<p>I am a rising senior who is interested in math. I have a 4.0 in math and science at my school, but it really is not challenging and am going to end up only having learned BC Calc, though we will learn infinite series and stokes theorem. I am on the fastest math track at my school, but it doesnt move as quickly as i can learn.</p>
<p>I have done really well on math contests and get combined scores of 200-220 on the AMC+AIME (qualified for the USAMO once) and generally impress people with my creativity to compensate with my lack of knowledge of more advanced math.
btw, my SAT/ACT scores are 2380/35 and my SAT II scores are 800,800,800 and will not be applying for financial assistance.</p>
<p>Because I am starting with a relatively low point in the amount of math I know, I am looking for schools where I can learn at a faster pace than normal, even though I do not know that much math. I know that princeton has a great math program, but does it sound like princeton might be a good place for me to consider given my concerns?</p>
<p>I can’t tell whether you’re asking for a math program that is “fast enough” for you, or for a program that you’d be able to handle. Princeton’s a great fit for anyone really serious about math, though you’d probably be less prepared than most of the incoming math majors. The math-major track (starting with analytic calculus in a single variable and moving upwards from there) is nothing to laugh at. Though you might initially balk and say “but I already know how to integrate in a single variable”, from what I hear the first course, MAT 214, is nicknamed “Calculus made hard.” Judging by the talent of my friends who take these courses, and the intense workload these courses seem to entail, I would definitely say that any concerns about not learning “fast enough” would evaporate quickly. Also, my friends in these Math major-track courses are always doing problem sets together, so if you don’t happen to know some of the more advanced math, there will definitely be peers to learn from and work with. </p>
<p>As for getting into Princeton, it looks like your scores are definitely there. Don’t feel inadequate for not having taken more than BC Calc: what is important is that you’ve maxed out the opportunities given to you. I have classmates who only took one or two AP test, because, guess what, their high school only offered one or two AP class! </p>
<p>But unfortunately scores aren’t everything: you’re going to need some great and interesting extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, etc. Also, the fact that you won’t be applying for aid has nothing to do with your admission to Princeton. So if there is a chance you’d be eligible, don’t hesitate to apply–I mean it. The offices that deal with financial aid and admission are separate, and admissions process applications the same way whether or not you applied for aid. </p>
<p>Good luck! If you’re looking for something more specific on the math-major side, it might help to explain a little more precisely what you are concerned about.</p>
<p>You’ve taken Calc BC. So has everyone else.</p>
<p>Princeton ain’t your high school and taking the intro maths sequence 214/215 will put in the same room as IMO kids. The only people I know who’ve skipped the 214/215/217/218 are Romanian/Bulgarian IMO gold medalist geniuses. </p>
<p>You’re more than welcome to try- should you get in.</p>
<p>crackberry: i think you misinterpretted my post. I have posted this on a number of other colleges forums, and my purpose of this is not in any way to say that i am too smart for a school, it is nearly the opposite. it is to find out more about the different speed of course offerings at schools that I know have excellent math departments because while i love math, i have a lot of catching up to do with people whose high school ciriculum moved faster and had more to offer.</p>
<p>JTC: thanks a lot! i am looking for both a math program that moves quickly and is not over my head to start with. I checked out some of the prerecs in the math class and it seems like each class is made up of people of similar ability, which is exactly what i am looking for!</p>
<p>If you’ve only taken BC but are quite talented at math, you would probably want to start with 203-204 then do 214, or the reverse (you can do it out of order). Then again 203 has been known to make people who are brilliant at math want to cry…201-202 is always an option. No need to retake 104 (the equivalent of BC) if you get a 4 or 5 on the exam though.</p>
<p>if i wanted to teach myself multivariable calc and/or linear algebra, does anyone have any recommended textbooks that are good for do it yourself?</p>