Calculus III vs GE over the summer?

[deleted838145]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I ask way too many questions on here, but I trust this site a lot (when getting academic opinions). I hope there isn't some kind of limit on how many/how often I can ask stuff.

Anyways, before I enter my freshman year, I wanted to get a head-start by taking a summer course. Initially I was going to take 2 courses, but it's far too pricey. Now I'm debating between Calculus III or a fine arts GE requirement. What should I take? Do medical schools care about what I take over the summer if it's at the school I am going to attend?

 

[kneeshoe]

There is no need to get a head-start for college courses if you're just entering as a freshman. Up to you though.

If you want to get ahead, self-study this summer. But you're about to enter college which is an entirely different beast from high school, relax while you can!or do something else productive - get some volunteering hours or clinical exposure, start some shadowing, etc.

 

[Geo16]

I'm taking Calculus for Biz/Social Science. An introductory Calculus 😛
One semester or Introductory Calculus is basically all you need- most med schools don't require Calculus.
But, check with your school if you are going to take Physics with Calculus.
Some schools require all sequence of Calculus (like UCLA...) for Physics if you take Physics with Calculus.
Taking Physics with Algebra (Physics without Calculus) would be a lot better, thus you won't need another Calculus class.
I'd suggest taking Stats, Spanish or Fine Arts over the summer only if you go with Physics without Calculus.
For Stats, if you are taking it from a different institution, I recommend Professor Nikjeh from LACC 🙂
If you are a resident in California, California CC will give you a BOG fee-waiver and your tuition will be covered 😛

Edit: keep in mind that sGPA for MDs count math. Get an A on them.

 

[deleted838145]

I'm taking Calculus for Biz/Social Science. An introductory Calculus 😛
One semester or Introductory Calculus is basically all you need- most med schools don't require Calculus.
But, check with your school if you are going to take Physics with Calculus.
Some schools require all sequence of Calculus (like UCLA...) for Physics if you take Physics with Calculus.
Taking Physics with Algebra (Physics without Calculus) would be a lot better, thus you won't need another Calculus class.
I'd suggest taking Stats, Spanish or Fine Arts over the summer only if you go with Physics without Calculus.
For Stats, if you are taking it from a different institution, I recommend Professor Nikjeh from LACC 🙂
If you are a resident in California, California CC will give you a BOG fee-waiver and your tuition will be covered 😛

thanks for the tip. Im actually going to UCSD (hopefully that's not revealing too much info). from what I've looked into, calculus coreqs are allowed to be taken beforehand for Physics courses.

There is no need to get a head-start for college courses if you're just entering as a freshman. Up to you though.

If you want to get ahead, self-study this summer. But you're about to enter college which is an entirely different beast from high school, relax while you can!or do something else productive - get some volunteering hours or clinical exposure, start some shadowing, etc.

How do I go about shadowing? I always wanted to try it but I don't know any doctors personally.

 

[kneeshoe]

thanks for the tip. Im actually going to UCSD (hopefully that's not revealing too much info). from what I've looked into, calculus coreqs are allowed to be taken beforehand for Physics courses.

How do I go about shadowing? I always wanted to try it but I don't know any doctors personally.

Call up any physician practices around your area and ask directly. You'd be surprised how many doctors are willing to take in students for shadowing! Or visit in person (works out better sometimes). I didn't know any doctors either but I just went around to multiple clinics and private practices and straight up asked haha. You want to get a good mix of some specialties you'd be interested in but also emphasize primary care. 50-100 hours of shadowing total is good

 

[Geo16]

Aw :/ I think USC, Davis and Santa Barbara are the only exception. They accept Physics w/o Calc from LACC.
Physics 1ABC series from UCSD required up to Math 10C (calc 3) or Math 11. Why not take Stats this summer to fulfill Math 11 and satisfy Statistics?
But it really depends on what you want to major in- Physics 2ABCD series require up to Math 2oC. Bio majors go for 1ABC series.