Calculus isn’t everyone’s jam and not always the easiest of premed classes. So I totally get it that so many people are wondering “Do you need calculus for med school?” And if yes, when should you actually take it within your pre-med timeline and how can you make sure to score well?
This post is all about answering do you need calculus for med school.
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Do You Need Calculus For Med School? – Find Out Here!
Is Calculus a Requirement for Med School?
Yes, calculus is required for some medical schools and a lot of others list it as “recommended”. There are also medical schools that don’t mention either where you wouldn’t necessarily have to take calculus.
For this class, it’s very helpful to get a high grade in as a common prerequisite and it’s usually easier than some of the upper level science courses where a B is the highest you are going to be able to achieve.
For all the requirements you need to fulfill along your pre-med journey, check out my Ultimate Premed Checklist.
When to Take Calculus as a Premed
Most of the time calculus can be taken in high school (click here to learn about AP and DE). They can also be taken during your first year of college. I would recommend getting this out of the way sooner rather than later! This is because it’s a prereq for some other courses that will be necessary to take before medical school.
If you take calculus-based (or non Algebra) physics, calculus will be required before enrolling in the course. Also, some universities may require a B in calculus to register for this type of calculus instead of algebra-based physics. Some universities also require calculus for organic chemistry or biochemistry. So check with your advisor before setting up a class schedule. And most importantly, most stem majors require calculus to graduate so even if you get around the other classes without needing calculus and you are only applying to medical schools that accept statistics, you may have to take it anyway.
Overwhelmed with the yearly, monthly and daily to-dos as a premed? I just launched a Digital Premed Planner – the first one specifically designed for premeds like you! So you can keep a clear head, actually reach any new year’s resolutions and find more ease and joy in the journey towards medical school!
Do you ever use calculus in medical school?
Calculus is sometimes used to determine drug efficacy within certain time frames. It is also used when creating medical technology. Also, a basic level is required to understand some scanning results like ultrasound. Overall, this will not be a heavy part of your medical school curriculum though, so don’t fret if calculus didn’t become your new zone of genius.
Does Calculus count towards your science GPA?
Yes! The most straightforward way to determine if something counts in your science GPA for medical school admissions is the acronym BCPM: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math. So if a course falls under any of these categories, it is included in your science GPA. Statistics and trigonometry will also count as a math so it counts in the science GPA too.
Can I get accepted with a C or D in Calculus?
Yes, there is no one thing that is going to stop you from getting an acceptance other than not getting a bachelor’s degree. The admissions process for medical school has evolved to consider the applicant holistically so one bad grade is not going to break your chances of becoming a doctor. I had a C in calculus (among three other Cs in undergrad) and still got 10 acceptances. With that being said, always try your best and go to office hours or tutoring when struggling
To learn the key strategies that helped me get accepted despite a lower GPA and multiple Cs, sign up for my Free Premed Workshop. Here, I share what it means to apply early, all those common mistakes to avoid, how to identify residency bias, my framework for writing a stellar personal statement and much more!
What Should I Take – Stats or Calculus?
If given a choice in your degree whether to take statistics or calculus, I would suggest opting for calculus or both. Just as with calculus, there are some schools that require you to take statistics or list it as a recommendation. Make sure to check the requirements of the medical schools you plan to apply to to be on the safe side.
If there is time to take both, it would be beneficial, also because (depending on your personal strengths) these can be great GPA boosters.
Should I Take Either as AP? What is Harder – AP Statistics or AP Calculus?
Both statistics and calculus can be taken in high school for AP or DE credit. Most people agree that statistics is an easier course than calculus but for AP purposes it is the opposite.
There is a higher pass rate for the calculus AP exam than there is for the statistics AP exam. Also, a passing score is a lower percentage of correct answers in calculus than in statistics. So if you only have room for one AP math in high school, calculus should definitely be your pick because there’s a greater chance that you will get a passing score and receive college credit. S
Statistics can be taken through dual enrollment credit which means you don’t have to pass a standardized test, you just need a B- or higher for it to transfer to your college. Calculus can also be taken this way if your high school offers it.
Quick Tips for Calculus
Since it does count into your science GPA and medical schools want to see that you took every class seriously, it is important you give the best effort possible. So here are some quick tips on how to achieve a high grade in calculus:
- Practice problems
- Group studying
- Online practice tests & other free resources (like Khan Academy)
Get more details and strategies in my blog post The Hardest Premed Classes – Can You Actually Make it?
What not to do:
- Don’t do the same exact problem over and over (switch to another question in the same topic with different numbers)
- Once you get 80% on a certain concept or lesson, move on. There are way too many concepts for you to achieve perfection and you will get burnt out
Final thoughts on “Do you Need Calculus for Med School?”
Calculus is something you should take in college as a premed. It is difficult, but doable. Taking it in high school or college are both great options, do what works best for you! Statistics is also a great math course to take but may not be accepted at all medical schools as a prereq. Remember to take these seriously even though it is not in the science realm or directly related to medicine, your future self will thank you!
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