Hello everyone,
I have the option of taking either Multivariable Calculus 2nd semester of my senior year, or another science elective (ex: Genetics). My concern is that Multivariable Calculus will look really good on my college app (and I excel in math as well), but I think I would enjoy taking a science elective even more. This is due to the fact that current seniors have advised against taking the Calculus class because “you don’t actually learn anything and it’s a waste.” Once I heard this, I immediately thought of perhaps taking Multivariable Calculus online. Neither of these courses are offered at the honors/AP level. I plan on applying for a physics major to a good school (whether it be somewhere as amazing as MIT I can’t say), but I don’t think that should lead me astray from the science elective given I will already be taking AP Calculus BC. Nonetheless, what should I sign up for?
Honestly, I’d follow your interests. If it was junior year, I may argue otherwise, but as long as your schedule is strong - which I’m sure it is - go for the genetics course.
I think you are far more impressed with taking Multivariable Calc than the AdComs will be.
The person posting above me is right. While taking multi var would probs look better than taking a science elective, it won’t help as much as you might think. Since you’re already taking calc BC, which is no joke (I got my first and only B in that class), I’d prolly try to lighten my workload and go for the easy elective. Then again, if you can handle multi var, and feel you can sustain your interest for it through the year, then that’d probably be the better option admissions-wise.
Ultimately, it’s your decision.
If you have Calc BC, you’re good. Very few students actually take it in the US - although most of those who do apply to the most selective colleges.
Multivariable calculus IS an impressive class to take but it won’t make or break your application. Your results in Calc BC will matter much more.
Taking Genetics, if you can link it to personal academic interests, may even be more valuable since it’s a rare class to take and one that demonstrates a strong affinity for and skillset in scientific subjects.
alexphan202020: Genetics is not an easy subject, even if it’s an elective. 
I’d agree with following your interests. But anyone who said you won’t learn anything in Calc 3 are just wrong.
My son’s HS was going to offer Multi-variable Calc his senior year- but not enough other kids signed up for it. So, he wound up taking AP Chem and AP Physics C - and that got him out of taking AP English Lit - schedule conflict. So, it was a win-win for him, and he got into a nice engineering program without the Multi-variable calc. So, as the other posters have indicated - no wrong answer- you get to do what you want! Enjoy.
Thank you to everyone for responding!
@JustOneDad: You are definitely not wrong, I assumed it would look good, never actually asked.
@MYOS1634: I agree it probably won’t make or break my app. As for genetics, it isn’t particularly my favorite science course, just seemed more interesting 
Although I am still not 100% sure on my decision, I have narrowed it down to either Multi (although not likely), Genetics, or Introduction to Robotics (sounds cool especially since it involves some forms of engineering)!
I’d go for the robotics, you said yourself genetics wasn’t your favorite science, and you seem more interested in the robotics.
I’d go for Robotics, too!
Op,
It is the 2nd semester of your senior year. Colleges will barely glance at what class you take. Take something that will be fun for you. There are plenty of semesters of calc ahead for you in college. Genetics will be more like bio, less like math. Robotics will be more like engineering, programing and logic and closer to math.