I know Ivies like well-rounded individuals. Recently, I heard that because of this, AP Euro will be a better choice as a class over Honors Linear Algebra, since most applicants to Ivies are already math/science strong. For my senior year, there is only one section of each course, and they are both first period. I am signed up for Linear Algebra right now, but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to switch? I am very fortunate that Linear Algebra is offered at my school, and I wanted to take advantage of it. Right now, I want to go into business+math, maybe actuarial studies. Which course would be a better choice?
linear alg
I would take linear algebra, unless you are really interested in European history and would rather take that class. What does the rest of your schedule look like? Surely, you’re not taking only math classes. If you’re really worried about being well-rounded, can’t you take a humanities/social students course during your other class periods? What about government/economics, English, or a foreign language? Those are all different subjects than math.
If you don’t take linear algebra now, will you take it in college? Probably, you will.
If you don’t take European history now, will you take it in college? In many ways, an acquaintance with European history is an important aspect of one’s general education.
AP European History might earn college credit if you score high enough on the AP exam. It also might satisfy one of your college general education requirements. Honors high school linear algebra probably will not substitute for a math major’s college course in that subject.
For admissions, linear algebra might demonstrate that you are good in math, which might be a good thing for an intended math major, but probably wouldn’t give you an advantage compared to other prospective math applicants to a top school, who might have much higher qualifications. AP European History might demonstrate “well-roundedness.”
Anyway, AP Euro seems to be a rite of passage for many top high school students. You don’t want to miss out on that, do you?
Okay well here are some questions/ideas to think about. Do you have 4-5 classes in each core subject covered? Colleges want to see 4, but preferably 5 in foreign language, science, math, history, and english. That is the first question to think about.
If you like math, then maybe linear algebra is the better choice. I agree with zapfino’s comment about APEuro providing useful information regarding a general education, BUT I also do not think you should take a class just to make you “appealing” to a college like the Ivies. What does the rest of your schedule look like? How many other APs or college level courses are you taking?
If you truly wanted to take them both, I’m sure you could either take AP Euro online (tons of people offer the class online) or find another linear algebra class at a local CC. This is a good question to debate, considering the schools you want to apply to. However, also remember that 1 class/E.C. isn’t going to make or break an application. Admission officers aren’t going to stare at your application for 10 minutes and be like oh wow, why didn’t they take AP Euro or a linear algebra class?
Thanks for all your input so far. My senior year schedule currently looks like this:
Honors Linear Algebra
AP Language
AP Comp Sci
Health(required)/Honors Business Law
AP Psych
Lunch
Orchestra
AP Biology
I already have a social science class, even though Psych is considered an easy AP. Right now, I have 4 APs and one college course senior year. I took 2 APs sophomore year and 5 last year. AP Gov does not fit into my schedule, and my school only has an academic econ class. (I also self-studied for AP micro and macro last year). I also just finished AP French last year. Does my current schedule look well-rounded?
I know that at least in my state colleges require or strongly recommend a math course senior year so that might be something to double check for the colleges you want