Admissions - Calc AB or BC?

<p>I have read that W & M likes to see applicants who have taken Calculus and Physics. How much does the type of Calc matter? Specifically, is an applicant with AP Calc BC considered significantly stronger than one who has taken AP Calc AB?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Of course Calc BC is more rigorous than Calc AB but our primary concern is that a student take calculus (the culminating course in a math curriculum). Evalute the rest of your schedule and determine which courses you can be most successful in. It won’t do you any good to take Calc BC and struggle with it (or struggle with other classes as a result of it). If you’re up for the challenge of BC calc and believe you can be successful in it, go for it. If not, AB is just fine.</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

<p>I will be a junior next year. I think I will stick with AB Calc. I will also be taking Honors Physics, AP English, AP Amer Hist, French IV, and Adv Debate. Senior year I plan to take AP Stats.</p>

<p>One issue with BC Calc is that the teacher who has taught it for years and is very good is retiring. I am a little concerned about who his replacement will be, ESP. Since it will probably be that person’s first year teaching the subject matter.</p>

<p>The AB Calc teacher is established and pretty good.</p>

<p>That sounds great. If you find the new BC Calc teacher is great you could always consider taking that senior year.</p>