Which physics class should I take?

[NiteOwl]

I have a few options on what physics classes I can take. The ones I have to choose between are all non-calculus based but I can either take trig based or algebra based. If I take the trig based I will have to take a trig course (which to me is a lot better that taking calculus) but if I take the algebra based I will not have to take any additional math courses that are not required for my degree.

Also, if I take the alg-based, I have to take it at another university and it will probably be the only two classes there I will take. But the course description for the physics at that college says that it is "ideal for students preparing for the MCAT". If I take the trig based I will have to take it at the community college that I am going to right now, but I know that the professor is really good.

What do you think might be a good choice? I am thinking the algebra based because I won't have to take an additional math class and because it will be helpful on the MCAT. But does it look okay to the adcoms to only take 2 courses at a college?

Thanks

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[IAMS]

What do you think might be a good choice? I am thinking the algebra based because I won't have to take an additional math class and because it will be helpful on the MCAT. But does it look okay to the adcoms to only take 2 courses at a college?

I think you're overly reading into this, and I would doubt if Adcoms spent more than a fraction of a second considering which physics course you took, trig or algebra based. They look at completion, grades, level and institution. I would try to stay away from community college courses, but that's just me.
Some adcoms don't worry about that, but then again, some do.

Since you are taking physics to prepare for the MCAT, you should use the course you feel would best prepare you. Remeber, the MCAT doesn't allow calculators, and it tests comprehension of physics, not really your mathematical ability.

Your MCAT score in consideration far outweighs any course description between equal level physics courses. That's where your priorities should be. But no one here can tell you which is better for you. That's where you have to do a little soul digging, make a decision, and make the best of it.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I have a few options on what physics classes I can take. The ones I have to choose between are all non-calculus based but I can either take trig based or algebra based. If I take the trig based I will have to take a trig course (which to me is a lot better that taking calculus) but if I take the algebra based I will not have to take any additional math courses that are not required for my degree.

Also, if I take the alg-based, I have to take it at another university and it will probably be the only two classes there I will take. But the course description for the physics at that college says that it is "ideal for students preparing for the MCAT". If I take the trig based I will have to take it at the community college that I am going to right now, but I know that the professor is really good.

What do you think might be a good choice? I am thinking the algebra based because I won't have to take an additional math class and because it will be helpful on the MCAT. But does it look okay to the adcoms to only take 2 courses at a college?

Thanks

Take which ever course will make your life easier.

 

[QHamp]

I'm having to make the same choice. Either way won't I have to take a Calculus course to meet most med school requirements?

 

[DrBowtie]

Trig based and algebra based are the same thing. Either way in both classes you will have to work with vectors and have to use sin, cos, tan, sin law, cos law, arctan, arccos, and arcsin. If you got all that down you should be good in either without the trig course...if not I suggest you take the math.

 

[Crete]

I have a few options on what physics classes I can take. The ones I have to choose between are all non-calculus based but I can either take trig based or algebra based. If I take the trig based I will have to take a trig course (which to me is a lot better that taking calculus) but if I take the algebra based I will not have to take any additional math courses that are not required for my degree.

Also, if I take the alg-based, I have to take it at another university and it will probably be the only two classes there I will take. But the course description for the physics at that college says that it is "ideal for students preparing for the MCAT". If I take the trig based I will have to take it at the community college that I am going to right now, but I know that the professor is really good.

What do you think might be a good choice? I am thinking the algebra based because I won't have to take an additional math class and because it will be helpful on the MCAT. But does it look okay to the adcoms to only take 2 courses at a college?

Thanks

I doubt the adcoms would even notice what type of calc you take, so take the easy road. Most adcoms accept people and then check specifically what classes they took to make sure they meet the requirements, unless there is some egregious anomaly.

 

[NiteOwl]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I was hoping that it wouldn't matter which I took. I probably will take the algebra based then, that way I only have to take one more math class!

 

[NiteOwl]

I'm having to make the same choice. Either way won't I have to take a Calculus course to meet most med school requirements?

A lot of schools recommend calculus, but don't require it. There are a few that require it though. I am just going to take my chances and not take calculus. I think it would be better to have a higher GPA and no calculus than a lower GPA with calculus. But thats just my opinion, some might say the opposite.

 

[Revolution #9]

Strictly for the MCAT, I say take non-calc based physics. There is not even a hint of calculus on that test, and despite what some others will say, a fundamental understanding of calculus in not necessary for an understanding of physics at the most basic level, which is what the MCAT tests.

 

[LVDoc]

Take whichever one you want. Personally, after going through calc-based physics, I still fail to see where we used calculus at all. I would just take the algebra-based course since it seems like it will make your life easier (no additional math classes).

As far as which one will be better for your preparation on the MCAT, they both will pretty much be the same, despite the descriptions.