Is calculus (or any math) necessary for med school?

afan
Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:32:05 +0000

Not sure what “it” is. If you mean should you retake introductory calculus after AP, maybe. Most people say that a good college course is more rigorous than the AP exam. On the other hand, if you know the AP syllabus really well (say got a 5 and thought it was an easy test), then you might not learn anything from taking calc again. If you got less than 5, and certainly if you are going to take courses that require the calc knowledge, then taking again might be a good idea.

For med school requirement purposes, ask your premed advisor. Some schools require math, and you need to make sure you take the courses they require. This may or may not include stats, if that is the consideration.

You can get through medical school with nothing beyond 10th grade math. But, if you are a reasonable math student, then a good grade will help you application. And having solid math will help your physics grade.

Short answer- check with premed advising to make sure you take the courses you need.
Once you are sure you will be permitted to apply, then pick courses that either are interesting or useful for your major.