Is statistics necessary?

[Mr_Churchill]

---

Members do not see this ad.

According to this link (http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/documents/USMDSchoolsMathRequirements-May2016.pdf), some schools like to see statistics. I already have 2 semesters of college mathematics (pre-calculus algebra and pre-calculus trigonometry).

Is it even necessary to have a statistics class for the most part?

 

[gyngyn]

It is the most frequently used form of math in medicine and medical school.

 

[Toutie]

For med school, statistics just might end up being the most useful class you could take in undergrad.

 

[Geo16]

Z score... T score...
I think it's fun! Just take it, you'll have one less course to worry about 🙂

 

[Lawpy]

According to this link (http://www.brynmawr.edu/healthpro/documents/USMDSchoolsMathRequirements-May2016.pdf), some schools like to see statistics. I already have 2 semesters of college mathematics (pre-calculus algebra and pre-calculus trigonometry).

Is it even necessary to have a statistics class for the most part?

yeah i'd take statistics. it'll be useful to understand whatever reports @efle @Lucca make

 

[Anti-PD1]

Statistics will help you a LOT going forward. Interpreting research and even conducting research, you need a basic understanding of how we derive meaning from numbers.

 

[teenyfish]

What everyone else said. I'm working in clinical research right now and it's seriously the most useful course I've taken, I'm even thinking about taking more a more advanced course to get a better handle on it.

 

[Saifa]

It is a useful and incredibly annoying class.

 

[Pagan FutureDoc]

A strong foundation is stats is really helpful and it seems more and more schools are recommending or requiring it over calc. Take stats just do your research on the professors first. So many bad stats professors out there.

 

[peridotthecat]

Some schools also require stats, including my state school. I this found out when I looked through MSAR after I graduated, and now I'm in a stats class at my local community college. I recommend taking it in undergrad if you can...

 

[pioneer22]

is statistics useful for the MCAT? trying to decide whether to take it alongside prereqs?

 

[mwsapphire]

yeah i'd take statistics. it'll be useful to understand whatever reports @efle @Lucca make

Actually, I took stats and barely understand them.....XD

 

[Endoxifen]

I do biostat research, so I'm a bit biased, but it's one of the best decisions I made in college.

 

[aaronrodgers]

is statistics useful for the MCAT? trying to decide whether to take it alongside prereqs?

it's about a small chapter in all MCAT review books. so it has enough presence to warrant an introductory course.

 

[750335]

it's about a small chapter in all MCAT review books. so it has enough presence to warrant an introductory course.

Disagree. I mean, know how to read a chart on some basic level - which if you do enough practice tests you get the hang of anyway but definitely not taking a class worthy, at least not for the mcat.

 

[aaronrodgers]

Disagree. I mean, know how to read a chart on some basic level - which if you do enough practice tests you get the hang of anyway but definitely not taking a class worthy, at least not for the mcat.

I wouldn't argue against what you said since I can see where you are coming from. Objectively, it is a fact though that statistics is on the MCAT and they are covered in all MCAT prep books. To the OP and @pioneer22 , it is heavily emphasized to take statistics anyways! It will be useful in this profession even if it is not absolutely necessary for the mcat 🙂

 

[ridethecliche]

What everyone else said. I'm working in clinical research right now and it's seriously the most useful course I've taken, I'm even thinking about taking more a more advanced course to get a better handle on it.

Learn R on coursera.

 

[pioneer22]

I wouldn't argue against what you said since I can see where you are coming from. Objectively, it is a fact though that statistics is on the MCAT and they are covered in all MCAT prep books. To the OP and @pioneer22 , it is heavily emphasized to take statistics anyways! It will be useful in this profession even if it is not absolutely necessary for the mcat 🙂

I definitely will take it...just trying to plan schedule and see if it is warranted to cram into my premed schedule, for statistical relevance on the mcat...

 

[mistafab]

Yeah dude - stats is important. Not even for MCAT, but for life.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Totally biased here, epidemiology grad student, but yeah biostatistics should be required.

That said I hated general stats or didn't particularly care for it. Loved all my biostats courses.

and so many people use stats and have no clue what they're doing.

 

[bioboy23]

Stats is such a great course. I HATE math but loved stats. I'd take it if you can.