<p>Hey all, </p>
<p>this isn't an official "chance me" thread, but more of a question on mathematics. I'm a rising senior and got my final schedule (start school this Monday) and am going to be taking AP calc and Discrete Math. I was wondering how Discrete Math is viewed by colleges. Can anyone fill me in. Thanks.</p>
<p>What is Discrete math, is it like limits? And as long as you're not slacking off by taking AP Calc, Discrete Math, PE, PE, PE, and PE then don't worry.</p>
<p>Discrete Math is really a subject that varies per school more than most mathematics/CS courses. For one, some schools focus on CS and others focus more on mathematics. My Discrete Math course in high school was kind of like an introduction to analysis, which really would've served well, I believe, if the colleges I applied to knew this, but more than likely, they just thought it was an easy CS course.</p>
<p>If I were an admissions counselor, I wouldn't look upon Discrete Math as a very serious course.</p>
<p>Oh great... I was told that it looked good on transcripts because the concepts were sophisticated. In my school it is only recommended to take Discrete Math only after finishing math analysis or Calculus. The only other classes I can choose from in my period is economics, and street law. I took most of the other classes that were worth taking anyways.</p>
<p>Bump..........</p>
<p>At my high school, Discrete Math is the course for students who need another year of math but who aren't taking AP Calc AB or AC, though they've usually taken at least the basic pre-calc course. </p>
<p>I don't know how a college would know what your course means vs. ours.</p>
<p>Discrete Math and Calculus are, to be truly honest, not on the same path. They're pretty much independent of each other. The quality of your Discrete Math course would probably be completely dependent on your teacher.</p>
<p>Calculus is "continuous" mathematics, that is, it deals with functions on the real numbers and continous functions. Discrete is exactly the opposite -- it deals with the natural numbers. In general, combinatorics, number theory, and logic fall into the category of discrete math; we skimmed over each in (my admittedly dull) course of that name. You don't need Calculus for Discrete, and you don't need Discrete for Calculus. (Mind, I think the general category of discrete math is more interesting, but then I haven't gotten into the really interesting bits of continuous mathematics.)</p>
<p>But how does it look on the transcript in general though? Is it viewed as a somewhat difficult math course, or is it viewed as "just a math course that no one gives a crap about".</p>
<p>No college can tell what the content of your discrete math course is. Some discrete math courses are based on graph theory, some on number theory, and some on combinatorics.</p>
<p>If this course is not required and you are taking it out of your own love for mathematics, then that is a definite plus. If not, I don't think you'll have much of an advantage over someone else who takes the most challenging classes in their school. (Not saying there is no advantage at all, but you can't judge students based on the classes their school offers.)</p>
<p>The only other class that looks somewhat decent is Computer Service and Support. The only other exception is sociology. I thought Discrete Math was better than both of them. ...hmm</p>
<p>I'd think Sociology looks a lot better IMO, because it is a much more mature class that challenges you to think outside the box than your run-of-the-mill mathematics class.</p>
<p>It's a semester class.. so first semester I have to take Street Law, second semester Sociology. Do you guys think this is better than Discrete Math really?</p>
<p>Do what you want to do. I wouldn't look at either class particularly favorably. If Discrete Math pertains to the field you want to continue in (math or CS), it's a definite plus to your application.</p>