Physics on the MCAT

[devildoc84]

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Hey Ya'll,

I have a question about the physics on the MCAT. I am a biochem major at UCSD. We are required within our major to take Calculus based Physics. I understand the Physics on the MCAT is general. Will that complicate my process, can I still answer the questions, or should I take general physics? If anyone has some advice for me that will be great. I am starting my Calculus series next semester, so hope I get something by then. I started to review already. I match up the test material with what I have in class, and make notes on it. It makes it easier to study that way. However, the physics has gotten me confused, for which one I should take.

Thanks ya'll.

 

[Isoprop]

You can take either the calc or the non-calc physics for med school and for the MCAT.

MCAT physics requires zero calculus. But taking calc-based physics won't hurt you. On the contrary, it will more likely help you because a lot of concepts and equations are derived using calculus, which helps you gain a deeper understanding to the physics on the exam.

You will be fine taking your calculus-based physics for the MCAT.

 

[devildoc84]

Thank you for the help. Now I feel a bit better. I been pretty nervous about the whole thing.

Thanks again!

 

[samuraiR]

You can take either the calc or the non-calc physics for med school and for the MCAT.

MCAT physics requires zero calculus. But taking calc-based physics won't hurt you. On the contrary, it will more likely help you because a lot of concepts and equations are derived using calculus, which helps you gain a deeper understanding to the physics on the exam.

You will be fine taking your calculus-based physics for the MCAT.

👍 I'm so happy I took calculus based physics 1. Unfortunately I couldn't take calc based physics 2. I notice a huge difference in my level of understanding. Take calc based if you like math ( I love it) and you'll learn ALOT.

 

[devildoc84]

Well it is not like I love math; I am partial to it. Well with this major I have to take all three Physics courses. They are specific to fluidity, mechanics and magnetism. The calc sequence is 3 courses long, and then it is deferential equations. I hope I am doing the right thing here. Well they are required for the major, so I guess I have to anyway. I am a bit nervous. Math runs in the family, both parents PH.D engineering, but something still bothers me a bit. I guess is that I am so nervous because I want this so badly. I never had a fireman, policeman or astronaut phase; I always wanted to be a trauma surgeon. sorry needed to vent a bit. lol 😛

 

[BennieBlanco]

Well it is not like I love math; I am partial to it. Well with this major I have to take all three Physics courses. They are specific to fluidity, mechanics and magnetism. The calc sequence is 3 courses long, and then it is deferential equations. I hope I am doing the right thing here. Well they are required for the major, so I guess I have to anyway. I am a bit nervous. Math runs in the family, both parents PH.D engineering, but something still bothers me a bit. I guess is that I am so nervous because I want this so badly. I never had a fireman, policeman or astronaut phase; I always wanted to be a trauma surgeon. sorry needed to vent a bit. lol 😛

dude. Change your major to something easier, harder majors don't give you a better shot at MD. (just my opinion) Easier major like physiology, then take biochem and the other upper divison relevant classes as add ons. Your GPA could be +0.2 or more pts and you will have more time for ECs and the MCAT.

I was biochem and because I didn't want to do dif eq and a full year of biochem/math heavy crap I opted out. Best thing I ever did.

Got to take physiology classes, genetics, single semester of biochem (which is all you really need). Classes were easier which equals more time for you to master relevant stuff. I got As in all my math classes (calc 1 + 2), so it wasn't like I was dodging it for GPA... but TIME... SWEET TIME. Those courses will eat up your life and all you will be doing is that degree.

 

[devildoc84]

dude. Change your major to something easier, harder majors don't give you a better shot at MD. (just my opinion) Easier major like physiology, then take biochem and the other upper divison relevant classes as add ons. Your GPA could be +0.2 or more pts and you will have more time for ECs and the MCAT.

I was biochem and because I didn't want to do dif eq and a full year of biochem/math heavy crap I opted out. Best thing I ever did.

Got to take physiology classes, genetics, single semester of biochem (which is all you really need). Classes were easier which equals more time for you to master relevant stuff. I got As in all my math classes (calc 1 + 2), so it wasn't like I was dodging it for GPA... but TIME... SWEET TIME. Those courses will eat up your life and all you will be doing is that degree.

Here is my problem. I started at a community college, I am 25, and I have a military background. I want to show the med schools that I can take the hard classes. It has been hell to prove myself. I thought about a bio anthro major so I can still have my upper division classes including genetics. I am just confused at this point. I want nothing else, but to become a doctor. have you applied to any school yet? where are you doing your undergrad?

 

[BennieBlanco]

Here is my problem. I started at a community college, I am 25, and I have a military background. I want to show the med schools that I can take the hard classes. It has been hell to prove myself. I thought about a bio anthro major so I can still have my upper division classes including genetics. I am just confused at this point. I want nothing else, but to become a doctor. have you applied to any school yet? where are you doing your undergrad?

I am applying soon.

I thought like you. My GPA in my first degree was lower, I've had a 4.0 since, but I wanted to make a statement with biochem or something.

REALITY CHECK:

Biochem major = Biology major = Physiology major = Arts and Crafts major

for medical school purposes. Seriously, they do NOT care.

What do they look at?

GPA / MCAT / ECs (experience around medicine)

That is it! They may want to see a good course load here and there AND that you can take harder science classes and get an A. Well, that is why you take biochem/genetics/physiology/etc as pick 'em classes.

Here is one thing you should understand, Medical School does NOT require deep thought. Higher level math classes/physics have you thinking thinking thinking. Medicine has you reading volumes of information and has you memorizing memorizing memorizing.

This is why there isn't necessarily any leg up for a biochem major vs an easy major. Why? Because medical school will be about the time you put in and your memory, NOT the difficulty of your undergrad courses. SCHOOLS KEEP DATA on this stuff. I talked to the guy who ran admission and he even told me lower GPAs vs 4.0 GPAs don't correlate to higher performance. Biochem guys don't do better in medical school than liberal arts people, it is a myth.

Anyone can verify this for you. You will be working hard on something that doesn't pay off.

Work hard on: MCAT / relevant courses (biochem/genetics/physio/pre-reqs) / decent ECs...

If you are spending time busting your brain in physics/math you will not be working hard on the high pay off tasks. In the end they will just look at your GPA and then if you have the harder courses they will see you can get an A in them.

Law2Doc had an excellent post about taking heavy school load vs lighter loads, he went into this topic. Med schools don't care. If you like biochem then do it, but DON'T do it to think it is advantageous because it is NOT. SAVE YOUR TIME! easy major!

 

[TurkSurg]

dude. Change your major to something easier, harder majors don't give you a better shot at MD. (just my opinion) Easier major like physiology, then take biochem and the other upper divison relevant classes as add ons. Your GPA could be +0.2 or more pts and you will have more time for ECs and the MCAT.

I was biochem and because I didn't want to do dif eq and a full year of biochem/math heavy crap I opted out. Best thing I ever did.

Got to take physiology classes, genetics, single semester of biochem (which is all you really need). Classes were easier which equals more time for you to master relevant stuff. I got As in all my math classes (calc 1 + 2), so it wasn't like I was dodging it for GPA... but TIME... SWEET TIME. Those courses will eat up your life and all you will be doing is that degree.

I agree that it takes a lot of your time. But calc II is the best class I've ever taken in my life, even though I studied the most for it. This class really makes you think, which is what I've been looking for. And of course, with a good professor it makes it a good combination.

A lot of ppl in my school are scared to take calc II because some say that people who got A's in calc I ended up getting C's or D's in calc II. Don't let this kind of "talking" make you dislike the class because you might be 100x more smarter in that area than whoever said that.

 

[devildoc84]

I am applying soon.

I thought like you. My GPA in my first degree was lower, I've had a 4.0 since, but I wanted to make a statement with biochem or something.

REALITY CHECK:

Biochem major = Biology major = Physiology major = Arts and Crafts major

for medical school purposes. Seriously, they do NOT care.

What do they look at?

GPA / MCAT / ECs (experience around medicine)

That is it! They may want to see a good course load here and there AND that you can take harder science classes and get an A. Well, that is why you take biochem/genetics/physiology/etc as pick 'em classes.

Here is one thing you should understand, Medical School does NOT require deep thought. Higher level math classes/physics have you thinking thinking thinking. Medicine has you reading volumes of information and has you memorizing memorizing memorizing.

This is why there isn't necessarily any leg up for a biochem major vs an easy major. Why? Because medical school will be about the time you put in and your memory, NOT the difficulty of your courses. SCHOOLS KEEP DATA on this stuff. I talked to the guy who ran admission and he even told me lower GPAs vs 4.0 GPAs don't correlate to higher performance. Biochem guys don't do better in medical school than liberal arts people, it is a myth.

Anyone can verify this for you. You will be working hard on something that doesn't pay off.

Work hard on: MCAT / relevant courses (biochem/genetics/physio/pre-reqs) / decent ECs...

If you are spending time busting your brain in physics/math you will not be working hard on the high pay off tasks. In the end they will just look at your GPA and then if you have the harder courses they will see you can get an A in them.

That does make a lot of sense, and that is the same thing that I see in research all over the internet. I know I am making a mistake with biochem. I just figured if it all goes to S#$% I can at least get a job in a lab. lol. what major did you change to?

 

[BennieBlanco]

That does make a lot of sense, and that is the same thing that I see in research all over the internet. I know I am making a mistake with biochem. I just figured if it all goes to S#$% I can at least get a job in a lab. lol. what major did you change to?

Molecular biology. Very easy. Lots of memorizing. I had to take Calc 2 but skipped on the higher math above that. Basically the biochem major had a bunch of punishment ready to be delivered.

Again, if you like it then do it because you will be better served that way. BUT do NOT do it to think you will be seen as a guy who can handle medical school better.

 

[BennieBlanco]

I agree that it takes a lot of your time. But calc II is the best class I've ever taken in my life, even though I studied the most for it. This class really makes you think, which is what I've been looking for. And of course, with a good professor it makes it a good combination.

A lot of ppl in my school are scared to take calc II because some say that people who got A's in calc I ended up getting C's or D's in calc II. Don't let this kind of "talking" make you dislike the class because you might be 100x more smarter in that area than whoever said that.

I took Calc 1 and 2. I got A's in both. I agree calc 2 forces you to use your mind. I'll add that I had to work on that class 5 days a week because my professor loved to give out twice the homework of any other Calc class at my school.

I will say, I do enjoy to think. But I enjoy the human body more than calculating volumes of functions spinning around an axis. People are scared to take these courses because most people don't do well. 3 people of 30 got an A in my Calc 1 and probably 4 of 40 in my calc 2.

Time is precious. I KNOW for a fact med schools won't be like, "Oh Blanco took calc 2, kudos." They don't care. They will look GPA/MCAT/ECs... then make sure the GPA isn't totally padded. Which means, did you take only nutrition classes? etc.

My only benefit is when people ask what I got in Calc 1/2 they are impressed, but that is like a handful of people, all of which CAN'T get me into a medical school.

As I always say, if you enjoy it then take it. But don't take it to impress medical admissions.

 

[devildoc84]

I took Calc 1 and 2. I got A's in both. I agree calc 2 forces you to use your mind. I'll add that I had to work on that class 5 days a week because my professor loved to give out twice the homework of any other Calc class at my school.

I will say, I do enjoy to think. But I enjoy the human body more than calculating volumes of functions spinning around an axis. People are scared to take these courses because most people don't do well. 3 people of 30 got an A in my Calc 1 and probably 4 of 40 in my calc 2.

Time is precious. I KNOW for a fact med schools won't be like, "Oh Blanco took calc 2, kudos." They don't care. They will look GPA/MCAT/ECs... then make sure the GPA isn't totally padded. Which means, did you take only nutrition classes? etc.

Thanks a million for the info. Now I really have to give it long thought. There are so many options when it comes to the majors. My first love was microbiology, but the major is impacted and you have to go through 3 calcs to get in. The second choice was Bio Anthropology, for it has my 2 favorite things biology, bones and culture. Well I thought of biochem because I thought it might give me an edge. I don't know everything is unclear now. GRRR!

 

[samuraiR]

Thanks a million for the info. Now I really have to give it long thought. There are so many options when it comes to the majors. My first love was microbiology, but the major is impacted and you have to go through 3 calcs to get in. The second choice was Bio Anthropology, for it has my 2 favorite things biology, bones and culture. Well I thought of biochem because I thought it might give me an edge. I don't know everything is unclear now. GRRR!

you need 3 semesters of calc to do microbio? really?

 

[BennieBlanco]

Thanks a million for the info. Now I really have to give it long thought. There are so many options when it comes to the majors. My first love was microbiology, but the major is impacted and you have to go through 3 calcs to get in. The second choice was Bio Anthropology, for it has my 2 favorite things biology, bones and culture. Well I thought of biochem because I thought it might give me an edge. I don't know everything is unclear now. GRRR!

Be happy!

You just got extra informations that is based in REALITY... Biochem giving you an edge is a myth. Had you made a decision based on false info, that would be the thing to be frustrated with.

Sounds like you like Bio Anthro. Do that, it will give more time for MCAT... also advice, if you can then take the entire summer off to do the MCAT. Time is precious.

 

[samuraiR]

Thanks a million for the info. Now I really have to give it long thought. There are so many options when it comes to the majors. My first love was microbiology, but the major is impacted and you have to go through 3 calcs to get in. The second choice was Bio Anthropology, for it has my 2 favorite things biology, bones and culture. Well I thought of biochem because I thought it might give me an edge. I don't know everything is unclear now. GRRR!

you need 3 semesters of calc to do microbio? really?

 

[devildoc84]

you need 3 semesters of calc to do microbio? really?

Yes!
UCSD requires 3 semesters of calc for Microbio. They also require 3 levels of physics(calc based) that is for their BS degree. They do not offer a BA.

 

[PRamos]

Yes!
UCSD requires 3 semesters of calc for Microbio. They also require 3 levels of physics(calc based) that is for their BS degree. They do not offer a BA.

I thought UCSD was on the quarter system, so if they require three quarters, then two semesters will meet their requirements. That's how it was at UCLA, which is on the quarter system.

 

[devildoc84]

I thought UCSD was on the quarter system, so if they require three quarters, then two semesters will meet their requirements. That's how it was at UCLA, which is on the quarter system.

it is but they are looking for calc I, II, II. I am taking those at a community college where I started. I don't mind the calc I like it. I just got lost for a second. Sense I started at a CC I understand I have to prove to the Med School that I can take the hard stuff. they really frown upon classes taken at a CC. I called my schools of choice and that is what was said to me. They said they don't care for the major, but they care for the "quality" of your pre-reqs.