<p>I am an incoming Cornell freshman looking for math advice. Through textbooks, online resources such as MIT OCW, and peer/teacher help, I have a developed a good knowledge of introductory linear algebra and multivariable calculus. However, none of these methods are accredited. Course selection starts June 10th and for first semester math courses I'm interested in Introduction to Analysis or possibly Manifolds/Diff Geo but these courses require completion of multivariable and linear. Also, I don't think Cornell offers placement exams in these two subjects. </p>
<p>What should I do? Can I sign up for my desired math courses even if I am not sure if Cornell will recognize my credentials? I will contact the math department to see if it can help me as well. I have heard of students placing out of multivariable without actually having taken a college class - how is this done?
Thank you.</p>
<p>Cornell rarely if ever enforces prerequisites. You can take them. However if you’re planning to be a math major, or to major in hard sciences or engineering, you will probably have to take multivariable calculus and linear algebra at some point before you graduate. If you are very confident in your abilities (by which I mean, do you think you could ace those classes’ exams if you took them right now), then go ahead and sign up for those math courses you want, nobody will stop you [even if the enrollment cap is hit, you can add during add/drop]. You also have a lot of time to drop it if you find that you can’t handle it.</p>
<p>As far as placing out, you cannot do it for linear algebra (need to take a course at Cornell or another college). You can place out of MATH 1920 (multivariable calculus for engineers) but I’m not sure if math majors (or anyone in Arts & Sciences) is allowed to do that.</p>
<p>We were told that you can place out of various math classes by meeting with someone in the department (besides the fact that nobody worries about prerequisites), but you may still want to reconsider your course choice. Are you planning to be a math major? 2230-2240 are highly recommended for all math majors. Those other courses are also very high intensity. To take those along with 2230-2240 is really crazy.</p>
<p>I would say 2230-2240 would be valuable even if you self-studied linear and multi. They are a solid “introduction” not only to linear and multi but also to the theoretical foundations of mathematics and what a real math course is like at Cornell.</p>