<p>According to the MPE, I'm eligible for math140, but, wanting to be a bio major (I'm LTSC right now), I signed up for math130. Should I do math140 instead? It's supposed to be harder. People have told me to suck it up and take the harder class. Would it be worth it? I'm trying to go to med/vet school. Also, I only took up to precalc in high school</p>
<p>“People have told me to suck it up and take the harder class.”</p>
<p>Good advice. If you don’t want to take “harder” classes, why would you want to go to vet/med school? Both career routes involve intense, very challenging work. It’s not for everyone and there’s no shame in that. Just be realistic in what you want and what you can handle.</p>
<p>I want to go to vet/med school. I’m just wondering if it would be more advantageous to me to take math140 over 130. Do you think 140 would prepare me more? Do you think it’s necessary? Wouldn’t a higher GPA in 130 be better? Do you think the med/vet schools will care which I took?</p>
<p>From what I understand of med schools, gpa is paramount. Ochem I & II will keep you busy enough, my advice is maximize gpa while fulfilling requirements. You’re really not going to see the high level math much in med/vet school (I doubt they’d want you to be able to derive stats formulas).</p>
<p>Thanks. Would they care whether I took the harder math class in this case or not?</p>
<p>That’s hard to say. Some classes expect a certain level of math proficiency. I think you should talk to an adviser to see if 130 will be sufficient. If you need other higher-level math (141, 240, 241, etc) I would strongly suggest taking 140, as I’m not particularly sure how much isn’t covered in 130.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to take classes like physics 131 and 132, biochem courses, and other upper level chem and bio courses. Would it be better to have 140 for these classes? I mean, on the four year plan, it says 130. But I’m just wondering what will benefit me the most in terms of getting a high gpa and looking best for med/vet school…</p>
<p>Personally I would say yes, if not just for the option of continuing the Math track later if you choose. Not to mention, if you want to challenge yourself a little bit by taking a higher level Physics course (should the content interest you enough), you will need more than just 140. For example, PHYS 141 has a corequisite of MATH 141 (Calculus II).</p>
<p>So while I understand you are looking for the highest GPA you can get, I’d imagine Calculus would benefit your Med school application but I don’t know that for certain. Its also about where your interests lie. If you are interested in the topic, you’re more likely to do the work, and more likely to get the grade you need.</p>