<p>Is Calc based physics a lot harder than algebra based Physics? I currently have calc based physics registered as a class but then I learned that it was not required and i can just do non calc based. But the problem is that there are no open spots for non calc based and I have to get on the waitlist. So, is Calc based that much harder that I should drop it?</p>
<p>depends on how good you are at calc probably.</p>
<p>Do consider that the MCAT requires zero calculus. Also, take note of the professors (the absolute biggest source of discrepancies in difficulty), the types of students you'll be competing against, and of course any requirements for your major (most chem and biochem majors have to take calc based).</p>
<p>It really isn't just calc. The problems(even the non calc ones) in the calc based course will be harder because you're up against engineers.</p>
<p>When I first learned physics, I found the calculus based courses easier to understand.</p>
<p>in my school, non-calc physics is conceptually easier but has a much tougher curve, since it is a pre-med trap.</p>
<p>I took calc-based, and I like that approach better because using calc to understand the concepts is easier (like DocT said). It made that horrible class slightly more tolerable.</p>
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[quote]
The problems(even the non calc ones) in the calc based course will be harder because you're up against engineers.
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This might depend on the school. At my school, we have non-calc based physics, calc-based physics, and physics for engineers. There were virtually no engineers in my physics class because they were all in the physics for engineers class.</p>