I’m currently a sophomore in high school who plans to apply to Cornell senior year. Because I was never put into accelerated math in middle school, I started HS with Algebra and therefore will only be taking pre-calc senior year. I plan on majoring in Biology, or Animal Sciences at CALS but I’m not sure that they’ll accept me since I won’t be able to take calculus in high school.
The CALS website says calculus is required for Bio. It does not say that is true for animal science though:
Is there any way to take a math class over the summer, or double up in math junior year, so you can get to calc senior year? Most competitive programs are going to want to see calculus on your HS transcript.
My schedule is pretty packed for Junior year… I’m also going to be doing research over the summer as part of my science research program at my school. I don’t know what other options I would have. Is there a way that I can make up for it by being stronger somewhere else in my application?
I’m also thinking about doing the IBDP… would that count for anything?
@leprechaun103 what about summer school? My son did that to get into pre cal… or even dual enrollment? Usually that’s a night class.
Although getting science research experience is good, I recommend you prioritize math over that (if you can only do one). Summer school, dual enrollment, or an online course would all be options to make sure you get to AP Calc senior year (or at a minimum a regular or honors calc class).
In the big picture, your goal is to keep doors open with regard to college admissions, and not having calc in high school with necessarily close some doors, including applying for biology in CALS. The calc requirement will still be there even with research experience, or if you do an IBDP curriculum. Good luck.
Would I be learning calculus if I took IB math HL? What happens to those students? It’s a two year course so even if they got to A2Trig then they would be giving up pre-calc and calculus to take it as part of the IB Diploma Programme
^^^You will need to speak with your guidance counselor and/or the IB curriculum administrator to answer those questions!
Why not take one math class over the summer? If you think it will benefit you in the long run. You could do it this summer or next. In some ways it is probably best to do pre-calc in the summer since much will probably be review for you. You could take an online course. There are so many available. Edward Burger (lol: https://www.southwestern.edu/about-southwestern/president-edward-burger/) used to offer an excellent (fun) math series (CTY used it-but that was a long time ago). Now there are tons of programs as well as ways to take classes for credit. The cheapest way to go is to self learn. That works only if your school would allow you to self learn (same-over the summer) and test out in the fall. Seems like a great way to catch up-and pre-calc would be a good course to take that way.
The videos and courses are depicted on that link-just click videos listed on the left of the 1st page. The Thinkwell series is still listed. It’s great. You can view samples on line.
You can probably find an online summer course in math and still be able to do your planned summer program, either now or the following year.
Hello!
Cornell An Sci sophomore here. I was in the same boat when I applied to Cornell, and not having taken AP Calc really worried me. But I still got in. It’s just anecdotal, but I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I think as long as you can show strong performance in your classes, and perhaps be a year advanced in science (as I was) you can still get in. You never know until you apply.
IB math SL includes an introduction to calculus. At some high schools, it may be enough to pass the AP calculus AB exam as well.
IB math HL includes enough calculus to be considered equivalent to a semester or year of single variable calculus in college.
(Note: do not take IB math studies SL, since it is for students who will not need to take math in college; it contains a lightweight introduction to various topics including calculus, but not intended to prepare for further study in math.)
I personally recommend FLVS I did pre calc over the summer before junior year and I’m in AP Calc right now.
Cornell U recognized the HL math scores of 6/7 or 7/7 for actual calculus credit, but you can also repeat calculus when you get there, and the HL two year math sequence is fantastic to learn math, as long as you have a solid teacher
https://as.cornell.edu/2018-19-credit-and-placement
HL math is a bit broader math curriculum than the AP class, and it is difficult to earn a 7/7 on the HL math exam without some extra study. Are you getting an IB diploma or uncertain at this time? If you don’t care about getting an IB diploma and can take a few IB classes, thats a great option to consider. HL math will give you some proof based induction problems and somewhat harder then BC calculus but broader. (A few students in our school fail HL math exam and then do not earn their IB diploma.) An IB diploma requires a minimum score in 3-4 HL subjects and 2 or 3 SL subjects and math must be one of those subjects.
As advised above, do not take IB math studies SL, that is not going to get you enough calculus.
My younger daughter took SL math and it was sufficient for CAS.
@realperson2990 that’s very helpful as I too am a year ahead in science!
Thanks to everyone who answered! You guys helped to reassure me so much thanks!
Just whatever you do, if you take an online math class, DO NOT use BYU. It’s useless and hard to get a good grade.