What if I have no intention of taking these courses

[James105]

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I am going to apply to both University of Nebraska and Johns Hopkins. Both schools require calculus. I have no intention on taking these courses unless I am accpeted or in the running to be accpeted. Therefore, should I have Calculus as a prospective course or leave it off?

 

[Spectrum42]

You probably won't hear back from either of those schools until the spring... at which point it'll be too late to sign up for spring semester calculus or if you are own quarters, you may still have a chance. If you are accepted on the assumption that you are taking a course and then you don't take it, I don't think you'll be too happy with the outcome.

 

[NickNaylor]

lol

 

[dingyibvs]

u can take it the summer before as well

 

[James105]

well then should I have as a future course? I would pick it up as a future course if needed but I don't, at this point, have any intention on taking the course

 

[dmblue]

I don't think dishonesty is the right way to approach med school applications.

 

[HolySmokes]

I don't think dishonesty is the right way to approach med school applications.

I don't think it's necessarily dishonesty, but rather he doesn't want to sign up for a class that he (potentially) might not need. If he gets rejected from all schools that require calculus, it would be silly for him to take it anyway unless he has an interest in it.

OP, I wouldn't put it down as a future course. I think most schools will assume that you will have finished the prerequisites before matriculation, so I don't see them denying a secondary/interview based on it not being listed as a future course. If asked about it, just say that you are planning on taking it before matriculating. Just my $0.02.

 

[Geekchick921]

I don't think it's necessarily dishonesty, but rather he doesn't want to sign up for a class that he (potentially) might not need. If he gets rejected from all schools that require calculus, it would be silly for him to take it anyway unless he has an interest in it.

OP, I wouldn't put it down as a future course. I think most schools will assume that you will have finished the prerequisites before matriculation, so I don't see them denying a secondary/interview based on it not being listed as a future course. If asked about it, just say that you are planning on taking it before matriculating. Just my $0.02.

For the most part, I agree with you, however, I would NOT assume that they school assumes he will take a pre-requisite course if it isn't listed anywhere on the transcript. I would list it as a future course. Schools should know, however, that course schedules don't always go as planned.

I was going to apply to some schools that required a semester of calculus as well, but I wound up cutting them because of my husband's job location. If I was still applying to them, I would have listed it as planned to take, but only taken it if I was going to matriculate at a school that required it.

 

[James105]

Thanks for all the responses. Also, what about recommeded courses. I don't want to have to take courses, I don't need. So should I take biochemistry or since I have a high science GPA should I just let lying dogs lie. Which will make me a better applicant?

 

[James105]

OK so I have had a fantastic idea. I have been trying to justify to myself why I shouldn't take biochem even though my top pick suggests it ( i have a really great overseas job I want to pursue instead of biochem). So here it is: I will have a pretty competitive application so far (I have a high science GPA), therefore, it will be more difficult to find things to improve. So I could apply the first time without biochem and if not accpeted I could take both biochem and genetics to stregthen that portion. So it may work to help me build a stronger application if I was rejected and it won't matter if I am accpeted. What do you guys think?

 

[pennstate4life]

Just take calculus! You want to become a doctor, which is considered a scientist. Plus Calc I is basically high school math.

 

[deleted330278]

If you have even a remote desire to possess a fuller understanding of the physical world, you should take calculus. Very useful, logical, and awesome.

 

[BWSTW]

OK so I have had a fantastic idea. I have been trying to justify to myself why I shouldn't take biochem even though my top pick suggests it ( i have a really great overseas job I want to pursue instead of biochem). So here it is: I will have a pretty competitive application so far (I have a high science GPA), therefore, it will be more difficult to find things to improve. So I could apply the first time without biochem and if not accpeted I could take both biochem and genetics to stregthen that portion. So it may work to help me build a stronger application if I was rejected and it won't matter if I am accpeted. What do you guys think?

I agree with GeekChick about the Calc part and list it as future course.

As far as biochem and genetics are concerned, as long as they are recommended you should be fine without taking them. You can always add them if they hindered you this cycle.

 

[James105]

So the moral is, I don't have to take the courses but it would be a good idea if not accepted this round of application?

 

[BWSTW]

So the moral is, I don't have to take the courses but it would be a good idea if not accepted this round of application?

My understanding is they recommend you take courses like biochem and genetics so you have a little foundation before you start them in med school. I don't think they will prevent you from getting in if you decide not to take them, that is why they are "recommended". They will only prevent you from getting in if they are required.

 

[PreMedder]

Just take calculus! You want to become a doctor, which is considered a scientist. Plus Calc I is basically high school math.

This...... just take it - an easy A, imho.