Statistics and Physics: Calculus or Non-Calculus

[yjkimnada]

I understand that taking calculus-based statistics and physics will help my overall understanding as a student. But if we were to discuss pure strategy (from the perspectives of MD officers), does calculus-based versus non-calculus-based makes a difference for either course? I know that the Harvard-MIT HST program does require calculus-based coursework, but I can't think of any other program that does. Is there any slight advantage for taking the more difficult option even in the context of the most selective medical schools?

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[MareNostrummm]

You don't need a calculus based statistics or physics for the vast majority of MD schools (probably over 95% except maybe John Hopkins?). If you can get an A go for it, but it won't give you an advantage over someone who just takes the non-calculus variant and gets an A with less of a challenge.

 

[eteshoe]

The advantage may be that with hard work you'd understand the subject area a little better and thus need to study for it less come MCAT prep time.

 

[jtd2081]

I took non-calc based physics. It teaches you everything you need to know for the MCAT so go with it. Calc based, at least at my schools, is leaps and bounds harder. If you don't need it, then stick with the non-calc based. One thing I will say is they give you formulas that are derived via calculus so in that regard you have a slightly limited understanding, but so long as you understand the concepts you will be able to score well in the class and perform on the MCAT. Best of luck.

 

[Verity]

I'd say go for the non-calculus option. I would have been far better off just taking algebra-based physics course because it covered all of the topics on the MCAT, and imo there were quite a lot left out in the calc-based version, which admittedly had more depth.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

If you have a good aptitude for math and are interested in actually understanding what's going on, go for the calc based physics. However, you don't need it. You also don't need calculus for most med schools, though if you plan on applying to Harvard or a few of the heavy research hitters, you need it. Stats is way more beneficial and satisfies the math requirement for most schools (a couple require calc and stats).

If you're even a little worried about calc based physics, don't risk it. You can learn what you need for the MCAT in an algebra based course, you will just need to do some more memorizing.