At this point I’m really worried about my future and as such need you guys’ help. My current math track leads to calc bc junior year and multivariable senior year, but I have read multiple posts about people applying to t10 colleges for STEM having completed up to differential equations or even real analysis. I am worried that I won’t be competitive for these colleges because of my relatively slow math progression compared to other people applying to these colleges, plus I’m an east asian male applying for CS as an international soooo… This brings me to the question: Does it really matter whether I take multivariable calc or diff. equations senior year? Please answer ASAP and this is not meant to be a brag post of any kind. Thank you in advance.
No, it will not matter. Pre calculus is all you need, although competitive STEM applicants will have some calculus. Anything else is “icing on the cake”.
May I just say…don’t be ridiculous?
The “normal” progression of math gets you to pre-calc by Senior year.
Honors kids get to Calculus.
Even STEM colleges assume you will start with Calc1 in their curriculum.
Yes, some super duper advanced kids finish Diff-eq…but they are rare.
So you will start college with Diff-eq…good luck!
You’re an international applicant with a 3.5 GPA. Those are the reasons you will be rejected (if it happens), not your math class.
Additionally, some top schools will not give credit or placement for any math beyond AP Calc BC, so assuming one gets in, the applicant ends up having to retake the courses (or take the honors version) if needed for the major.
A small number of US universities want to see single variable calculus while in high school. None specify math beyond that.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/21642599/#Comment_21642599