<p>Hi guys, I have a question that regards mcat.
I was recently choosing my courses and I came across physics. Now, I don't know whether I want to take it or not but as an incoming freshman with two majors (one sort of unsure) requiring calc related physics, I'm leaning towards taking the calc based sequence. I only have to take two in the phys-calc sequence (ie 117 and 118 with both having labs in contrast to 108 and 109 which are general)...but do you ppl actually think that I should take the calc based one? I've already taken calc II..but can't take calc III b/c it doesn't fit my schedule, so I'm good with the prerequisite for the course...but I haven't taken physics in my entire life (hs program requirements were tons). Do you think that I should take the physics-mechanics?? Is that more beneficial for mcat prep?? I don't think I'll be doing a prep course like Kaplan in the future (i'm not being arrogant, just my circumstances)...so I just want to take the classes that will prepare me for it all.</p>
<p>You need to take entire physics, not just physics-mechanics. However, it does not have to be calc based. But, again, you need to inquire with Med. Schools on your list and/or pre-med advisor at your UG. D. asked her pre-med advisor and he confirmed that calc-based physics is not required. So, she took non-calc based. D. did well on MCAT and was accepted to several Med. School.</p>
<p>@Liveulife, “but as an incoming freshman with two majors (one sort of unsure) requiring calc related physics,”</p>
<p>So you are saying you MUST take calc based physics to satisfy the requirements of your major? If this is true, then you must take at least 3 semesters of physics. This is because, in general, the calc based sequence covers a narrower range of topics per semester and the MCAT will have questions on optics which is usually included in the third semester of a three semester sequence. This is what I am doing. I took AP Physics C in high school and am taking the third part (electrodynamics, optics, relativity) this fall. It is sufficient to only take a two semester “survey” course in physics for medical school purposes. (the equivalent of AP Physics B) The survey will cover all topics needed for the MCAT, however, this approach may not satisfy your major. Best of luck.</p>
<p>so how does calc based physics compare to the general sequence? At my school, my chem and biostat majors require me to take two calc-based physics courses (ie 118 to 119), which is the exact amount that med schools require of me (well most med schools I’m hoping). But the med schools don’t have any preferences…even the new req that AAMCAS has made recently. I wish to not pursue a third semester of phys…just because I have too many requirements for my two majors. @plumazul could you give me more details as to why you want to do a third semester? I mean I know that you’ve explained that taking the first two semesters of calc based phys would be narrower, but why pursue convering physics C? Is it necessary? Also what benefit/con accompany along if I just jump into calc based? Does someone considers the general non-calc-based phys as a prereq?</p>
<p>OP, "what benefit/con accompany along if I just jump into calc based? Does someone considers the general non-calc-based phys as a prereq? "</p>
<p>AP Physics C was the first physics course I ever took. It was a lot of work but was not a problem. </p>
<p>“but why pursue convering physics C? Is it necessary?”</p>
<p>Not sure what you’re asking. Physics C is the equivalent of the first two semesters of calc based physics. I am taking the third semester because I am taking the MCAT as you are, right?</p>
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I just thought that you referred to ap physics B to be equal to the first two semesters of calc based physics, and thought that the third semester might be physics C.</p>
<p>^^ Here are the descriptions from the College Board website if you are interested.</p>
<p>[AP:</a> Physics B](<a href=“AP Physics C: Mechanics – AP Students | College Board”>AP Physics C: Mechanics – AP Students | College Board)</p>
<p>[AP:</a> Physics C](<a href=“AP Courses and Exams – AP Students | College Board”>AP Courses and Exams – AP Students | College Board)</p>