Math on MCAT

[sunshine02]

Is calculus tested on the MCAT? I didn't think so; I thought there was only algebra required to do physics/chem but I read on my school's premed website that calculus is used on the current MCAT?

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[slopes23]

Definitely not. Not even a little.

 

[mcloaf]

Is calculus tested on the MCAT? I didn't think so; I thought there was only algebra required to do physics/chem but I read on my school's premed website that calculus is used on the current MCAT?

Your school's premedical website sounds legit.

 

[kyamh]

Agreed to the above, but also, MCAT math is nice in that they give you really easy numbers to do in your head and expect you to do things like round pi. This is all because they don't give you a calculator, but that also means that their math can't be hard 🙂

I found the most helpful math review that I did was about scientific notation and playing around with doing algebra with all the numbers in that format.

 

[jaywhyy]

A solid understanding on the general concepts of calculus are needed to have, in turn, a solid understanding of physics. You won't see any actual calculations, however.

 

[Moose A Moose]

A solid understanding on the general concepts of calculus are needed to have, in turn, a solid understanding of physics. You won't see any actual calculations, however.

No, and don't be trying to tell someone otherwise.

 

[jaywhyy]

No, and don't be trying to tell someone otherwise.

Unless you're an equation *****, then yes. And memorizing equations without understanding what they mean is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot for any class or exam.

 

[CarlosDanger]

You absolutely don't need any knowledge of calculus to get a perfect MCAT score. You need to know what M1V1=M2V2 means, and you need to be able to multiply and divide decimals by hand. And you need to be able to round. Thats it.

 

[Pose]

You need zero knowledge of calculus for the MCAT.

 

[mcloaf]

Unless you're an equation *****, then yes. And memorizing equations without understanding what they mean is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot for any class or exam.

It's ok to be wrong.

 

[JPSmyth]

would I be alright taking non calculus-based physics for the MCAT then? I've heard this course is much easier than the one that requires Calculus II as a prereq.

 

[mcloaf]

would I be alright taking non calculus-based physics for the MCAT then? I've heard this course is much easier than the one that requires Calculus II as a prereq.

Yes you would be fine.

 

[circulus vitios]

Unless you're an equation *****, then yes. And memorizing equations without understanding what they mean is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot for any class or exam.

yeah man totally. brb deriving bernoulli's principle from first principles.

 

[jaywhyy]

It's ok to be wrong.

Try teaching RC circuits to someone who struggles with what differentiation means. It's difficult enough without having an multivariable background.

I guess if you're shooting for a 10, not knowing calc will be fine. But shoot for the stars, land on the moon?

 

[CarlosDanger]

You don't need to know much about circuits for the MCAT. You are likely to get a couple discrete questions that require you to know how current runs through resistors in series vs parallel, and its pretty easy to develop an intuitive understanding of this without understanding any complicated math at all. Sure, you can always go deeper, but the MCAT doesn't require that, and if you learn more than you need to when studying for the MCAT, your wasting precious time. Of course, if you are interested in physics and are curious, then you should definitely go for the calc based stuff, but I wasn't.

 

[jaywhyy]

You don't need to know much about circuits for the MCAT. You are likely to get a couple discrete questions that require you to know how current runs through resistors in series vs parallel, and its pretty easy to develop an intuitive understanding of this without understanding any complicated math at all. Sure, you can always go deeper, but the MCAT doesn't require that, and if you learn more than you need to when studying for the MCAT, your wasting precious time. Of course, if you are interested in physics and are curious, then you should definitely go for the calc based stuff, but I wasn't.

I would assume most exams would include at least one passage on EM or optics, which are both pretty heavy on diff equations. Memorizing formulas and patterns would be one way to approach, but having a calculus background would help immensely.

Now if the OP was 3-months away from his test, studying calculus would be a supreme waste of time. But if it's a matter between taking a non-calc-based physics class or a calc-based one, I would choose the calc-based one unless he is not confident in his ability to pull at least an A-/B+ in the class. Getting a better understanding of physics now will cut down on his studying time later and will likely pay dividends in his score. The best way to study for the MCAT is to challenge yourself in the relevant prereqs.

Well, that's my stance on things. As seen in this thread, most people take another. So OP take it for what it is.

 

[Mr Avante]

You absolutely don't need any knowledge of calculus to get a perfect MCAT score. You need to know what M1V1=M2V2 means, and you need to be able to multiply and divide decimals by hand. And you need to be able to round. Thats it.

This

 

[Koalafied]

This

That

 

[CarlosDanger]

yeah, I agree that challenging yourself in the pre-req topics is a good way to prepare, I think it just depends on where your interests are. For example, I wasn't interested in physics, but I was interested in biology, so I strengthened my background in cell bio/biochemistry. Whatever helps you to have an intuitive understanding of the material is the best way to go. For optics, I basically just learned how to apply a version of the thin lens equation to every optics problem (although on my MCAT there weren't any optics problems-not unusual), it took some time to get an intuitive understanding, but optics problems on the MCAT can usually be solved without any math at all - like understanding that a particular lens will produce a positive, real, inverted image. Some people like applying math to everything though, so whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

 

[circulus vitios]

I would assume most exams would include at least one passage on EM or optics, which are both pretty heavy on diff equations.

Whattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt? You don't need to work through Jackson's Electrodynamics to understand V=IR or whatever.

 

[487806]

A solid understanding on the general concepts of calculus are needed to have, in turn, a solid understanding of physics. You won't see any actual calculations, however.

Unless you're an equation *****, then yes. And memorizing equations without understanding what they mean is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot for any class or exam.

Try teaching RC circuits to someone who struggles with what differentiation means. It's difficult enough without having an multivariable background.

I guess if you're shooting for a 10, not knowing calc will be fine. But shoot for the stars, land on the moon?

I would assume most exams would include at least one passage on EM or optics, which are both pretty heavy on diff equations. Memorizing formulas and patterns would be one way to approach, but having a calculus background would help immensely.

Now if the OP was 3-months away from his test, studying calculus would be a supreme waste of time. But if it's a matter between taking a non-calc-based physics class or a calc-based one, I would choose the calc-based one unless he is not confident in his ability to pull at least an A-/B+ in the class. Getting a better understanding of physics now will cut down on his studying time later and will likely pay dividends in his score. The best way to study for the MCAT is to challenge yourself in the relevant prereqs.

Well, that's my stance on things. As seen in this thread, most people take another. So OP take it for what it is.

nice try bro. Quit misleading and trolling the OP. And this is coming from a physics major who despises algebra-based physics.

The fact that you believe the MCAT will test rigorous E&M and optics that require advanced knowledge only shows you're a liar or grossly ignorant by all means.

Quit trying to act smart in areas where you have zero knowledge on. It goes a long way 😉

 

[mcloaf]

Try teaching RC circuits to someone who struggles with what differentiation means. It's difficult enough without having an multivariable background.

I guess if you're shooting for a 10, not knowing calc will be fine. But shoot for the stars, land on the moon?

Algebra-based physics is adequate for a 15 in PS. An understanding of calculus might make things easier or more intuitive, but it's far from necessary to do well. And bringing multivariable to the table here is just laughable.

 

[487806]

Algebra-based physics is adequate for a 15 in PS. An understanding of calculus might make things easier or more intuitive, but it's far from necessary to do well. And bringing multivariable to the table here is just laughable.

Don't forget the ability to solve differential equations.

Honestly, those who are advocating rigorous mathematical computations missed the purpose on what MCAT math is actually about. Calculus helps only when you are mastered in physics.

 

[Sill]

Calculus helps only when you are mastered in physics.

Are you using the right hand rule?

Yes?

Oh yeah, mastered in physics!!


Joking aside, totally agree.

 

[jaywhyy]

Algebra-based physics is adequate for a 15 in PS. An understanding of calculus might make things easier or more intuitive, but it's far from necessary to do well. And bringing multivariable to the table here is just laughable.

Okay, my original statement was much too absolute in retrospect. I'll modify in saying a BASIC understanding in calculus will HELP you better understand physics. I brought up multivariable calculus (and diff eqs) as rhetoric in stressing difficulty--never implied that it was necessary.

I still stand by my advice that he should take the calc-based version unless he unconfident. Time put in now is time saved later. I also stand by my statement that equation whoring is not a good way to learn anything.

 

[487806]

Okay, my original statement was much too absolute in retrospect. I'll modify in saying a BASIC understanding in calculus will HELP you better understand physics. I brought up multivariable calculus (and diff eqs) as rhetoric in stressing difficulty--never implied that it was necessary.

I still stand by my advice that he should take the calc-based version unless he unconfident. Time put in now is time saved later. I also stand by my statement that equation whoring is not a good way to learn anything.

Well that's a different argument, but I agree with you that calc-based physics is the best choice in understanding physics.

 

[Dbate]

Try teaching RC circuits to someone who struggles with what differentiation means. It's difficult enough without having an multivariable background.

I guess if you're shooting for a 10, not knowing calc will be fine. But shoot for the stars, land on the moon?

Lol, what?

I got a 12 on PS. With no knowledge of Calculus required whatsoever. You can just memorize the equations like everyone else does.

 

[jaywhyy]

Lol, what?

I got a 12 on PS. With no knowledge of Calculus required whatsoever. You can just memorize the equations like everyone else does.

Though I've already conceded that post's stance, your post is completely anecdotal.

 

[SilentSoldier]

Calculus based physics is the devil. I'm pretty sure it was invented by satan as a form of hell on earth. Stay far away from it if you value your mortal soul.

 

[Columbia09]

I'm predicting the most common physics problems are kinematics, thermodynamics, and fluids. In other words, physics 1 has a much larger presence on the mcat than physics 2

 

[Pose]

I'm predicting the most common physics problems are kinematics, thermodynamics, and fluids. In other words, physics 1 has a much larger presence on the mcat than physics 2

Not for me.

 

[BlueLabel]

Lol, what?

I got a 12 on PS. With no knowledge of Calculus required whatsoever. You can just memorize the equations like everyone else does.

Only a 12? I remember my first beer.

 

[Dbate]

Only a 12? I remember my first beer.

I don't get this reference. Honestly, what does it mean?

 

[BlueLabel]

I don't get this reference. Honestly, what does it mean?

I was denigrating your score in a joking manner.

 

[yehhhboiii]

you can do all the math required for the mcat in your head

 

[Donald Juan]

I'm predicting the most common physics problems are kinematics, thermodynamics, and fluids. In other words, physics 1 has a much larger presence on the mcat than physics 2

I think you're predicting wrong. But, I'll teach you everything you need to know about circuits: P=IV V=IR. Bonus: that's all the physics you need to know for med school physiology, too.

13 here. F*** calculus.

 

[khrisskhoras]

Algebra-based physics is adequate for a 15 in PS. An understanding of calculus might make things easier or more intuitive, but it's far from necessary to do well. And bringing multivariable to the table here is just laughable.

15? That's it? To get a 16, u gotta know calculus cold OP.

 

[487806]

15? That's it? To get a 16, u gotta know calculus cold OP.

This is true