<p>I am a senior, so I'm applying to colleges this fall. Most of the colleges I am applying to are very competitive (WUSTL, Vanderbilt, Rice, JHU, Duke, etc).</p>
<p>All of these colleges say that their competitive applicants take the most advanced math courses offered at their schools. At my school, that is AP BC calculus. However, I don't know if I will be able to keep up with that course as I am already taking 7 other AP courses. I would have BC calculus right after my other hardest class, AP Physics C. Since I am applying to either the college of arts and sciences (biochemistry) or school of applied sciences (biomedical engineering), I need a strong math background. AP AB calculus still includes all required calculus concepts... BC just elaborates on them. I have strong test scores (perfect ACT), ECs, and have already taken rigorous courses throughout high school. </p>
<p>What do you recommend I take, AB or BC?</p>
<p>I need a good grade in BC, as I want to maintain my class rank (5/431).</p>
<p>If you’re taking Physics C, I think you could handle BC Calc as well. If I recall correctly, the calculus from BC will be very helpful on the physics exam.</p>
<p>If you are taking Physics C, you’ll want to take Calc BC, because you’ll need the material from AB for Physics C going forward in the course. BC will cover a lot of that material early in the course.</p>
<p>That was my original concern too, but I talked to the Physics C teacher and she said that she would teach us all of the calculus we need for her course. @HappyHelper @guineagirl96 </p>
<p>I don’t think it will particularly hurt for admissions, but I think it would be worthwhile for you to take BC.</p>
<p>Not only will it give you a much more solid background for math in college, but I think it will not be a substantial step up in terms of time spent, because of the calculus in Physics C.</p>
<p>At least from personal experience, the “elaborations” from BC helped solidify the concepts of calculus (which really helped with the applications on the physics C exam) beyond rote memorization.</p>
<p>Of course, you know better than I do about your own capabilities and you’d know if it would overload your schedule, and I would trust your gut on that, but I hope my second opinion helped a bit.</p>
<p>Your opinion helped a lot! I think that you’re right, it will be helpful to take the two courses together. And if it does turn out to be too much, I can always make the switch back into AB. Thank you!!
@HappyHelper </p>
<p>Happy to help, good luck!</p>
<p>I would consider taking one or two fewer AP courses, but take Calc BC and Physics C. You will be better off taking the most important AP classes and doing well in them. </p>
<p>If you really want to maintain that GPA, reduce your coursework second semester (if possible). </p>
<p>Take the most important exams that will benefit you in college.</p>
<p>In short: take BC Calculus.</p>
<p>Thank you I appreciate your advice @Much2learn and @lilaznswimma! I have decided to take BC calculus. However, I allowed myself 1 off period, so I will have 7 total AP courses with 1 off period. I think I should be able to handle that. </p>