Should I take another calculus course?

[Heathbar314]

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I'm finishing up my pre-reqs for my 2 top schools, Nova and Palm Beach Atlantic. I already took my PCAT and got an 80 composite score so these classes are the last things I'll need before I can apply.

My question is I took Business/Life Science Calculus years ago and I thought it would be acceptable towards the calculus requirements for both schools. I called PBA and they said it would be okay. For Nova I got conflicting info, an adviser I meet with said it should be fine as long as everything else is good and then another person I talked to on the phone said I need to take the non-business calc version. *Sigh*

I work full time so getting these last few classes in before they start accepting applications in will be tough. I already will be taking Statistics, Microbiology and Biochem so I really don't want to re-take Calc if I don't have to.

Anyone have any insight or suggestions? I would be really upset if I have to wait longer to get into Pharmacy school all because of one pecky little class but at the same time I don't want to waste my time and possibly lower my GPA.

Thanks!

 

[MrsAppleseed]

First, write the Dean of Admissions to ask your question, not a receptionist/student affairs/advisement person. Trust the dean's word.

Second, most schools have no love for business calc, and require "real" calculus, but that's just experience talking. Also, do any of the schools have requirements on how long the courses are valid? Many schools have 5-7 year rules on how long they will count a course, so if you took it "a while ago," you might have to take it anyway.

Honestly, Calc I won't be bad, especially if you've taken a somewhat watered down version of it. So no, while I wouldn't LOVE to take another class, taking it vs. waiting a year bears no contest. Take it.

 

[hillwilliam]

I wouldn't risk it and would retake it. I'm ultra-conservative though and very good in math.

 

[Heathbar314]

Thanks for the advice, I guess I'll try to work it into my course schedule. I'd rather be safe then sorry.

 

[R2pharmD2]

Thanks for the advice, I guess I'll try to work it into my course schedule. I'd rather be safe then sorry.

Are you applying for next years application cycle (starting pharmacy school in 2012)? If so, why the rush? Most schools will accept applications even if you still have pre-reqs in progress, unless your schools of choice have stated otherwise. You could put off the calc until Spring 2012, and only take it if you find out you need it if that's the case.

 

[Heathbar314]

Are you applying for next years application cycle (starting pharmacy school in 2012)? If so, why the rush? Most schools will accept applications even if you still have pre-reqs in progress, unless your schools of choice have stated otherwise. You could put off the calc until Spring 2012, and only take it if you find out you need it if that's the case.

Ya I'll be applying for 2012. I didn't know they'd let you do that, takes some of the pressure off. 👍

 

[nyc76]

Hey Heather I'm taking prereqs at Nova for pharm and I can tell you 100% that you absolutely need Calc 1. I had a bus/calculus when I started and the woman, I forget her name, who handles the pharm applications said I absolutely needed regular calc 1.

Also check the other prereqs cuz Nova's prereqs changed for those applying for 2012.

I was gonna apply for 2012 but I gotta retake 1 class which throws my whole schedule off cuz I work full time as well.

 

[Heathbar314]

Ya I checked it out, luckily I have all the new stuff they added except for Ethics....such a weird requirement. I wonder if business ethics would cover this, I guess I'll call and find out.