<p>The "Plan of Study" (POS) for Engineering Sciences (ES) seems to
require 1A, 1B explicitly for SB (and AB) degrees. Obviously many
entering frosh have a 5 on AP Calc BC. Most will not elect to take
Advanced Standing to trigger the AP credits acceptance. So.....
my question-(A) is one forced to sit through Math 1A, 1B when not
taking up Advanced Standing?</p>
<p>(B) If one chooses to take Math 21A entering fall semester and follow up with
21B, is one still expected to complete 2 more math courses for the ES
degree or does Harvard give credit for the BC (think not)?</p>
<p>Also, a similar question for Life Science 1A, Physics Science 1 (AP BIO,
AP Chem):</p>
<p>(C) Does one have to do these courses for ES or can a higher level course be
used- is this even advisable to do or too much stress?</p>
<p>(D) Also, Can one do courses requiring LS1A as prereq if one has a 5 on AP Bio
without taking LS 1A?</p>
<p>I know the answer only to the first question: freshmen can start at 21 or even higher. There are mandatory math placement tests when you arrive, and the result of this will give you a recommendation about which class you should take.
I'm not sure about the requirements for the other classes, but I know that at Harvard pretty much any class can be taken "with instructor's permission," so basically if you can talk your prof into letting you take the class, it's not an issue. The only way you'd need to sit through those classes is if they are required for your concentration.
See more info on Math here: Math</a> and Physics - Prefrosh
and concentration info here:FAS</a> Handbook for Students: Chapter 3: Fields of Concentration</p>
<p>As for whether or not it is advisable to take those classes... in my opinion, you have 4 years to work your butt off. Freshman year, or at the very least the first semester, should focus on getting adjusted to college life. I really don't think this is the time to take the most notoriously difficult classes at Harvard. That said, others will disagree. It's all a matter of, do you think you can handle the extra workload?
Also, when you arrive at Harvard there is a seminar/meeting/thingamabob titled "SHOULD I TAKE MATH 21, 23, 25, OR 55?" which anyone considering these courses should go to.</p>
<p>Now, I just noticed your screenname is MIT012... which leads me to wonder why you ask??? I would think MIT's math and science classes would be just as good, if not superior, to Harvard's. If nothing else, I don't think you can cross-register in a course that is already offered at your school.</p>