Should DE Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus be taken by an aspiring pre-med student?

Take it if you want to but it’s not necessary. The last time I counted, only about 10% of medical schools required calculus (I believe UMass still requires 2 semesters). A similar fraction required statistics. The remaining medical schools have either no math requirement or want “college math”. The outlier is Carle, which is an engineering-based school of medicine so they recommend multivariate, diff eq, linear and some CS coursework.

Your decision on how many and which math courses to take should be guided by your interests and your intended major, as something like physics obviously requires more math than do biology or sociology. Additionally, you should look at the math prerequisites for your in-state medical school (most applicants have the greatest success being admitted at their state institution) and any other med schools that are your top choices to ensure you have met their prerequisites.

Having said all that, at some undergraduate institutions calculus is a prerequisite for physics, which is required by almost all medical schools. Those students will need to take calculus in order to complete physics or they will need to make a plan to take algebra-based physics at another institution prior to matriculating to medical school. Talk with your academic or premedical advisor to make an individualized plan based on where you’d like to apply and what you’d like your major to be.