Should I take calculus?

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Renee18

Renee18

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Hello!

I am currently taking Pre-medical classes and I'm debating whether to take calculus 1 in preparation for medical school. My pre-med advisor suggests that I take the class but the majority of medical schools and D.O. schools don't require calculus anymore. Is there any advantage to taking it? Will admission committees look favorably on those who took it versus those who haven't taken the course or does it not matter? Also, are there calculus questions on the MCAT?
Thank you.
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There are no calculus questions on the MCAT. However, an introductory calculus class can be helpful. And to the extent that some medical schools do require calculus (or at least a semester or two of math), it makes sense to take the course. Moreover, a math class is great to mix in with your other coursework. It does not require much in the way of memorization, nor is it writing- or reading-intensive. Maybe save it as a 4th course in a semester when you are taking a heavy memorization course and a couple of reading/writing courses. Do take it seriously though, as it does not come easy for many students. You can also consider taking it pass/fail if it turns out to not be your thing and you take virtually all of your other classes for a grade.
 
No one is going to give you bonus points for taking a calculus course, but a few schools do require it. However, the best bet is to satisfy the prerequisites for as many schools as possible as to not limit your future school list. As long as you feel comfortable taking the courses, I would encourage you to do so... just stop at linear algebra. There are no calculus questions on the MCAT, they borrow more from statistics (which I highly recommend you take - moreso than calculus).
 
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The only reason i might recommend it is if you plan on taking calculus based physics and pchem in the future. Both include a lot of derivation and integration so you'd be lost without calc. If you're taking algebra based physics then it won't really be necessary to know calc.
 
Some schools require it that's the only reason to take it
 
Just take it. Practice every day and use YouTube videos. You’ll be fine
 
I'm currently in Precalc II (Trig mixed with some algebra) and I wasn't considering a MD/PhD program but I am considering a dual MD/MPH program. Over the next year I will be packing in all of my pre-req classes, so I have limited time, and was debating between Calculus and statistics. I've read that most medical schools favor statistics over calculus now so i'll take a statistics course instead. I was just worried that those who took calc had a huge advantage.
Any tips on getting accepted to a MD/MPH program?
 
Renee18 said:
I'm currently in Precalc II (Trig mixed with some algebra) and I wasn't considering a MD/PhD program but I am considering a dual MD/MPH program. Over the next year I will be packing in all of my pre-req classes, so I have limited time, and was debating between Calculus and statistics. I've read that most medical schools favor statistics over calculus now so i'll take a statistics course instead. I was just worried that those who took calc had a huge advantage.
Any tips on getting accepted to a MD/MPH program?
Click to expand...

Most schools offer an MPH option that you can apply for after getting accepted into med school. It's really not too competitive. The main thing is getting into medical school first. My biggest advice would be to just not get too ahead of yourself and focus on the prereqs and EC's youre doing now. Once you take the mcat and application time gets closer you can look into more specific programs.
 
Renee18 said:
I'm currently in Precalc II (Trig mixed with some algebra) and I wasn't considering a MD/PhD program but I am considering a dual MD/MPH program. Over the next year I will be packing in all of my pre-req classes, so I have limited time, and was debating between Calculus and statistics. I've read that most medical schools favor statistics over calculus now so i'll take a statistics course instead. I was just worried that those who took calc had a huge advantage.
Any tips on getting accepted to a MD/MPH program?
Click to expand...

Stats much more useful than calc in that regard.
 
I avoided Calc like the plague and I only applied to schools that did not have calc as a requirement. Have yet to see any use for calc thus far in med school
 
Or Mr Anderson? Bozeman videos? I’m sure everyone’s heard of them
 
Calc 1 was one of my favorite classes. I would recommend taking it just because it's cool. It's really not difficult, just different from the math that comes before it.

Definitely not useful in any way for medical school though...
 
Gurby said:
Calc 1 was one of my favorite classes. I would recommend taking it just because it's cool. It's really not difficult, just different from the math that comes before it.

Definitely not useful in any way for medical school though...
Click to expand...

So much easier in Pre Calc IMO
 
You do not need calculus for medical school. If you choose to take it, make sure you’re getting an A in it. Will it help your app? I highly doubt it. Some schools do require calculus as a prerequisite. I believe Harvard requires calc I and II. So for those schools, well then you need to take it.

Your best bet is to take stats instead. It’s something you will actually use.
 
Mike Bagwell said:
You do not need calculus for medical school. If you choose to take it, make sure you’re getting an A in it. Will it help your app? I highly doubt it. Some schools do require calculus as a prerequisite. I believe Harvard requires calc I and II. So for those schools, well then you need to take it.

Your best bet is to take stats instead. It’s something you will actually use.
Click to expand...

Agree with this. Stats is also taught in med school and is on Step 1. Way more useful than calc.
 
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