Which physics class should I take to prepare for the MCAT: calculus-based (engineering) physics, or non-calculus (pre-med) physics?
Shrike: You should take calculus-based physics, in my opinion. Calculus was invented to solve physics problems, and many of those problems are a lot easier with calculus available. More importantly for us, some of the concepts are easier to understand with calculus, too. Anyone who makes it through calc-based physics will be better placed when the MCAT rolls around than he’d have been with algebra-based physics. Unfortunately, we know it’s not that simple. At some schools, calculus-based physics is really tough, in ways that do premeds little good. It therefore may be more difficult to maintain your GPA, and to absorb all of the material, if you opt for the calculus-based course. Ask around your own campus. Ideally, you’ll ask people who have taken calculus-based physics, and are about as sharp as you are at math. If you’re considering choosing the calculus path, you’re probably more mathematically inclined than the average premed. Unfortunately, you’re probably less mathematically inclined than the average engineer, and these courses may comprise primarily engineers.
One more thing: be very careful when choosing any physics course to ensure that the professor’s English is clear. In physics, more than any other subject you’re likely to take (except perhaps math), this is a frequent problem.
QofQuimica: I would just like to add one other non-MCAT-related benefit of taking calculus-based physics, which is that it is a more rigorous course than pre-med physics. Remember that medical schools do look at the level of difficulty of the courses that you’ve selected. In general, it is best to take the most difficult courses available to you, assuming that you are able to do well in them.
