Physics Question

[NYPreMed]

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Hey everyone, I'm a premed who was a biology major at college. I managed to get out of all of my physics requirements by applying my AP credit (I got a year's worth of credit). My problem is that I never took an upper level physics class, as I really didn't like it. I know most schools "strongly suggest" that if you took an AP to take an upper level class in that field, and that some schools such as Tufts require an upper level class in order to qualify. Will schools not consider me because of my not taking more physics? Or am I doomed? 🙁

 

[acidhouse303]

I think its a good idea to take a physics course since its one of the important pre req classes and skipping physics w/ your AP (my school didnt even let us do that even w/ a 5! or in chem!) means you havent had physics since HS... they like to see that you took lab too. I was only allowed to use my 5 on AP Bio to skip all the intro bio requirements but then I took tons of advanced bio w/ labs...how did you do on the physical science part of the MCAT? Maybe if u rock that then its not sucha big deal. Med schools will look at a combination of factors, grades, gpa, life/clinical experience, LORs, ECs as you already know so I dont think one thing should really matter that much. I dont know if this was helpful but i hope it was?

 

[jhrugger]

there is actually a whole lot of physics (basically everything you learn in both semesters) applicable to the body, especially the cardiovascular and nervous systems. so it may be good to have taken physics during college so it is fresher when you actually start having to apply the concepts and equations to biological phenomena. if you're up to date with physics without having to take it college, more power to ya 👍

 

[jhrugger]

of course if you already finished college, my post isn't much help. in that case, maybe call the school's you are interested in and ask?

 

[NYPreMed]

Yeah, I graduated in 2002, but I'm trying to figure out if I should bother taking another physics class now, or just apply and see what happens. I did ok (10) on the physical science MCAT section. I was just wondering if people are able to get in to med schools using AP credits only to fulfill the basic requirements.

 

[jhrugger]

as far as i'm aware, applicants actually have to take the premed req courses in college: like placing out of intro chem doesn't exempt you from having to take a year of general chem in college to fulfill the premed req.

so i think default is having to take a year of college physics, unless when you call the schools and ask them they say that they accept the AP (i'm pretty sure they'll say that you need to take a year of physics, but it can't hurt to ask)

this site may help: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/gradprof/healthprof/premed/apcredit.html

good luck! 👍