I have taken Calc 1 and Calc 2, do I need Statistics?

[Marencka]

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I know that it is good to have statistics just for everyday life, but is it necessary for medical school? I abhor math and would rather not, but will use it as an elective if need be.

 

[BellaWriterChic]

Either Statistics or Biostatistics. I had up to Calc 2 as well and many of the schools I applied to either recommended or required statistics of some kind so I had to go back and add that to my schedule.

 

[Blanky]

Stats is super easy compared with calc 1/2.

 

[gyngyn]

Stats/biostats is far more important to being an effective consumer of the medical literature than calculus.
That said, many students manage to learn enough in medical school to manage.

 

[ciestar]

Stats is on step 1! Im terrible with it.

 

[maplecookie]

Stats is enough of a mix of English and math that I think it's easy enough to swallow even for the math-haters. If you have the space/time in your schedule I would just go ahead and take it in case. On top of being careful it'll be an easy 3 credits or so of GPA building.

I guess if you personally know without a doubt you never want to take this class no matter what, you could research your specific schools of interest and make sure stats isn't in every single one of their pre req requirements but it's not like you can avoid stats forever in your medical career.

 

[Quarterhorse]

Slightly off topic, but I took stats years ago (I’m nontraditional) and tbh aside from the overall very basic principles I don’t remember much of it although I got a good grade in the class when I took it.

Is this something I should try to review/relearn before I start classes? Or will I get enough of a refresher/study guidance in med school to do well on step 1?

 

[teenyfish]

I would do it - it's a relatively easy course especially when compared to calc and is recommended at many schools. In my job now in clinical research, I've used calculus a grand total of 0 times, but would be behind the curve if I didn't take stats.