<p>I was wondering what type of calculus class should be taken for pre-meds who are interested in the very top med schools (Harvard, JHU, Penn, etc.). I’ll be going to Princeton next year and I’m wondering if I should take normal calculus or multivariable calc (I have the advanced standing that will let me take it in the fall). Multivariable calc is supposed to be extremely hard, and I’m not that mathematically inclined. </p>
<p>Another question - If I’m not going to be a science major, what are good ways to get research opportunities?</p>
<p>I cant answer your research question, but for math I’d take normal calculus. There is no point in hurting your GPA by taking multivariable calculus if you are not mathematically inclined. Instead of research you could try volunteering or shadowing a few doctors around.</p>
<p>E-mail some science professors and see if they’re interested in having you work with one of their grad students. My guess is it will be hard to find early on.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your replies! I think I will visit both math classes and talk to the premed advisor about the calculus. But how essential IS research experience at top med schools? I know that non-science majors are accepted at similar rates as science majors, and I’m just wondering what the majority of non-science tend to do for the research component, or if research is less important in their situation.</p>
<p>is it a good idea to take 1 semester of calculus, and 1 of statistics (my school says this is an option for premed) or is it better to do 2 of calc</p>
<p>The non-science majors mostly found a way to do research. At the top levels, the percentage of admits who did research - and remember, that includes all kinds, not necessarily biomedical research - is almost always upwards of 90%.</p>
<p>1.) The percentage I cited is a percentage of ALL research, and it would include things like a thesis in sociology.</p>
<p>2.) I would advocate biomedical research for premeds, not something like a sociology thesis. I just wanted to be clear about the number I was giving you.</p>
<p>Do not take multivariable calc unless you want to because you find it interesting. If you have the full prerequisites to enroll in this course, then you already know more math than you will need to be sucessful in medical school. So, if you like math, plan to major in a math-heavy field, or just find math easy, then by all means take it. If none of the above apply to you, then do not take it because you think medical schools will care-they won’t.</p>
<p>Unless you have an unusually strong background in something, it will be hard to get involved in substantive research right away. Particularly in your case where you don’t know what you want to do. Relax about this. No one expects students to start researching anything frosh year. </p>
<p>Plenty of Princeton students go to top medical schools, so you are in good shape. Ease your way into college. I don’t care where you went to high school, I assure you your peers were not all at the Princeton level. Plan your courses conservatively, and rack up a high GPA. The rest will come in time.</p>
<p>would psychology research count as good research experience for med school? i’m wondering b/c i’ve taken psych, but i havent taken enough core science classes yet to really get into real, hardcore biomedical research.</p>