<p>This year I'm in grade 10, taking grade 11 math (Functions, Pre-Calc, whatever...).
I just wanted to know, if you are applying to HYPSM, do they look for you to have a senior course load that is tougher than the rest of your high school load, or do they all have to be as difficult as possible?</p>
<p>I'm asking this because there are two math classes for grade 12 (Adv. Functions & Calculus). In grade 12, people take them together but I have the option of either taking them together next year or taking Adv. Functions next year & Calculus when I'm actually in grade 12. If I DON'T split my maths & take them both next year, I'll take a university math course. </p>
<p>Is there a difference if I choose either of these paths? I live in Canada & here it doesn't matter when you take the course, but if it's a grade 12 course you can send it to universities as a grade 12 mark. Is it the same for Ivies?</p>
<p>Basically:</p>
<p>OPTION 1:
Adv. Functions in grade 11
Calculus in grade 12 (AP exam)</p>
<p>OPTION 2:
Adv. Functions in grade 11
Calculus in grade 11 (AP exam)
University math course in grade 12</p>
<p>I might be able to take a university math course in grade 12 even if I'm taking Calculus, but it's not 100% sure. Which would be the best option?</p>
<p>The one thing you have to do 100% is take the hardest course load possible at your school. I think, beyond that, it should be a decision of priorities. Yes, it does look better to take the university math class. If you can do option 2 without harming other important things, such as your other classes, your GPA, your ECs, your mental well-being, etc, then I say do option 2. But I don’t think anyone at Harvard will really say “this applicant should have taken classes at a university” unless their high school math program didn’t even include calculus.</p>
<p>Just to be clear, does your high school prepare you for Calc AB alone or BC as well? Also, is there a precedent for students at your particular high school going to a university for classes?</p>
<p>Thanks so much!
My school doesn’t have an actual AP Calc class, but the Advanced program at my school does cover the BC material so that’s what a lot of students write.</p>
<p>Calc is the highest level of math offered at my school, and after most students take that they’re going to university anyway. I’ve talked to my GC about it and she thinks it should be okay, but I also need to find out when the Calc teacher is at school & meet with him to ask about it. There’s only one guy in the school who’s taking math at the university, and he’s in grade 12 (taking Adv. Functions and Calc). I don’t know how he’s doing it, but I’ve heard he’s a beast when it comes to math contests, so that could be why. :P</p>
