<p>There have been many threads on this, but they haven't helped answer my question. </p>
<p>I ask purely from a college "admissions" standpoint for tier one colleges/ ivies, not from a "will I get credit" standpoint. </p>
<p>This year, is it better that I take multivariable calc on Stanford epgy or take AP microeconomics online? </p>
<p>Also, what is the difficulty of Stanford epgy? </p>
<p>and, do colleges consider classes such as AP Chem, AP Physics, and AP Comp Sci "math" classes?</p>
<p>I can’t say whether college class vs. AP class is better in general, but in your specific case, multivariable calculus is considered more rigorous than AP microeconomics. This is because multivariable calculus is like Calc III in colleges (after AP Calc AB & BC). Because this college class is harder than AP math classes, it will be looked at better on your application. To answer your other question, I don’t know about colleges, but they seem like science classes to me- though colleges will certainly know that math is a huge component in those courses.</p>
<p>Okay, Thanks! </p>
<p>I’ve decided to take Multivariable calc. </p>
<p>Now, I just have to decide whether to do Physics C as an Independent Study or AP Environmental Science. I took Physics B last year because our school doesn’t offer C. Does it look bad to take another (similar) Physics class this year?</p>
<p>What admission committees want to see, with a few exceptions for extraordinary candidates, is that (1) you focus on core courses, (2) you take maximum advantage of your high school, including the teachers at your high high school and your fellow students, and (3) that you don’t “major” in something in high school.</p>
<p>It is a rare high school that doesn’t offer in-house non-independent courses, compelling courses at all grades. That the courses don’t necessarily “match” everyone’s perception of valuable doesn’t change the reality that they often can broaden you, and that colleges would rather you take them than some external alternative, or self study for AP exams, etc.</p>
<p>What I mean by extraordinary candidates are the few math geniuses who outgrow high school math at an early age, and who have both the capacity, energy and motivation to do advanced research. It’s not to say that these candidates are always a good match for all colleges. But at least in their case the early specialization makes sense.</p>