What specific physics are required for med schools

[deleted421268]

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do they want calculus based physics or algebra based physics?

 

[DingoPingo]

Algebra

 

[WedgeDawg]

Lets be clear about this:

1) For the MCAT, you need only algebra-based physics
2) because of that, most medical schools only require algebra physics
3) many "top" schools will also recommend that if you have a choice of two similar course, the more rigorous will be looked at more favorably
4) as many schools are moving away from Calculus and/or course-based prerequisites.

In sum, for the vast majority of applicants, algebra based physics will be fine to make you a competitive candidate
If you are looking at a "top" school with ultra high competitiveness, your choice of physics as part of your overall application should be considered

That being said, and there is really no way to tell this in the beginning, I would personally rather get a higher grade in less rigorous (but still acceptable) physics class than a worse grade in a more rigorous physics class if I were trying to maximize my chances for an acceptance. I don't think taking algebra vs. calculus based physics is going to be make or break for you. If you're a strong student in math/physical sciences, take the harder physics and do well and look good. If physics isn't your strong suit (hi, nice to meet you), take algebra based and don't look back.

 

[leonardoson]

If you take calc-based physics, you won't have to memorize as much because you will be able to derive most of the equations from an understanding that you can pretty much just start from newton's second law and go from there.

 

[james11]

I honestly don't think med schools care at all which physics you take they have so many other things to look at on your application

 

[freak7]

I would personally rather get a higher grade in less rigorous (but still acceptable) physics class than a worse grade in a more rigorous physics class if I were trying to maximize my chances for an acceptance.

I really hate when game theory affects course selection. I feel like applicants are being robbed of quality education just to pad their numbers. Calculus is the bee's knees and makes the course so much more intuitive, even if it makes the class more difficult.

 

[Goro]

Ditto. When they say "1 year of physics", note that they do NOT specify.

I honestly don't think med schools care at all which physics you take they have so many other things to look at on your application

 

[leonardoson]

I really hate when game theory affects course selection. I feel like applicants are being robbed of quality education just to pad their numbers. Calculus is the bee's knees and makes the course so much more intuitive, even if it makes the class more difficult.

I agree. What happened to just taking courses you are interested in and doing well in them? I see/hear so many people whining about the courses they have to take. It's quite frustrating

 

[WedgeDawg]

I really hate when game theory affects course selection. I feel like applicants are being robbed of quality education just to pad their numbers. Calculus is the bee's knees and makes the course so much more intuitive, even if it makes the class more difficult.

If you're interested in physics, take the harder class, just make sure you can devote the time to doing well. If you are unable to do that, you have to weigh the risk of lowering your GPA and making yourself a less competitive applicant vs. taking a class you're more interested in.

 

[TheBiologist]

from experience, unless you took physics in high school (AP physics would be even better) I wouldn't take calc based physics

my dad was a physicist and I am an A student in calc, but the class I took was not taught from the ground up and I did very poorly. they would jump into a very difficult mechanics problem and I was there like "wait, what even is force?." most people had 5's on the AP exam so the curve sucked. i go to a top 10 engineering so maybe that has something to do with it but take the easier A in algebra based where other life science majors and people not familiar with physics will be; you won't be counted against

of course that's just my experience, yours may be different. good luck