<p>Would biostatistics satisfy a med school’s “one semester of statistics” or one semester of “two semesters of college math” requirement? (In other words, is it widely accepted as satisfying a math requirement?)</p>
<p>Which one is better preparation for the MCAT?</p>
<p>This will vary from school to school. For example, Harvard Medical School strictly requires two semesters of calculus, although you may take a stats course in addition, it cannot count in place of that. The same applies with Washington University. Some other schools will just say “1 semester of stats and 1 semester of calculus” or simply “2 semesters of college math.” Here is an OLDer list of med schools that require math and what they state as their requirement.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/additional_math_reqs.pdf”>http://www.cse.emory.edu/sciencenet/additional_math_reqs.pdf</a></p>
<p>The OLD MCAT does not have any statistical methods that are examined in it. The 2015 NEW MCAT has “Data-based and Statistical Reasoning” covered on it. That means that you me be asked questions about data that is presented to you in the exam, where the knowledge of statistical methods like Chi-Squared, T, and Z-tests would be very beneficial in answering them. However, I don’t think they would ask you math specific questions, like how to prove a certain statistical theorem or formula. So Bio-stats should be fine for the MCAT</p>
<p>If you attend the college we’ve been discussing, you want the biostats class. It’s designed to deal with statistical issues in medical research. </p>
<p>That course will satisfy any medical school’s requirement for statistics. It also counts a math course for medical schools because it’s primary departmental listing is MTH, not BIO. (It’s crosslisted between departments.) </p>
<p>At schools the specifically require 2 semesters of calculus, biostats won’t be an acceptable substitute for the calculus requirement.</p>
<p>Thanks Jweinst1 and WOWM!</p>