<p>I was wondering how colleges view college math courses compared to placement in USAMO, AIME, etc. I took Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations (third year course), and Discrete Mathematics (fourth year course) at a local state university in my junior year of high school. This fall (my senior year), I am taking Complex Analysis (fourth year course) at the state u and Mathematical Logic (third year course) at Amherst College.</p>
<p>My GPA is around a 3.8. My SAT's were 2150 and ACT was 34. I go to a public high school which sends around two to Yale and one to Harvard in a normal year.</p>
<p>Thank you for responding. This is my first post.</p>
<p>how long does it usually take for people to answer?</p>
<p>USAMO is much more impressive than taking MVC, linear, and Diff Eq at a college. Discrete is a worthless course at most public schools. Complex analysis is impressive, but the problem is that colleges don't know what the curriculum is for the course you're taking. Some colleges extend analytic functions to the complex plane, define complex differentiability, and call that complex analysis. A more appropriate name would be "Joke". The logic course at Amherst is impressive, but again, not as much as USAMO. Taking all of these college math courses is more impressive than qualifying for AIME though.</p>
<p>I think they'll assume you're pretty good at math. I should be on about the same track as you are in math level. I'll probably be taking the AMC 10 this year. </p>
<p>Assuming you did well in this courses I think it would show pretty well. I think all US IMO team members at least have understanding of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, discrete math, and number theory... not sure about USAMO though... </p>
<p>I think the biggest difference is the fluid vs. crystallized intelligence here. </p>
<p>I hope that might help some.</p>
<p>
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Complex analysis is impressive, but the problem is that colleges don't know what the curriculum is for the course you're taking.
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<p>Always submit a copy of the course description from the catalog when you send transcripts from a college course. If you have something more descriptive (course outline), you could send that too.</p>
<p>Thank you guys for answering. In response to someone who asked about grades, I got all A's. The thing that worries me is that I was not able to take the AMC last year, so I have no idea where I stand. I am sure I could have qualified for at least the AIME though.</p>
<p>What do you mean by fluid and crystallized intelligence? Thanks.</p>
<p>Yea, I wouldn't worry too much about not doing AMC and stuff, since it's not really your fault.</p>