Hi,
I’m really struggling with this decision. I REALLY want to take linear algebra next year, but the only way I can is to take honors U.S history over the summer. If I do this though I won’t be able to take APUSH, which would look bad to colleges.
What should I do???
Take what you want to take. You don’t have to take every AP class in high school. It is no big deal.
Is this an elective course? If so, I would take APUSH and then linear alegbra when you have time, because if you are trying to seem competitive, as bad as it sounds, we all know you have to take the APs.
While you need to challenge yourself it does not mean you have to take all AP’s and skip out on classes you are interested in. There is more to college admissions than AP’s.
Wow, you guys reply fast.
Well to answer your questions:
@ab2002 it is not an elective course, it’s a legit math class, but I have experience in doubling up in math. I did it freshman year, and I am currently doing it this year as well.
I think that you should take whichever course you want to take.
APUSH is a LOT of work if you are not interested in the subject. If you would strongly prefer to take linear algebra then I am guessing that you might be inclined to study STEM fields, for which it would make more sense.
I have a t-shirt that says “the one with the most guitars wins”. This is not actually true of either guitars or AP classes.
I agree, take whichever one you want to. Linear algebra is a sophomore-level college math course, so it is just as rigorous, if not more than APUSH.
I don’t think it would make a difference to colleges. I assume you’ve already had an American History course, since most high schools require it for graduation. If you haven’t then take APUSH. APUSH will probably count towards your college gen-ed requirements whereas linear algebra will count towards your major. It might make more sense to get your gen-ed requirements taken care of before you start working on your major.
If you have taken a number of AP’s in hs you generally have too many for gen ed requirements. Take the math class.
Is the linear algebra course a college course? If not (i.e. it is a high school course), you may have trouble getting subject credit for it at the college you later attend.
It is a high school course, but the college I want to go to offers tests for credit as well (MIT)
Since MIT is a reach for everyone, you should check your other possible colleges, including those which you expect to be your affordable safeties.
Of course, most of the colleges I’m interested in have exams as well
Considering the college you’re interested in us history honors + linear algebra sounds like the best choice, since having an advanced background in math (with a post AP math class) will matter more than taking AP classes.
Make sure to include on the ‘brag sheet’ you give your GC that you had a schedule conflict that prevented you from taking APUSH and you’re good to go.
What other classes would you take?
AP Comp sci, AP lit, AP physics c electricity and magnetism (my school chunks AP Physics C into mechanics and E&M), and other classes (TBD)
I could push linear to senior year, but I’m not sure I want to.
That’s a very good schedule. Make sure you reached level 4 in a foreign language and perhaps an art or “fun class” like culinary arts to show interests and balance.
What do you want to major in? You don’t have to have a single major in mind, but do you have an idea of the area? (STEM, liberal arts, etc) Another option might be to take honors USH over the summer and then fill in all the gaps for the AP exam, kind of like self-studying but with more of a foundation. That wouldn’t work if you really wanted the AP on your transcript, but it might be a good compromise. Check with your counselor before you do that though! Summer classes in general show a lot of initiative on college apps (self-studying does too) so good for you! good luck
OP is interested in MIT so we can assume high level, multi dimensional STEM.
@hsstudent13
Colleges don’t care about self studying. They want students in class, learning, taking tests, participating.
Also, as Stanford famously put it “it’s not a game of who has the most AP’s, wins”. You need to learn how to balance your schedule.
To pass the MIT advanced standing exam, watch the MIT version of the course while taking the hs version.
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-06-linear-algebra-spring-2010/
thank you