3 years of math, but post-calculus

<p>So I just took Calc BC this year, as a sophomore and got As both semester and I feel fairly confident that I got a five. My school doesn't have more advanced math classes (other than AP Stats), though we're trying a pilot Linear Algebra/Diffrential Equations class. I was thinking of either taking this class or an equivilent online my senior year, since I feel I need a calc class before college and I don't know if it's a good idea to take math classes beyond this in HS (I don't want gaps in knowledge or skeptical colleges or something). I was going to take AP Stats as a junior, but then I decided to take AP Computor Science instead, since from what I've heard of our Stats class and the AP test, Computor Science would be more useful. Is this a bad idea, since I'll only have three years of math, or will colleges understand/overlook it? </p>

<p>PS: I'm sorry if I posted this wrongly or something...I'm still pretty confused about this site</p>

<p>I’m sure they’ll understand. I mean, it’s not your fault you don’t have any more math classes after AP Stats. Your school just doesn’t provide anything beyond that.</p>

<p>Many students in your situation arrange to take higher levels of math at their closest community college, or a 4-year college/university. Sit down with your counselor and the head of your HS math department, and talk about your options. They should have good ideas for you.</p>

<p>^That suggestion sounds good.</p>

<p>If that doesn’t work out for whatever reason, then maybe take AP Stats anyways just to have another math class. It’s an easy AP test, so you should be able to get an easy 5.</p>

<p>What have other students in your position done? It couldn’t hurt to ask a counselor because colleges do prefer 4 years of math.</p>

<p>Btw, LOL @ computor (not being mean, saying it in my head just makes me laugh).</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice. I HAVE planned to either do a community college or online math class my SENIOR year. I guess my question is whether or not trading AP Stats for AP Compsci is a good or bad idea, if I have an otherwise strong math background. I know of two students who’ve done this in the past–one took no math as a junior then Stats as a senior (colleges were NOT happy with him, for whatever reason), and another took Stats, then online Diffrential Equations and got into Stanford.</p>

<p>Take Calc III Senior year. Or another college-level math class. (BC only goes up to Calc II)</p>

<p>As others have said, look to community colleges for multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, discrete math, and calculus-based statistics. The first three are typical university sophomore level math courses for engineering, physics, chemistry, and math-oriented economics majors, as well as math and statistics majors; discrete math is used for computer science, and statistics is often used in economics, business, biology, and various social studies majors (some schools and majors prefer a calculus-based statistics course over AP Statistics, which is non-calculus and widely regarded as one the lightest weight AP courses / tests).</p>

<p>For math beyond that, you are looking at math major courses found at four year universities. Another option if four year universities are not an option would be to take “physics for scientists and engineers” at a community college if you are interested in physics, engineering, or chemistry as a major in university.</p>

<p>As far as having only two or three years of math in high school, one would expect a sensible admissions committee to note that you have completed the highest level of math available in your high school (AP Calculus BC). Taking additional math beyond that at community college can show extra motivation, but what you did should still look better than someone who took four years of math but only completed precalculus.</p>

<p>^yeah look into those different math classes. Also consider taking calculus-based physics at the college level.</p>

<p>I agree with ucbalmus as an applicant, you will look like a better applicant, taking 3 years of math, as a someone who took Calc BC as a sophomore and Differential Equations as a senior at a nearby university than someone who took 4 years of math and ended with Calc AB senior year. As always, Quality>Quantity. So you shouldn’t worry about taking only 3 years. However, if you’re still worried, you can’t go wrong with taking another higher level math class.</p>

<p>I thought that colleges also counted anything above Geometry (so if someone took Algebra II freshman year, the person would technically already have two years of math), even if it was taken in middle school. Or maybe that’s just where I’m from.</p>