EPGY- Stanford

<p>To any of you CC'ers that have taken an Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) class (Multivariable, Linear Algebra, etc), can you attest to the quality and difficulty levels of the classes offered by them? Would you recommend taking post-AP level math/science courses at EPGY, a local community college, or another online program?</p>

<p>I looked into it for multivariable calc, but it's expensive. It would have been $1300 for both semesters, and I wouldn't even get credit if I go to Caltech. I might decide the money's worth it though if I don't get into Caltech early action (2 weeks!).</p>

<p>Umm you basically have to teach yourself because they assume you know stuff that you really don't... this is for multivariable</p>

<p>I'm not sure teaching myself is a big issue. I took Calculus online, so if I had any questions I usually had to figure it out on my own. And usually if you really need help with something there should be some math teachers at the school that know the material and are willing to help.</p>

<p>Hmmm, I don't mind paying the money or teaching my self, but how hard would it be to get an A in their classes?<br>
I've heard that many of Stanford's honors math classes are nearly impossible to get an A in and was wondering if EPGY was of a similar difficulty level...
(As far as my mathematical abilities are concerned, I would say they are adequate (qualified for USAMO/ one of the highest AMC scores in the country, have received national/international distinction in several significant math competitions))</p>

<p>......bump</p>

<p>heh adequate</p>

<p>Not hard at all. I got an A in their Algebra I class when I was 6. And then I took the same class at an ordinary school and didn't understand a thing they were saying, so I assume EPGY classes just aren't very rigorous. Maybe it's different for the higher-level ones.</p>

<p>If you want to take a class not offered at your school, I'd say do it locally. It's a lot easier to be motivated when your classmates are sitting right there in front of you. Plus if you have questions the teacher's right there.</p>

<p>As of now, I am on track to get an A in Multivariable Calculus. By teaching yourself, I guess I didn't explain what I meant correctly. They give you certain materials to learn. So, you learn it. Then you get the quizzes/ questions and you've never even heard of the topic. They expect you to magically know information that you are lacking.</p>

<p>So it's better to take post AP level math and science courses at a community college?</p>

<p>I'd suggest taking it at a community college. It's cheaper (though money doesn't seem to be an issue here since you're willing to pay for it) and you could get direct help from the teacher if you needed it. I'm not familiar with the way you complete/submit assignments for EPGY, but I'll tell you that the best math is that done with paper and pencil ;)</p>

<p>The problem (for myself at least) is that a community college involves actually going to class. I don't want to do that. :)</p>

<p>You could try MIT OpenCourseWare.</p>

<p>Free</a> Online Course Materials | Courses | MIT OpenCourseWare</p>