Math prereq question

[kdwhite525]

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Hey everyone,

So this winter I will be applying for postbacc programs (Goucher, jhu, bryn mawr, etc). However, I have an important math question.

I would like to take calc as it is highly recommended. I wanted to take it at community college this summer, but it just didn't work out. Can anyone tell me which of these options is the best?:

A) Business calc in the summer
Calc or statistics in the fall

B) Statistics in the summer
Calc in the fall

C) Just business calc? An advisor for the jhu program said "As long as you’ve done multivariable calculus we don’t care whether it’s aimed at business."

Thanks!!

 

[flatearth22]

Take the easier set - which would be business calc and stat.

Some schools look down on business math classes....and probably even moreso because it's from a CC ...but in the end GPA trumps all.

 

[Geekchick921]

B, unless business calc is easier or fits better in your schedule than regular calc, in which case, A. But you should really take statistics. It's much useful in practice when it comes to research and reading studies. The math requirements/recommendations for schools vary and plenty of them want to see statistics.

 

[kdwhite525]

Thanks for the response!

I could also take calc in the spring at my school (university of maryland) instead of community college, but then it wouldn't be on my transcript... But it would be for medical school I guess. It's so complicated!

 

[Lil Mick]

AMCAS allows you to designate future classes, so don't worry about it not being on your transcript. As for calc, take whichever seems more interesting to you, provided you can excel in it.

For multivariable calculus, that usually involves 3 semesters (Calc I, II, and III), not one. Multivariable calculus involves partial derivatives (changing one variable at a time out of many variables--x changes while y and z do not, for instance), multiple integrals (partitions), and some of the introduction to differential forms (curl, gradient, divergence). You may want to check with schools to see what exactly they mean (schools vary with their math requirements from 0-3 semesters of calc).