How beneficial is taking Calculus in your undergraduate years?

[Analog]

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So I know that there are schools tbat have a calculus requirement. I am set up to take Calc I next semester, but i'm not sure if i want to go through with it. I took pre-calc in high school and didn't do so well, and I have a pretty hard course load as is (physics, chem, bio).

So my question is-

is the amount of schools that have a calc requirement large enough that it is worth the risk to take the class? i'm kinda worried about screwing up bad in it.

i'm sure if i had a copy of the msar i could tell but nope 😛

 

[RevDM]

I realized I took a year and a half of calc for my major and not for med school 😛

 

[loveoforganic]

I'm pretty sure that it is by far not 'most' schools, although there are certainly some that require it.

 

[Analog]

I'm pretty sure most schools require a year of calc

Well, no not from what i've read at least.


also, i just found this list for 07/08 year..
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~nss/nav/pages/advice/MedSchlMathReq08rev.pdf

it is pretty helpful, i know a few on the list like Hopkins can substitute statistics for calc. a lot of them "recommend" calc so, i'd still like to know whether my chances will be changed at all by taking calc at the any of the schools on the 'recommended' list.

 

[CoolWhipp]

Just take it. It's not that hard, seriously. You're going to do more work looking up schools that may consider you without calculus. It's going to cause you a lot more stress than just taking calculus in the the future.

 

[BlueElmo]

yeah, calc is pretty easy in terms of prereqs. Just take it, and save yourself headaches down the road.

 

[Analog]

yeah, calc is pretty easy in terms of prereqs. Just take it, and save yourself headaches down the road.

Even calc 2?

pre-cal was brutal for me. which is why i'm hesitant. would rather not screw my gpa unnecessarily

 

[BlueElmo]

Even calc 2?

pre-cal was brutal for me. which is why i'm hesitant. would rather not screw my gpa unnecessarily

I guess it depends on each person. Just take calc 1 for now and see how it is, and take it from there.

 

[Analog]

I will have to decide after this semester is over. if i can ace my physics/bio/chem/statistics courses i'll be confident that i can handle the second semester of them, and might feel better about taking calc alongside them. although this would prevent me from taking the second level of statistics.

 

[Narmerguy]

I will have to decide after this semester is over. if i can ace my physics/bio/chem/statistics courses i'll be confident that i can handle the second semester of them, and might feel better about taking calc alongside them. although this would prevent me from taking the second level of statistics.

Calc 1 is a fairly cake course. Calc 2 is a different matter but I don't believe any schools require that level of math...

Alongside physics/bio/chem/statistics it will probably be challenging but I imagine that would be the case no matter what class you took.

 

[Analog]

Calc 1 is a fairly cake course. Calc 2 is a different matter but I don't believe any schools require that level of math...

Alongside physics/bio/chem/statistics it will probably be challenging but I imagine that would be the case no matter what class you took.

I thought calc2 was considered a requirement? Because the schools say 1 full year of calculus, but calc1 is only 1 semester at my school, so i assumed them together would count as the full year

and yeah i'm just considering taking 4 classes next semester, as opposed to 5 (full load) but i'm not sure yet..

 

[Abby_Normal]

I'm pretty sure all calc 1 courses are only a semester so, yeah, full year probably means calc 1 and calc 2.

Even if medical schools don't specifically require calc, taking it will certainly make physics easier.

 

[schrizto]

I am kind of unsure about some of the information in dartmouth's document.

*Washington University in St. Louis WILL accept statistics in lieu of a second term of calc. AP will satisfy either/both math credits and does not need to be supplemented by a college math course.
*Johns Hopkins WILL accept statistics in lieu of calculus. Applicants may have one calc and one stats, two calc courses or two stats courses. AP will suffice for either one or both and does not need to be supplemented by college math.

I have never seen this information anywhere else. If this is true, then I will be very happy because that means I can apply to these schools with Calc 1 and statistics. However, the MSAR states that two semesters of calc are required for both of these schools. Can someone verify this?

 

[Gabby]

I'm pretty sure most schools require a year of calc

Only something like 6 schools require a year of Calculus. About 10 schools require a semester of Calculus, but the VAST MAJORITY of schools have no calculus requirement whatsoever.

 

[ziggydoc]

Im applying right now and doing fine without taking either calc 1 or 2. and Most schools don't need you to have a full year. However, I do wish I took calc 1 just so I had 1 full year of math with my stat course.

 

[orthomyxo]

.

 

[boaz]

Even calc 2?

pre-cal was brutal for me. which is why i'm hesitant. would rather not screw my gpa unnecessarily

I thought pre-calc was harder than clac I.

Most schools require calc I.

Most schools require a second semester of math, but not necessarily calc II (very few require it). I'd recommend statistics as it is much more relevant to medicine.

 

[BlueElmo]

I thought pre-calc was harder than clac I.

Most schools require calc I.

Most schools require a second semester of math, but not necessarily calc II (very few require it). I'd recommend statistics as it is much more relevant to medicine.

Pre-calc was back in high school. Good times.

 

[Gabby]

Most schools require calc I.

False. Most schools DO NOT require Calc I. Few schools require Calc of any kind.

 

[orthomyxo]

I thought pre-calc was harder than clac I.

I hope you're serious. I'm sleeping through pre-calc now, it's so easy.

 

[UC pre med]

As far as I know, calculus, even if it isn't required for your med school, its really going to help you with physics. So by doing it, you would be at a disadvantage. but I dunno if you want to take it with your current coursework, try dropping bio or chem and taking calc with physics, and then take bio or chem later.

 

[JJMrK]

There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.

1. I can only think of a handful of schools (<5) that require a full year of calculus.

2. There are a few that require one semester of calculus and a full year of math. Meaning you could take calc I and stats to satisfy these schools.

3. There are a great many more that require one of year any type of math.

4. A very small number of schools require a semester of statistics.

Bottom line: You're going to have to look up the requirements on a school-by-school basis. In order to completely maximize your options you would need to take calc I and II and stats I. It seems like most people take either calc I and II OR calc I and stats I. Either of these options limits your school selection possibilities somewhat, although not too significantly. Other people don't take any calc and just do 1 year of math. This is the most limiting option, although you'll still be able to apply to plenty of schools. Just be sure that you aren't eliminating any that you are interested in.

 

[Exalya]

I took "biocalc," which was basically where my professor recognized that none of us were math majors and taught us how to use a TI-89 for calculus really, really well. Which is by far more useful to me than learning how to do it by hand.

However, I have not encountered a calculus problem since the last day of my biocalc class, 3 years ago.

 

[Gabby]

As far as I know, calculus, even if it isn't required for your med school, its really going to help you with physics. So by doing it, you would be at a disadvantage. but I dunno if you want to take it with your current coursework, try dropping bio or chem and taking calc with physics, and then take bio or chem later.

You can take trig-based physics and you'll be fine. There's no reason to take calc-based physics if you don't enjoy calc.

 

[BMEZephyr]

You should take Calc 1 at least, if not Calc 2. The latter is certainly much more difficult (as I'm taking it now) but it can help you think a bit more analitically or differently when you have a problem.

Then again, I'm a biomed. engineer student and most of my classes are heavily geared towards physics. Whatever choice you make, good luck with it.

 

[Analog]

There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.

1. I can only think of a handful of schools (<5) that require a full year of calculus.

2. There are a few that require one semester of calculus and a full year of math. Meaning you could take calc I and stats to satisfy these schools.

3. There are a great many more that require one of year any type of math.

4. A very small number of schools require a semester of statistics.

Bottom line: You're going to have to look up the requirements on a school-by-school basis. In order to completely maximize your options you would need to take calc I and II and stats I. It seems like most people take either calc I and II OR calc I and stats I. Either of these options limits your school selection possibilities somewhat, although not too significantly. Other people don't take any calc and just do 1 year of math. This is the most limiting option, although you'll still be able to apply to plenty of schools. Just be sure that you aren't eliminating any that you are interested in.

Thank you 😀

and for everybody saying it will help me with physics...MCAT physics is trig based, and i'm in trig based physics.

Also thank you everyone else for your replies. im in stats1 right now, i'm starting to think it would be a good idea to stay in calc1 next semester, but depending on how well i do in my first semester of science i might decide to do calc at a later time.

 

[Handinhand]

FOrget all these people saying calc was easy. I hated calc, I studied a lot for that class and still got a C+, although it was the highest failing professor at campus, I was still pissed off. I also tried less for both semesters of OChem and got As, 98 and 94% respectfully. I guess I'm just not geared towards math, which is unfortunate, because it really is interesting stuff.

 

[vpersan]

I wish I had an option... Calc is required for my major... It seems odd to me 😛

 

[Analog]

I wish I had an option... Calc is required for my major... It seems odd to me 😛

i've skipped over majors like biochem specifically because i don't think i can do the higher math required (like calc2)

 

[JJMrK]

Thank you 😀

and for everybody saying it will help me with physics...MCAT physics is trig based, and i'm in trig based physics.

Also thank you everyone else for your replies. im in stats1 right now, i'm starting to think it would be a good idea to stay in calc1 next semester, but depending on how well i do in my first semester of science i might decide to do calc at a later time.

IMO: Plan on taking calc I at some point in addition to your stats class. That will give you the one year of math, and you'll be keeping your options reasonably open. If you become interested later on in a school that requires a full year of calc, you can always take calc II at that point.

 

[Analog]

IMO: Plan on taking calc I at some point in addition to your stats class. That will give you the one year of math, and you'll be keeping your options reasonably open. If you become interested later on in a school that requires a full year of calc, you can always take calc II at that point.

Well at this point i'm thinking that my first two years are going to be the most difficult, so anytime 3rd or 4th year would be best. I really have no idea if this is true or not. I figure once i get past bio/chem/physics all at once first year, then biochem/o-chem second year, 3rd and 4th year will mainly be biology courses for my major

 

[chman]

What confuses me is the most med schools don't require calculus, but then, at least from what I have seen, most chem classes want you to have some calc under your belt, as well as many other sciences. So would it be doing yourself a dis-favor by not taking calc, as far as pre-req go?

 

[BMEZephyr]

FOrget all these people saying calc was easy. I hated calc, I studied a lot for that class and still got a C+, although it was the highest failing professor at campus, I was still pissed off. I also tried less for both semesters of OChem and got As, 98 and 94% respectfully. I guess I'm just not geared towards math, which is unfortunate, because it really is interesting stuff.

Wow, great job on OChem man. Calculus (one or two) isn't utterly difficult but it also isn't extremely easy. The place where I go to school, it's one of the most difficult courses taught by professors (even the non-Honors one).

For the OP, the only way to do well on Calc. is to use the method of learning that works best for you (this is such new information). I realized just recently that if I take notes on my own and read the book IN CLASS during lecture hours, I fare much better than if I were to pay attention to the professor. Even by copying the examples from the book and writing them down into your notes "number for number (or letter for letter in this case)" will help you develop muscle memory.

Practice, practice, practice. I know I sound like a broken tape recorder but repetition and the act of exposing yourself to as many problems as possible will benefit you in the long run and for tests.

Last point I'd like to make is that (as others have pointed out), it will ONLY help for some chemistry and physics (i.e., derivation or integration). Some of the concepts are fairly dense and difficult to understand, but are simplified via the calc route.

Hope that helps.

 

[JJMrK]

Well at this point i'm thinking that my first two years are going to be the most difficult, so anytime 3rd or 4th year would be best. I really have no idea if this is true or not. I figure once i get past bio/chem/physics all at once first year, then biochem/o-chem second year, 3rd and 4th year will mainly be biology courses for my major

Just plan on fitting it in somewhere before you graduate.

 

[Gabby]

What confuses me is the most med schools don't require calculus, but then, at least from what I have seen, most chem classes want you to have some calc under your belt, as well as many other sciences. So would it be doing yourself a dis-favor by not taking calc, as far as pre-req go?

None of my pre-reqs required Calc. I took trig-based physics and I never needed it for Gen Chem. Why would you need Calc for Gen Chem anyway?

 

[BMEZephyr]

None of my pre-reqs required Calc. I took trig-based physics and I never needed it for Gen Chem. Why would you need Calc for Gen Chem anyway?

I mentioned it in my previous post. You'll have to know simple derivation techniques for the quantum theories and energy levels. Then again, I'm in an Honors Chem class taught by a PhD who went to MIT and Columbia.

😳

 

[WhizoMD]

Would a non-major (math/physics) calc course, and a psych stat course fulfill the requirements for schools that require calc and stats? 😀

 

[chman]

None of my pre-reqs required Calc. I took trig-based physics and I never needed it for Gen Chem. Why would you need Calc for Gen Chem anyway?

Don't know but from what I have seen many schools require it. As one of the above posters said, it may depend on the professor.

 

[Gabby]

I mentioned it in my previous post. You'll have to know simple derivation techniques for the quantum theories and energy levels. Then again, I'm in an Honors Chem class taught by a PhD who went to MIT and Columbia.

😳

Yeah, that kind of thing isn't the norm. I'm a first-year med student and many of the people I know in my class didn't take Calc and they all got through the pre-reqs.

 

[schrizto]

Can anyone verify the information I posted from the document about WUSTL and Johns Hopkins' requirements and if they will consider someone with calc 1 and stats? Everywhere else I hear they will only take people with two semesters of calc.

 

[Analog]

Can anyone verify the information I posted from the document about WUSTL and Johns Hopkins' requirements and if they will consider someone with calc 1 and stats? Everywhere else I hear they will only take people with two semesters of calc.

If you look at Hopkins site it reads

Mathematics-Calculus or Statistics, one year (6 to 8 semester hours)

needless to say i'm not going to be worrying much about getting into WashU or hopkins so you might want to call the schools >_>

 

[BMEZephyr]

Yeah, that kind of thing isn't the norm. I'm a first-year med student and many of the people I know in my class didn't take Calc and they all got through the pre-reqs.

You're right. You don't necessarily have to take upper level math classes like Calc. or Diff. Eq (excluding statistics) for many medical schools. My friends in the 7-8 year programs don't have to take anything above Calc 1 if they want to.

I'm in an engineering school unfortunately, so I have to take almost all upper level math courses (I can easily minor in math by taking one course than required, but that's pointless).

 

[slight365]

Calc 1 is a fairly cake course. Calc 2 is a different matter but I don't believe any schools require that level of math...

Alongside physics/bio/chem/statistics it will probably be challenging but I imagine that would be the case no matter what class you took.

Most people I know, including myself, find calc II easier than calc I.

 

[halekulani]

save calc for your senior year so when you apply during your senior year they are less likely to care about it.

you can't really do this if your physics course req. calc

you're also in deep trouble for physics unless they've designed physics for non-majors that don't require calculus.

 

[jtimmer1]

My school has an algebra-based physics as well as a calc-based. I think many schools do this.

 

[chman]

save calc for your senior year so when you apply during your senior year they are less likely to care about it.

you can't really do this if your physics course req. calc

you're also in deep trouble for physics unless they've designed physics for non-majors that don't require calculus.

If I'm not mistaken, most schools have calc based physics and trig or algebra based physics (which is fine for med school pre-reqs).