Deciding Between Statistics and Pre-Calculus
I’m currently a junior and in the process of selecting my classes for senior year. I’m torn between taking statistics or pre-calculus, especially as I aim to major in neuroscience and pursue a pre-med track.
During my shadowing experience with a doctor in internal medicine, she advised me to choose statistics since it’s more relevant for the MCAT, while my teachers at school recommend pre-calculus for students heading into the health field. What should I consider when making this decision?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your courses in relation to your goals! Since you want to major in neuroscience and are considering the pre-med track, both statistics and pre-calculus have their merits.
Taking statistics can be incredibly beneficial, especially since it directly relates to data analysis and research, which are important in fields like neuroscience and medicine. As your doctor mentor mentioned, statistics does appear on the MCAT, and a solid understanding of statistical concepts will serve you well in both your studies and future research endeavors.
On the other hand, pre-calculus is often a prerequisite for calculus, which you might encounter later in your studies, especially if you need to take calculus for your major or med school prerequisites. A good foundation in pre-calculus can help you succeed in understanding the more advanced math concepts you’ll face later.
Ultimately, consider your strengths and interests. If you feel comfortable with math and are interested in the more theoretical side of things, pre-calculus might be a good fit. However, if you’re more interested in practical applications of math, statistics would likely be more advantageous.
If possible, you could also look into what your future neuroscience or medical programs recommend or require. Either way, you’re making a proactive decision that will set you up for success!