Honors math sequence worth it?

<p>How hard is the honors math sequence that begins with Honors Math 1207-1208? Does it look impressive to prospective employers? I'm a hs senior, and I've taken Calc BC, Linear Algebra, and Multivariable (Calc III+IV) already, so the course information looks familiar.</p>

<p>My son took it with the same background you've had. It was still a challenging class because it's proof based. If you're considering a math major you should take it. I don't think employers care about course titles, just about the skills you learn.</p>

<p>getting a job isnt the same thing as getting into college. you dont have to take the hardest courses available, no one cares or even really knows the difference. unless you plan on being a math major, there is no reason to take it.</p>

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getting a job isnt the same thing as getting into college. you dont have to take the hardest courses available, no one cares or even really knows the difference. unless you plan on being a math major, there is no reason to take it.

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<p>Correct. I bet even if you're applying to a math phd program, they won't know or care. It's not like anyone is going to read your course descriptions.</p>

<p>If you're a math major or even passionate about THEORETICAL / PROOF-BASED math, I'd take it.</p>

<p>it's not as absurd a course as Accelerated Physics. If you wanted to pick a "challenge" course to take the top track in freshman year, i'd definitely go for the math (honors) rather than chem (orgo) or physics (accelerated 2800).</p>

<p>but everyone else is quite right that you don't need to take classes to impress anyone anymore. get out of that mentality and take what you <em>want</em> to take rather than what you think you should.</p>

<p>Personally, I found that I'm the sort of person who needs a challenge to stay motivated - but one "challenge" course per semester was enough for me. Not that I was taking underwater basket weaving 101 to round out my schedule, but there's no shame in the normal Calc sequence.</p>

<p>I disagree with Denzera. I've made the case for orgo before, but I'll reiterate that orgo is the only "challenge" course where you get substantially ahead. The others don't get you ahead and done with your required classes so you can take more of what you want; they are just harder versions of the introductory classes.</p>

<p>TOUGH! You could also skip Calc I and II, take Calc III and then Linear Algebra... For an econ major you can either do this or Honors I and II... But if you want to major in math, you'll enjoy Honors more</p>

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orgo is the only "challenge" course where you get substantially ahead. The others don't get you ahead and done with your required classes so you can take more of what you want; they are just harder versions of the introductory classes.

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Intensive g-chem is 1 semester instead of 2, saving you an entire course in effect.</p>

<p>Calc gives you, at your option (and skill level), the ability to skip 1 or 2 semesters of calc. (and if they still had the S-track, you could opt for that too)</p>

<p>But we agree on two things: that phys 2800 is nuts, and that Honors math isn't necessarily a good choice unless you love math passionately and want it in full theoretical rigor. And I think that's what the OP cares about.</p>

<p>^Thanks so much for the advice, guys...haha, Honors Math can go screw itself. Denzera, you're right; I'm too much in the mindset of, "will this look good?" instead of, "will I enjoy this?"</p>

<p>not to sound stupid, but what is the difference between calc I, II, III and calc AB and BC?</p>

<p>scifikayaker: Calc AB covers 2/3 of the first two Calc courses, so all of Calc I, and about the first half of Calc II. Calc BC covers Calc I and Calc II in their entirety. Multivariable calc(if your HS offers it) covers Calc III(possibly IV too, depending on how far you get).</p>

<p>i'll second the notion that orgo is the only advanced track that's worth it.</p>

<p>You get to knock out your orgo requirement during your first year, essentially jumping two terms. the other two (honors/accel) only really save you one term.</p>

<p>2801...is horrible. the attrition rate is unbelievable, especially considering these are some of the smartest students in the school dropping out of the class.</p>

<p>Honors math doesn't really save you anything. It's a harder version of the regular track.</p>

<p>Accel physics doesn't save you anything either. Regular physics is 3 semesters of 3 credits each, and accel physics is 2 semesters of 4.5 credits each. In the end, the same 9 credits. It doesn't free up extra space in your schedule; it's just different.</p>

<p>honors math knocks out your linear algebra requirement, which would otherwise be another class to take.</p>

<p>accel physics means you can jump into quantum/3003 mech your first term sophomore year instead of waiting until you finish your 1600 sequence.</p>

<p>Honors math introduces you right away to writing proofs. This is an advantage heading into Modern Alegebra or Analysis. Also, it lets you know right away whether or not you are really interested in being a math major, as opposed to using math for engineering, physics, econ, or some other field. For those seriously considering going on for a PhD in math, starting with honors math means you will have a better chance to get a few graduate level classes in junior or senior year.</p>

<p>But, again, if you're not even thinking about the possibility of majoring in math (as opposed to applied math, econ-math, etc), there is no reason to take it.</p>

<p>As for accelerated physics, we were told that unless you come in with a great physics background, it's better to take the 1600 sequence, since the accelerated course is depth at the expense of breadth.</p>

<p>The number of people who need linalg or quantum physics is pretty small.</p>

<p>right, which is why relatively few people enroll in the honors/accel sequence. but for those who do are usually the ones who will benefit from the (small) advantages that come with the more difficult courses.</p>

<p>for those double/triple majoring or planning on graduating early, every little bit helps.</p>