<p>I was wondering whether I should take the easiest classes possible to fulfill medical school requirements. At UCSD, there are two different math sequences (math 10 or Math 20). Math 10 focuses simply on the basics of Calculus while 20 goes a lot more in depth. As a premed, I have the option of taking either sequences. Also, in Physics, there is a calculus based physics sequence and a far simpler, algebra based one. The algebra based one seems to resemble my AP Physics class as it is purely simple. (I checked out a released final online). On the other hand, the other Physics class seems extremely difficult and intense as it is designed for engineering majors. I know for a fact that I'll get A's in the lower level classes and probably something below an A in the harder classes. Also, I'm sure I'll have more free time if I take the easier classes, leaving more time to do some research, or volunteering.
So is it worth it to just slip by with A's or should I challenge myself ?? Do med schools even care about the classes u take as long as they meet the requirements?</p>
<p>You do not know anything "for a fact" about your projected grades. Period. This is important.</p>
<p>As a general rule, the difficulty of a course is not a primary consideration, not least because medical schools can't be bothered to keep track of every course at every school. However, they will want to see some advanced coursework from you at some point.</p>
<p>PS: If the algebra-based physics class resembles your AP Physics class, something is wrong with your high school. It's supposed to be easier.</p>
<p>by advanced coursework u mean upper division classes rite BDM?</p>
<p>Do remember, though, that for physics, you need two physics classes. So even though you don't need anything more than the algebra-based physics class for the MCAT, you need to be prepared to enter your school's second physics class (probably electricity and magnetism). So are you going to be able to stick to an easier track, or are you going to have to jump up to a calculus-based Physics II?</p>
<p>Also, I found calc-based physics easier than algebra-based, but I might be alone in that. It just made more sense to me.</p>
<p>the easier track is available for all 3 classes.</p>
<p>um bluedevilmike, it's folly to argue that my chances for an A will greatly increase in a lower level class. Thanks for your opinion but I'm going to stick to my belief that I'll get an A.</p>
<p>
[quote]
chances for an A will greatly increase
[/quote]
Obviously. But treating this as a certainty -- a "fact" as you mentioned above -- is not correct.</p>
<p>Plus I suppose some schools' intro classes are actually harder (grade-wise) than the advanced level ones because some advance classes are curved and there is no requirement of # of As while in some intro classes, professors only give As to top 10% of class etc. It's not mandatory, but this happens in college and sometimes it becomes easier to gain an A in an advanced class than in a Intro level class.</p>
<p>
[quote]
um bluedevilmike, it's folly to argue that my chances for an A will greatly increase in a lower level class. Thanks for your opinion but I'm going to stick to my belief that I'll get an A.
[/quote]
This clearly shows what little understanding you have of college as a HSer. BDM and ru4real are correct.</p>
<p>Drawing on a little anecdotal evidence...
I had two options for general chemistry... the regular ("easier") sequence, or the honors ("harder") sequence. I opted for honors general chem, and although the material was much harder, the grading was much easier than the regular section.</p>
<p>Or, even if you think you'll do excellent in a class, it is not always the case (you may not get the grade you expect). Last semester, in general physics I, I got 100s on all 3 midterm exams, and near perfect lab and homework grades, but still ended up with an A- rather than an A due to the final exam grading scheme and curve.</p>
<p>Case in point, there is no guarantee as to what grade you'll get.</p>
<p>yea, you guys are right. I'm just a naive, foolish high school student. I know absolutely nothing about college and premed.</p>
<p>
[quote]
yea, you guys are right. I'm just a naive, foolish high school student. I know absolutely nothing about college and premed.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>At least he got something right.</p>
<p>As for course selection, choose the course you think you'll do better in. Just know that honors courses are not necessarily tougher than the regular courses.</p>
<p>"PS: If the algebra-based physics class resembles your AP Physics class, something is wrong with your high school. It's supposed to be easier."</p>
<p>I was sort of confused about this statement, can someone clarify what the "It" means.</p>
<p>Is BDM trying to say that his jasonlee's high school is messed up and needs to be easier or that the algebra based physics course is supposed to be easier than AP physics?</p>
<p>AP Physics is supposed to be harder than algebra-based physics. If it's not, something is wrong with his high school.</p>
<p>I seriously doubt something's wrong with a high school...</p>
<p>You're jumping to conclusions way too fast. How would you even know what his high school is like?</p>
<p>Hence the use of the phrase, "If it's not."</p>
<p>Obviously it's not..he said that.</p>
<p>That DOES NOT mean his school's messed up...</p>
<p>It means his AP Physics course was too easy, since algebra-based physics is supposed to be easier than AP Physics. Having not actually experienced the class yet, no conclusions can yet be reached.</p>
<p>BDM, it may be possible that his high school offered AP Physics B (algebra-based) and not AP Physics C/Mechanics or AP Physics C/Electricity+Magnetism. Would that make a difference? I assume AP Physics B and college alg-based physics would be similar.</p>
<p>That might well be what he's thinking of, in which case we can strike that comment from my post #2.</p>
<p>I actually go to UCSD and I went to a pretty good high school so maybe I can shed some light.</p>
<p>Math 10 series is a joke, usually taken by econ majors, psych majors, premed students who don't want to risk their GPA to learn something, etc. (this isn't to say econ/psych majors are jokes) I'm not great at calculus, but when I saw the tests, I could do them blindfolded. If you want samples of what these tests are like, PM me.</p>
<p>Math 20 series is certainly more challenging and you will definitely learn more. I took calculus in high school but still found 20 series to be pretty interesting and thought-provoking at times. I think this may have been because there were some different topics covered in some parts. This one, the tests were harder but it was still pretty cool during a test when I couldn't figure something out for 20 minutes and then experience the "ah-hah!" moment. If you want samples of these tests, PM me as well.</p>
<p>I didn't need to take the 20 series but it was definitely worth it. For the record, I worked pretty hard and got A+/A/A+.</p>
<p>As for physics, I wasn't quite so strong in physics so I took the 1 series (algebra-based). The class (and lab) are really chill (unless you have an anal TA). I got a cheat sheet for all of my quizzes, which I just dumped equations and constants on there and was able to solve 7/10 of the quiz questions by just manipulating the equations around. The other three were conceptual or required a litttle ore thinking. Finishing the 1 series is not an accomplishment. It's like telling the world that you were able to pass Algebra 1, because this is what the class was like. On the other hand, for 1 series physics, I got A+s without batting an eye. I did not learn anything but at least I preserved my GPA. Note that I am very physics-challenged and even I was able to pull off these grades.</p>
<p>2 series physics is much, much more challenging. There is required homework, quizzes every week (in contrast to my 4 quizzes/quarter) and even though you only need to take 1 lab, it's a pretty intense lab that actually gets graded carefully (1 series lab are graded in the sense that they're pretty much checked off, maybe a few points deduction if you didn't elucidate some concept). To emphasize how hard this one is, a friend (quite smart) is happy whenever he gets 4/7 on a quiz, even though he spends all the time in the world studying. I'm certain that people learn a lot, but I think a lot of them are taking the GPA hit.</p>
<p>As for preparation for MCATs, based on a friend of mine who took 2 series, she said you really don't need it to do well on the MCAT. She's smart too but she got B's in the 2 series physics.</p>
<p>So in conclusion: Seeing as how I've been on both ends of the spectrum (taking an easy and a hard series), take the harder class if you want to learn. Take the easier class if you want a (more) guaranteed way of preserving your GPA. Neither of the two harder courses will benefit you very much for the MCAT, so take whichever you want for the sake of learning (or GPA).</p>