Mathematics requirements

[seunglee]

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I am currently a freshman taking Calculus 2. I'm wondering, for the top med schools, whether I should take Calculus 3 or Differential Equations (assuming one or the other) next semester. I do have Calculus AB and Statistics credit from high school. Thanks.

 

[gravitywave]

nope

 

[CougarMD]

I am currently a freshman taking Calculus 2. I'm wondering, for the top med schools, whether I should take Calculus 3 or Differential Equations (assuming one or the other) next semester. I do have Calculus AB and Statistics credit from high school. Thanks.

Only 1 school requires 2 Calc classes that I know of (Harvard) most of the others require 1-2 semesters of college math. I would highly recommend taking statistics again in college (not because it is a requirement, but because it will help you in life), maybe specifically a Biostatistics class. Some schools do not accept AP credit, so to be safe, take at least 2 math classes to cover your bases. Whether it is calculus or statistics is up to you. I don't know if there are any schools that specifically require stats over calc, but the best way to be sure is to look over every school's requirements.

Since it is a ways away for you, I would take what you're interested in, get the other more stringent prereqs out of the way (G Chem, OChem, Bio, and Physics) and worry about a minor math class closer to the end.

 

[gravitywave]

Only 1 school requires 2 Calc classes that I know of (Harvard)

and Hopkins, and Wash U. but i think that's it.

no one will ever make you do tensors in med school.

if you can show stats for credit on a college transcript, i recommend not taking it again in college. if you're a math person, you can easily refresh yourself on the central limit theorem if necessary.

 

[UpQuark]

Actually, Harvard modified their math requirement.

Some flexibility can be applied to meet this requirement as long as the courses are relevant to biology and medicine. For example, a semester course in calculus that covers derivatives and integration plus a semester course in statistics (preferably biostatistics) or a calculus-based physics course plus another science course that includes biostatistics. Preferably, students will have some combination that equals a unified two-semester course that covers important, biologically relevant concepts in calculus and statistics. As of the class entering in 2016, one semester of statistics will be required.

 

[songbird]

I have heard conflicting opinions on this . . .

For someone applying to an MD/PhD program (which I am considering), is it recommended that you take a full year of calculus? I have taken calc 1, and I'm wondering if it's necessary to take the 2nd semester?

 

[Lil Mick]

In deference to MD/PhD programs, it depends on what area of research you are planning to enter. Engineering, biophysics, mathematics, or biostatistics programs will probably require some advanced math for your PhD years (CalcIII or Differential Equations are about the highest required, except for math). If you enjoy math and are decent at it, I would suggest taking the calculus series. Most schools to which I applied were impressed that I had taken such "hard" courses and done well in them. However, if you don't enjoy math and are planning on something less quantitative, concentrate your time on other courses...

 

[orthomyxo]

I am currently a freshman taking Calculus 2. I'm wondering, for the top med schools, whether I should take Calculus 3 or Differential Equations (assuming one or the other) next semester. I do have Calculus AB and Statistics credit from high school. Thanks.

Calc 3 and Differential Equations would just be overkill, not to mention two total pains in the ass.