<p>On the Caltech admissions page, its says you need four years of math to apply. What if you have already done the equivalent of four years? In my case, I took Calc BC this year, as a sophmore, and I will take Multivariable Calc next year. For senior year, do I still have to take more math (which for me would mean AP Stat or three terms of a seminar) or have I already qualified for four years of math by taking Calc?</p>
<p>Your s/n on this forum is mathwiz, and you don't want to take an extra year of math???</p>
<p>I second Alleya's concern. </p>
<p>That said, you have satisfied the Math requirement. However the AdCom will wonder "Why isn't he taking math?" This will lead to head-scratching. You want as little head-scratching as possible. </p>
<p>Therefore, I encourage you to take a fourth year of Math. Taking something fun and interesting at a college. Diff eq or something to that effect. Probably half of Caltech incoming frosh have taken diff eq. </p>
<p>Galen</p>
<p>Yeah, somebody whose screen name is mathwiz should have no trouble finding some way to challenge himself with more math before applying to Caltech.</p>
<p>for the sn, i made it on the old CC site back in middle school when i thought i was smart because i memorized the quadratic equation.</p>
<p>About 99% of applicants satisfy the requirement. The fraction of applicants admitted is substantially smaller than 99%. If you want to be admitted, you probably don't want to aim at just satisfying the requirement.</p>
<p>What is the highest level of math that admits usually have upon entering Caltech?</p>
<p>Also, does Caltech consider Computer Science courses to be in the "math" category?</p>
<p>
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What is the highest level of math that admits usually have upon entering Caltech?
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Our best admits have had advanced courses in things like algebraic topology. The average is, I would say, one year beyond Calc BC, wiht a course like DiffEq, multivar, etc. Certainly that's standard among admits.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Also, does Caltech consider Computer Science courses to be in the "math" category?
[/quote]
Sort of, not quite. If this is the closest you can get to another year of math, do it.</p>
<p>I'm planning on taking AP Java as well as Multivariable Calculus next year. After that, should I take three terms of a math seminar to satisfy the requirement, or can I do independent work on something like Differential Equations or Group Theory?</p>
<p>Don't think of it in terms of satisfying a requirement, think of it in terms of being hardcore at math. If the lure of further studies isn't enough for you, you won't survive Caltech.</p>
<p>I meant that I don't find the idea of taking a seminar to complete a requirement very thrilling, I would much rather do independent work.</p>
<p>Independent work will be fine. Just send some evidence that you did something, like a collection of five of the most interesting problems and solutions, written up nicely and correctly. (Don't think you can slip one by the people who will read these.) Or look in to Stanford's EPGY as a way of getting some structure into your independent studies.</p>
<p>hey,how bout for a Busniess, Economics, & Management science major like me who finds math interesting but not going to be a math major? My Differential Equations class starts in two weeks.
I could have stopped at multivariable (jr. year), but I kept going at it.</p>
<p>Are you planning on majoring only in BEM??? If so, Caltech REALLY isn't the place for you. BEM is something that's great for a second major, but not as your sole one. There are very few classes required, and you'll get bored quickly. I'm sure there are other universities that provide a much broader course offering in BEM, and those should be the ones you look at.</p>
<p>actually I would like to major in Biology (or chem. engineering) and combining it with BEM in which I am hoping to end up in med. school after undergraduate studies.
I really like Bio though, but at the same time, I like the business world too.</p>
<p>It seems like you could have an awesome career in managing biotechs. Some of our alumns have gone that route and been very successful.</p>
<p>That'll be great. I believe the BEM + Bio would be more suitable at a place like Cal tech than lets say a USC.</p>
<p>I agree. Certainly apply, and see what choices you have. I have a feeling Caltech will wind up high on your list.</p>
<p>Hey Ben, I took AP Calc BC and Stats in 9th grade but only got a 3 because I self-studied both. Should I retake them junior year?
And also, I've taken 4 college math classes in 10th grade. Are the grades bad?
Multivariable Calculus (computation): 4.0
Number Theory (computation, some proof): 3.3
Linear Algebra (proof): 4.0
Statistics (A bit higher than AP level): 3.8</p>
<p>I took Multivariable Calculus through Delta Community College, and the rest through Saginaw Valley State University. The thing is, I always understand the material, but I am known for killing my self by not doing arithmetic well on tests. How much will everything hurt, all in all? </p>
<p>I am looking to real and differential equations next year and those should easily be A's (I've informally studied both). So when I apply for college: my math accomplishments should look something like this (assuming I retake the BC exam and Stats exam)</p>
<p>Multivariable Calculus (computation): 4.0
Number Theory (computation, some proof): 3.3
Linear Algebra (proof-bases): 4.0
Statistics (A bit higher than AP level): 3.8
Real Analysis (proof-based): 4.0
Differential Equations (plug-chug) : 4.0
AP Calculus BC: 5
AP Statistics: 5
Top 213 in state math competition 10th grade year
AMC 12: 105
AIME: 2
And I am sure I will get those A's next year. Will I be a bit above the candidate pool?</p>
<p>In terms of math courses, yes. Not everyone gets here with real analysis and diffEQ. The "top 213", AMC, and AIME scores are nothing special IIRC.</p>