller (not many premeds) and the professor is great. But, all schools are different. I think you need to weigh your options at your university and it seems like university is the way to go.

 

[487806]

University Physics is calculus based, College Physics isn't...
I've heard that university physics is significantly harder than college physics at my school.
I did okay (B+) in Calculus1/2 this semester. Next semester I will be taking orgo, 3 kinsiology classes, physics, and labs so I already have a heavy course load.

The only difference is University Physics corresponds with the pre-med/science honors program I am currently in which in the long run gives you a "really good" recommendation letter from the premed advisor/committee, because this program is really hard and >40 kids finish it, etc. That letter in return also gives you a very good shot at entering the medical school tied to my university, although idk if i could realistically go there (location).

If I take College physics I am immediately out of the program and become a "normal" pre-med student, with the potential to have a slightly better GPA...

Could anyone shed some light on this situation? What material is present on the MCAT?
Is it "worth it" to choose a significantly harder class/program for a killer rec letter despite the fact your GPA may be lower? Or is it better to "play it safe" ?

Thanks!

Definitely take the university physics course. If you have a crappy self confidence, you'll get a lower GPA. Be confident, use all the resources, and you'll do fine. Getting a strong LOR after your success will make you a much stronger applicant, so there's nothing to worry about.

 

[Doudline]

Calculus-based physics is not harder per say, it's just more scut work (that will be useless for the MCAT).
If you're willing to work harder and think it's worth the effort, then go for it.

 

[Slave to the Game]

Calculus-based physics is not harder per say, it's just more scut work (that will be useless for the MCAT).
If you're willing to work harder and think it's worth the effort, then go for it.

If the committee's writing you a really good letter of rec vs an okay letter, I'd do the U and get the really good one. The slightly higher GPA is not guaranteed if you take C, but the really good LOR is if you take U.

Clear winner is U.