Should I take a statistics class?

[clocks123]

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I've been looking around online and it seems that most medical schools prefer a semester of statistics. I took AP stat in high school and received credit for it in college so I went on to take calculus 3 instead. So do I need to take the statistics class in college or would the AP credit count?

 

[Boolean]

Fairly sure AP Stats would count but there's really no harm in taking one.

 

[WillburCobb]

If you can fit it in I'd highly recommend it.

 

[LostinLift]

Or take an advanced bio stats

 

[TheShaker]

I've been looking around online and it seems that most medical schools prefer a semester of statistics. I took AP stat in high school and received credit for it in college so I went on to take calculus 3 instead. So do I need to take the statistics class in college or would the AP credit count?

Might as well if it's not too trouble. Intro stats is pretty easy and it's actually pretty useful, especially if you're doing research involving quantitative data.

 

[gettheleadout]

Fairly sure AP Stats would count but there's really no harm in taking one.

UCLA in particular won't take AP Stats.

 

[Shazam243]

If you can take it, take it. It is one of those classes that will actually be useful after you graduate.

 

[Aerus]

It's incredibly useful in science, so I highly recommend taking it. AP Stats, depending on your high school environment, likely didn't cover the subject enough.

 

[Psai]

Everyone should take a statistics class. The number of times I see commentators complaining that the sample size is too small so the results are not legitimate are enough to make my brain explode.

 

[Laureatebarrel]

Most schools you can substitute statistic for calculus, but there are some that strongly recommend or require stats (check MSAR).

 

[Ismet]

An understanding of statistics in general is essential for anyone planning to go into medicine. Just take the stat class.

 

[Narmerguy]

An understanding of statistics in general is essential for anyone planning to go into medicine. Just take the stat class.

I think it's essential for modern citizens in general to be honest. Stats runs everything in this world, and its use only grows with time.

 

[Ismet]

I think it's essential for modern citizens in general to be honest. Stats runs everything in this world, and its use only grows with time.

I agree, just like it's in everyone's best interest for the general population to get CPR certified. But it's especially true to physicians. I've spoken to applicants who think that just because they don't plan on doing research (good luck with that) that statistics isn't important to understand.

 

[Narmerguy]

I agree, just like it's in everyone's best interest for the general population to get CPR certified. But it's especially true to physicians. I've spoken to applicants who think that just because they don't plan on doing research (good luck with that) that statistics isn't important to understand.

I think of it more as similar to how it's in the best interest for the population to understand how the american electoral/government system works. It's part of being a responsible, educated adult. But agreed, there's no reason people in science-based disciplines should not take statistics at this stage. It should be required for all science majors at this point.