How necessary is Calculus?

<p>I've read that math doesn't appear on the MCAT, so how necessary is it for me to complete Calculus before I take the MCAT? And I've also read that Physics is very basic on the MCAT, so it is necessary that I've taken that class as well (I've never taken a Physics course, even in high school). Especially since I plan on taking the Kaplan course.</p>

<p>1.) Before you take the MCAT? Not at all. Ever? Can be a little bit, as some schools want it.
2.) If you've never taken any Physics before at all, I'd try hard to take it -- at least one semester? -- before the MCAT. Kaplan will help a lot, but probably isn't adequate to replace ANYTHING. (You might have taken some physics without realizing it -- did you ever do Newton's Laws of Motion? Inertia, force, momentum, gravity, etc?)</p>

<p>I definitely have to take both courses but I was going to push Calculus and Physics back a semester if they weren't absolutely necessary to have before the MCAT. Perhaps I'll just take Physics 1 and Orgo 1 together with some easier classes and leave Calculus for the next semester. I do faintly remember those things, so I guess I've seen a small amount of Physics, but I'll definitely take it before the MCAT anyway! Better safe than sorry! Thanks again BDM, you're a lifesaver!</p>