What is the best math prerequisite to take in undergrad?

[gp14]

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Should I even bother taking College Algebra, if schools are just going to look for Calculus? Is Probability and Statistics a better choice?

A little background info:

I'm an incoming freshman. I got a 26 in the ACT math section. I do not enjoy math but if medical schools only look at students who took a year of Calculus I will take it.

 

[somepremedkid]

I would definitely say statistics. It's much more relevant than other math courses. (Although some say that calculus is helpful to think logically).

P.S. I think algebra is required for higher level courses in math.

 

[Oncovin]

I'm pretty sure calculus is one of those 'recommended' classes. You don't have to take it, but it is encouraged.

Stats is more relevant, but I don't think either are spectacularly helpful.

 

[Cypher321]

I would definitely say statistics. It's much more relevant than other math courses.

This is very true. However, calculus puts hair on your chest so I have to recommend that.

 

[mtbtx]

Stat for sure. You will use it for the rest of you're life and it's especially relevant considering most people don't understand it. Calculus not so much.

 

[gp14]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll talk to my academic adviser and see if I even have to take College Algebra as a pre req for Statistics and Probability.

Also, Calculus would look great on my application but I don't know how well I would do in it. The last thing I want is to have to dedicate most of my time to one class just to pass it. I would rather focus on all of my classes and try to maintain a 4.0 GPA.

I feel like Calculus would just be overkill.

 

[chasincam]

if you're going to major in physics, biochemistry, chemistry or anything like that, calculus is required. So if you ever go that route, just something to remember. And there is no problem taking algebra if you need to prepare for calculus. Plus, it might help your BCMP GPA.

 

[PreMedder]

This is very true. However, calculus puts hair on your chest so I have to recommend that.

👍

Also, Calculus would look great on my application but I don't know how well I would do in it. The last thing I want is to have to dedicate most of my time to one class just to pass it. I would rather focus on all of my classes and try to maintain a 4.0 GPA.

I feel like Calculus would just be overkill.

😕

 

[EpicBearMan]

Stats + Calc I is the way to go in my opinion. There is a significant number of schools that require a semester of calculus. Harvard even requires Calc II. You could take calc during your last semester or during the summer before med school if you get accepted at a school that requires it though.

 

[Vivid03]

I guess it depends on your school of choice and major.

For example Harvard requires you to take Calc and not Stats. Then some majors require Calc like physics.

Good Luck.

 

[Cypher321]

To be quite honest, calculus isn't *that* hard. The concepts really aren't that far out there (derivatives, integrals, series, and vectors) plus if you only take the first semester or two, you don't really get into any of the fun stuff 😀. I will admit though that if you're doing bio, I don't see much application where as in engineering we use it plenty (ex. thermodynamics, statics, fluid mechanics).

If you do end up taking calc, it would be worth your time to brush up on your algebra. While it doesn't usually get too bad, the algebra can become messy at times which I think is what trips up/frustrates most students.

Best of luck whichever path you go.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

Calc I is ridiculously easy. It's just slopes/derivatives. Even Calc II isn't that bad, just a whole bunch of different integration techniques. While you can debate how much Calc II will come in handy, Calc I will for sure be used/or make your life easier, even in physics/chem/bio/future life. Besides, Multivariable/Vector/Differential equations is when it gets really fun 😀

 

[flip26]

Stats + Calc I is the way to go in my opinion. There is a significant number of schools that require a semester of calculus. Harvard even requires Calc II. You could take calc during your last semester or during the summer before med school if you get accepted at a school that requires it though.

I guess that depends on what you consider to be a "significant number." This isn't really true, but there are exceptions.

To the OP: statistics is the answer to your question.

 

[Electronegative]

I didn't know you could avoid college Algebra, it's a pre req for precalc which is pre req for Calculus. Or does your school work differently?

 

[Humper]

Calc I is ridiculously easy. It's just slopes/derivatives. Even Calc II isn't that bad, just a whole bunch of different integration techniques. While you can debate how much Calc II will come in handy, Calc I will for sure be used/or make your life easier, even in physics/chem/bio/future life. Besides, Multivariable/Vector/Differential equations is when it gets really fun 😀

In my bias opinion, every calculus class is fair game, and you will need them for every graduate and professional schools.

The last time I checked, Yale's graduate school required up Cal III, and differential equation for admission decision for every technical major. I hope that people will do the same for Pharmacy school. 😍😍

 

[flip26]

In my bias opinion, every calculus class is fair game, and you will need them for every graduate and professional schools.

The last time I checked, Yale's graduate school required up Cal III, and differential equation for admission decision for every technical major. I hope that people will do the same for Pharmacy school. 😍😍

wtf?

No, what you need for 'every graduate and professional schools' is a command of the english language.

 

[Dannyw]

Calc I, II and statistics would be good.

Calc I and stats were easy, haven't taken two yet but it's supposed to be a little more difficult.

 

[EpicBearMan]

I guess that depends on what you consider to be a "significant number." This isn't really true, but there are exceptions.

There are about 18 schools that require calc, which I do consider to be a significant amount. I think it is the most common class requirement outside the basics (physics, gen chem, o chem, bio, English, any college level math course).

Stats is definitely the answer for picking a single math class, but I think calc I is worth taking too.

 

[Cypher321]

Calc I, II and statistics would be good.

Calc I and stats were easy, haven't taken two yet but it's supposed to be a little more difficult.

Easier than calc I imo. Then calc III they just throw in y's and z's plus some of that vector stuff which is really just special integration technique if I remember right.

 

[UtahNano]

Differential Equations and Linear Algebra

 

[flip26]

There are about 18 schools that require calc, which I do consider to be a significant amount. I think it is the most common class requirement outside the basics (physics, gen chem, o chem, bio, English, any college level math course).

Stats is definitely the answer for picking a single math class, but I think calc I is worth taking too.

Half those schools are state schools that would matter only to residents of those states.

In practical terms, fewer than 10 percent of med schools require a semester of calculus. Hardly a significant amount.

 

[NickNaylor]

Calc is required at a majority of schools. Many require only Calc I, but a lot also require Calc II. If your concern is making sure you get the pre-reqs done for as many schools as possible, calc would be your best choice. I know that several will accept statistics as well, though.

 

[flip26]

Calc is required at a majority of schools. Many require only Calc I, but a lot also require Calc II. If your concern is making sure you get the pre-reqs done for as many schools as possible, calc would be your best choice. I know that several will accept statistics as well, though.

Wrong. Did you read the posts right above yours?

Calc II, IIRC, is required at only a couple of schools, like Wash U, Harvard, and maybe Hopkins? Regardless, this is not "a lot.:

Otherwise, citation, please?

 

[somepremedkid]

Calc II, IIRC, is required at only a couple of schools, like Wash U, Harvard, and maybe Hopkins? Regardless, this is not "a lot.:

Otherwise, citation, please?

👍

Here's a list of medical schools that require math; the specific math class(es) is listed for each as well:

http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.e...ts%2010_11.pdf

 

[Corpsman Up]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll talk to my academic adviser and see if I even have to take College Algebra as a pre req for Statistics and Probability.

Also, Calculus would look great on my application but I don't know how well I would do in it. The last thing I want is to have to dedicate most of my time to one class just to pass it. I would rather focus on all of my classes and try to maintain a 4.0 GPA.

I feel like Calculus would just be overkill.

I understand what you are saying, but you need to prepare for the fact that you wont maintain a 4.0 through college. Yes, I know its possible and some people are able to do it...but not likely. That being said, imo, there are much harder courses than calc that we have to take as pre meds. For me, Calc 1 was pretty easy, but gen chem 3 was a total ball buster.

 

[NickNaylor]

Wrong. Did you read the posts right above yours?

Calc II, IIRC, is required at only a couple of schools, like Wash U, Harvard, and maybe Hopkins? Regardless, this is not "a lot.:

Otherwise, citation, please?

Whoa, didn't mean to step on any toes. Next time I'll be sure to choose a better qualifier, your highness.

 

[gp14]

I think I am going to take College Algebra and then see what my options are after that.

 

[Evergrey]

UCLA requires a full year of math, to include calculus and statistics. So if you wanted to fulfill ALL the prereqs, take Calc 1, Calc 2, and stats. HST (the research MD program at Harvard) also requires advanced math, and I think quite a few MD/PhD programs require more advanced math too, but if we get onto that subject we are talking about a whole different admissions process entirely.

 

[eablackwell]

I didn't know you could avoid college Algebra, it's a pre req for precalc which is pre req for Calculus. Or does your school work differently?

It depends on your school and also what math you came out of hs with. For instance, I had already taken a year of calculus when I went into college, so college algebra was never even mentioned by my advisors.

 

[EpicBearMan]

Half those schools are state schools that would matter only to residents of those states.

In practical terms, fewer than 10 percent of med schools require a semester of calculus. Hardly a significant amount.

It just depends how you would define significant. A class that is required by about 10% of "practical" med schools is worth taking for me. If your schedule isn't packed, why limit yourself? Calc I isn't really a difficult class.

Stats is more practically useful and meets most, but not all, math requirements. Some schools require you to take 2 semesters of math. If you don't have AP credits or something, stats + calc I is the best way to cover all your bases.

 

[gp14]

I don't know if this is of importance but I took Pre-Calculus my senior year of high school. I passed the class with a C, because admittedly I hardly did any work outside of the classroom. Obviously my study habits will change in college but would it be redundant to take College Algebra?

Maybe I should not even take a math this semester and instead take a science (most classes are already filled up, e.g. there's no room in Stat and Prob classes)?

What do you guys think?

 

[EpicBearMan]

You probably don't need college algebra with a 26 math ACT and having taken pre-calc in high school. A little bit of review would likely be enough for algebra. I would probably do a science class instead and do stats the following semester. If college algebra is a pre-req, maybe find out if there are options available to test out of it. These options exist at my school.

 

[KYIAmed]

Take Calculus and Statistics

 

[flip26]

I don't know if this is of importance but I took Pre-Calculus my senior year of high school. I passed the class with a C, because admittedly I hardly did any work outside of the classroom. Obviously my study habits will change in college but would it be redundant to take College Algebra?

Maybe I should not even take a math this semester and instead take a science (most classes are already filled up, e.g. there's no room in Stat and Prob classes)?

What do you guys think?

Since math counts for BCPM GPA, I suggest taking algebra, stats, and pre calc (surely you can make As) and then take stats. If you have a hard-on for one of the handful of schools that req Calc I, go for it.

 

[deleted202457]

Personally, I would take calculus, but I am biased and am a math major so I enjoyed all the calculus classes. But, one thing to consider is that calculus really makes physics click for those that don't care for it. You learn how all the formulas are derived and what they mean mathematically, which can make them make more sense with application (in your physics class). That's just my opinion so think of it what you will.

 

[monkeyvokes]

In practical terms, fewer than 10 percent of med schools require a semester of calculus. Hardly a significant amount.

a statistical answer

 

[PremedGunner]

Should I even bother taking College Algebra, if schools are just going to look for Calculus? Is Probability and Statistics a better choice?

A little background info:

I'm an incoming freshman. I got a 26 in the ACT math section. I do not enjoy math but if medical schools only look at students who took a year of Calculus I will take it.

you're gonna need calc 1 and statistics for 99% of med schools. the other 1% requires calc 1 and calc 2.

 

[indya]

biostats is good for understanding research papers.

 

[xnfs93hy]

you're gonna need calc 1 and statistics for 99% of med schools. the other 1% requires calc 1 and calc 2.

Less than ten schools require Calculus II (Harvard, WUSTL, to name a couple). I'd say about 3-4/10 (30/40%) require one semester of Calculus I.

As far as probability/stats goes, just about every medical school will require you to take that to fulfill their math pre-req. Moreover, Stats is actually helpful/relevant in the field.

 

[Astarael]

Personally, I would take calculus, but I am biased and am a math major so I enjoyed all the calculus classes. But, one thing to consider is that calculus really makes physics click for those that don't care for it. You learn how all the formulas are derived and what they mean mathematically, which can make them make more sense with application (in your physics class). That's just my opinion so think of it what you will.

This is an important point to consider. You may/may not be super into math, but the fact is, calculus is everywhere. You would certainly be able to get through college as a pre-med without taking calculus, but there are so many things you'll understand more thoroughly as a result. My recommendation is to think about your GPA in terms of every class you need to take. You might get a B in calculus, but if that B results in getting an A in physics and chemistry instead of an A-, then maybe it would be worth it.

As mrdrdrjp pointed out, calculus is really helpful for understanding where the equations in other classes come from. It is relevant for almost all of physics, a lot of chemistry, a little bit of bio, and quite a bit for statistics. You'll probably end up learning a fair amount of calculus just from the other classes you'll need to take, so it's probably worth it (in my opinion, anyway) to learn it properly instead of a little at a time.

 

[Fort]

Real Analysis. If you don't take this class, then you can never be a great doctor.

 

[boggvir]

Tbh, if I was an adcom, I'd laugh if I saw college algebra. I wouldn't hold it against you but it'd be pretty funny.

 

[Danlee07]

I feel statistics would be more useful, but I thought calculus is required for med school reqs anyways.

Anyways, probability likes to show up in a lot of the sciences. Also, in genetics, I have had to do chi square tests, confidence tests, and lots of probability questions. In research, I've had to determine standard deviations, etc.

I really haven't seen calculus show up except for the awesome free fall projectile /velocity/acceleration 2d/3d kinematic motion questions in physics where I can just do derivatives instead of wasting my time with the algebra equations.

 

[Barcu]

Take Calc I and stats.

Why would you want to limit the number of schools you could apply to?

Though Calc 2 is one you can skip. Unless you have your heart set on the top schools.

 

[bigbad]

God I hate the semester system. So when schools require 1 semester of calc, on the quarter system I end up taking both Calc I and II, and I end up 2/3 of the way through the calc series while someone on semesters ends up halfway through.

All schools should switch to quarters. QUARTER SYSTEM IS BEST SYSTEM

 

[PreMedder]

quarter system sucks, mate. sorry

 

[JoshuaGuit]

These threads are so painful when I compare my engineer courses to humanities :/

Calculus 1 and 2 should be the least of your worries in regards to a 4.0..

 

[ICanHazChBurger]

Take Calc I and stats.

Why would you want to limit the number of schools you could apply to?

Though Calc 2 is one you can skip. Unless you have your heart set on the top schools.

Definitely at least calc 1 and stats, agreed. Linear algebra and diff eq. are probably not a huge concern but they will help you if you want to do certain types of research. You can find programs where upper level calculus might be a big benefit.

 

[gravitywave]

God I hate the semester system. So when schools require 1 semester of calc, on the quarter system I end up taking both Calc I and II, and I end up 2/3 of the way through the calc series while someone on semesters ends up halfway through.

All schools should switch to quarters. QUARTER SYSTEM IS BEST SYSTEM

it actually depends. how many classes do you take in a quarter? if you're only taking three classes at a time, and it takes 11 or 12 quarters to graduate, then your calc series is likely identical to anyone else's. i went to a school on the quarter system, and schools accepted my one calc course as meeting the calc I requirement. AMCAS should adjust your credit hours to semester hours when you get verified.

folks, only like twenty schools require calc. and there are exactly three that require the second semester, all of which are places most people aren't competitive at, anyhow. but lots of schools think the first semester is a good idea. so is stats. your understanding of the natural world through a scientific lens is so much more enhanced if you have a good conceptual understanding of limits, derivatives, integrals, the central limit theorem. just make sure you scout out the best profs at sites like ratemyprofessor or myedu. lord knows there are a lot of bad math teachers out there.

 

[luke587]

college algebra is good, i took it and it was a good refresher and a good way to ease into math course mainly because its all review from highschool, i went on to calc I, and was happy i took college algebra first