What type of physics?

[SaginawPremed]

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I'll be starting as a freshman this fall (well sophomore due to dual-enrollment and AP credits, but my first year in college full-time). Anyway, I was wondering which physics is optimal to take? I was planning on doing calc-based, due to it being so interesting, but would that be as applicable for the MCAT? Would I be put at a disadvantage due to the increased difficulty above algebra-based physics that a lot of people take? What is the main differences between the two classes?

Thanks! 😀

 

[Shades McCool]

No calculus on the MCAT = no advantage.

 

[Kazema]

If you enjoy physics (freak! 😉 ) by all means go for the calc-based one. But there is little if any advantage for the MCAT. I'd say it depends on your major and what classes you plan on taking in the future.

 

[jpro]

I thing you get a better understanding of the process if you take the calc-based. If you know how to better apply what you've leaned then it can be of use. I also find that you do better in classes that you enjoy. So, if you enjoy physics by all means take the calc-based one. But then again I majored in physics.

 

[DrWuStar]

i agree that calc based is more interesting, and i think choosing classes based on what interests you is smart. keep in mind though: either course will give you fine preparation for the mcat. calc based will be harder, so you might not get as high a grade, or you will have to work harder for your high grade. i have heard that adcoms don't really consider the difference between calc and algebra based courses when they look at the grade you got. they just want you to have a good grade.

i took calc based. it was fine.

 

[SwineLake98]

If you enjoy physics (freak! 😉 ) by all means go for the calc-based one. But there is little if any advantage for the MCAT. I'd say it depends on your major and what classes you plan on taking in the future.

Agreed
I took calc-based because: 1) I had 3 semesters of calc behind me, and 2) I was told it would help with physical chemistry, which is required for my major (I'm starting it in the fall).
In retrospect, taking calc-based physics in the summer without having any high school physics was a bit insane... 😛

 

[HawkeyeBFP]

You should pick all your classes based on what interests you. 😉 The calc won't really "help" with the MCAT, but if you're interested you'll remember it better and that will.

Definitely take what you enjoy.

 

[Medikit]

imo taking algebra based physics helped me more, because of the prof. The prof didn't allow us to use calculators and his tests were multiple choice, very similar to the MCAT. I followed it up with one calculus based physics class because I changed my major to chemistry (they didn't make me retake the whole series 🙂 ) and although the concepts were in greater depth, I was allowed to use my calculator. Either works.

 

[ChemMN]

I took calc based physics (2 semesters) and did well on the MCAT, however, these courses did not cover thermodynamics or waves at all. I covered these topics in some of my chem courses. I would recommend checking what topics are covered in the various physics courses and comparing this with the MCAT topics to make sure you can cover the majority of the topics. Some schools have physics courses for biology majors that are specifically designed to cover most MCAT topics.

 

[BubbleBobble]

imo taking algebra based physics helped me more, because of the prof. The prof didn't allow us to use calculators and his tests were multiple choice, very similar to the MCAT. I followed it up with one calculus based physics class because I changed my major to chemistry (they didn't make me retake the whole series 🙂 ) and although the concepts were in greater depth, I was allowed to use my calculator. Either works.

What good is a calculator? 😕 A sheet of notes I can understand, but since everything is going to be in terms of variables anyway...

 

[jpro]

What good is a calculator? 😕 A sheet of notes I can understand, but since everything is going to be in terms of variables anyway...

That's true. Every physics class I ever took including 1 and 2 there were no calculators because all the answers were in variable. The professors would joke about how we could use calculators on the tests.

 

[Arsenic]

i agree that calc based is more interesting, and i think choosing classes based on what interests you is smart. keep in mind though: either course will give you fine preparation for the mcat. calc based will be harder, so you might not get as high a grade, or you will have to work harder for your high grade. i have heard that adcoms don't really consider the difference between calc and algebra based courses when they look at the grade you got. they just want you to have a good grade.

i took calc based. it was fine.

Definitely. My bet is that adcoms don't really care whether you took Physics w/calc or Physics w/out calc. I was a Chemistry major so I had to take Physics w/calc but after having taken the MCAT, I can honestly tell you that either course will prepare you just as well for MCAT Physics.

The algebra based Physics sequence will make your life easier, just go with that one.