<p>Signing up for classes soon. Anyone, esp. sophomores and older, particularly savvy on the distinction of difficulty between 175-204 and 205ab? (Me: plan to major in math, 5 on BC calc two years ago, took MVC in 12th grade, but not exactly a math prodigy) Is the workload reasonable, and can one make an A with a reasonable amount of engagement?</p>
<p>205ab is intended for students with a serious interest in math. My understanding it is involves a lot of math theory and proofs, while 175/204 is essentially just problem solving. </p>
<p><a href=“http://as.vanderbilt.edu/math/undergraduate/205_info/”>http://as.vanderbilt.edu/math/undergraduate/205_info/</a></p>
<p>I would go in YES and look up the professors teaching 205, then look at their reviews on RateMyProfessor and VoiceView.</p>
<p>DS has essential the same background as OP except that he will pursue pre-med track. He took AP Calc BC in 11th grade and received A and 5; MVC in 12th grade and received an A. He is also wondering what to take for his freshman math class. Being a pre-med, should he take a math class in college or use his AP credit? Also, if he takes a math class, which one should he take? 175 or 155? He thought 155 is “harder” since it’s a weed out class. So is he better off taking the 175? Can anyone share your experience? (I will also post this question in the pre-med thread.)</p>
<p>My S took BC senior year and does not have a score yet. He signed up for 155a because he was afraid 175 would be too hard since you always hear classes are so much harder at Vandy. Why do people say 155 is actually harder? The material is more basic and is mostly the same material they had in BC so I don’t get why some people say 175 is easier. Just saying 155 is a weed out class doesn’t really tell me anything. Can someone explain specifically why some people say it’s better to take 175?</p>
<p>BTW, he is pre-med with a possible neuroscience major.</p>
<p>@jrmama496, from what I understand (which is not much, that is why I am posting my question):
155 is like Cal BC
175 is like Multivariable calculus. (In high school, cal BC is pre-requisite of MVC)
You are right that 155 is lower level than 175 in term of material.
What I have heard is that 155 is more basic and a “weed out” class - meaning that it’s harder to get an A. This is comparing to 175 which is a higher level class. Although the material is harder but the grading (curve) is not as harsh.</p>
<p>Please share your experience on this topic. Do you recommend DS take 155, 175, or no math at all. </p>
<p>@4beardolls – Whether or not DS wants to take calculus at, at first, less of a question about Vandy and more just a question about pre-med in general. Do some research into medical school admissions and try to determine the importance of taking calculus in college, if the applicant already has AP credit. My understanding is that med schools are caring less and less about calculus and really just want to see statistics. but I’m not pre-med and not all that well read on the matter.</p>
<p>Now, if DS does research and decides to take calculus in college to improve the med school application, I would recommend taking MVC (175) rather than Calculus (150/155). With past knowledge in both subjects, I think DS would earn a better grade in MVC.</p>
<p>As for the grading, you are probably correct, I would imagine Math 175 is graded on a slightly less harsh curve.</p>
<p>As for the material:
“More basic” material does not mean “easier.” “Basic” may not even be the correct word. Math 155 is more elementary, because well, it’s general calculus. However, it extensively covers a lot of complicated topics. On exams, you have to quickly evaluate complicated integrals, limits, and series on exams-- the kind of stuff you will rarely see in upper level calculus courses because it’s essentially a waste of time on exams. In Math 175, the concepts you learn are, of course, dependent on an understanding of general calculus-- but because you’re no longer being tested on your knowledge of general calculus, there’s no reason to make students evaluate absurd integrals and what not. In my experience, that is why it’s easier. </p>
<p>@Pancaked, thank you for your clear explanation. I agree with you that DS needs to further investigate premed math requirement. It’s nice to know that you recommend MVC 175. </p>