AP Calculus AB vs BC for Prospective CS Major

I think that make sense, a kid who has already completed a course will have advantage over a kid who is just enrolled assuming everything else be on par

They actually do say it’s typical but not required, here’s their website on that topic:

“The typical classes we see include AP Calculus BC, IB Math HL, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and/or Differential Equations. We cannot stress enough that these specific courses are not a requirement; the context of what your school offers is paramount.”

The only way to get out post-Calculus class is if your high school doesn’t offer it via DE with a community college or you can’t afford the class.

"require seeing coursework with your final grade(s) earned.”

This is a strong hint to take Calculus BC in 10 or 11th so Cal Tech can see the grade and your AP score.

“Regardless, the 240 class size of Caltech is hardly a microcosm of the first year classes at US universities.”

Cal Tech had about 8K applicant, many of whom also apply to MIT, Stanford, Harvard and their state flagship. I do agree that Cal Tech has a very self-selecting applicant pool, which is one of they reasons they went test blind.

Here is the link so the OP can read it in full instead of reading everyone’s cherry picked quotes

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-year-freshman-applicants/academic-preparation

That said, I’m cherry picking a quote.

"The typical number of years that students take to complete coursework through calculus is four (4). "

And I will point out that in quotes with “and/or,” one should not gloss over the “or.”

Note the four years does not mean only in high school, that’s actually left out because the typical Cal Tech applicant has taken Geometry or Algebra 2 in middle school which Cal Tech sees on the transcript.

Ok there are only three places with and/or in the page you linked, or Differential Equations, or essays, or placement in a program, none of which support the point that a post-calculus class is not typical.

Nor does it support that it is typical. Feel free to contact Caltech to admonish them for their inelegant and ambiguous use of “and/or.” My interpretation of the sentence was: The typical classes we see include AP Calculus BC and/or IB Math HL and/or Multivariable Calculus and/or Linear Algebra and/or Differential Equations. Since very few applicants will have both AP Calculus BC and IB Math HL.

Either way, I’m done, since your mind won’t change and my mind won’t change

Ok got it now, I see what you’re saying. Agree on the minds not changing but at least you posted the whole link.