How impressive is self-studying Calculus BC as a sophomore?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm doing independent study for AP Calculus BC this year. My school offers the course, but I'm exceptionally talented (not trying to brag) in mathematics, and my guidance counselor refuses to let me accelerate.</p>

<p>I've already started learning it, I'm at applications of derivatives. I see myself getting a 5 on the AP test, no problem.</p>

<p>I'm just wondering how impressive it would look to colleges such as MIT, RPI, or Berkeley.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/954450-calculus-bc-self-study.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/954450-calculus-bc-self-study.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>It will show ability and interest, so that’s a good thing.</p>

4

<p>I can’t really offer any advice about college admissions but I do want to encourage you to take the class. I got a 5 on my BC exam but I was never able to even score an A in my earlier math classes.</p>

<p>Calc is much less memorization and a lot more fun in my opinion. If you have a strong grasp of mathematics and you already have learned the fundamentals of calculus I say go for it.</p>

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<p>Why do you care if it is impressive or not? Aren’t you only doing it because you are interested in calc?</p>

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<p>I guess I’m confused re: how they would know you took the test prematurely (and based on self-study), as I assume you will eventually take the class, thus your transcript will reflect the class and the AP test score. Apps provide data fields for entry of the test, date taken and score. I imagine the reader skims over the date except in the rare instance that the score is surprisingly low in comparision to an otherwise strong app, in which case they might take the time to do a date calculation to see if the applicant took that test as a freshman or sophomore. Note, also, it’s my understanding that many admission offices have support staff transfer data like test scores to the college’s own information mgt tool so that your application reader need only focus on your short answer, essays and other subjective entries.</p>

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<p>If you’re exceptionally talented at math, I recommend preparing for the AMC, AIME, and USAMO. MIT has a place on their application specifically for one’s AMC/USAMO score. Caltech also significantly weighs USAMO qualifiers. It’s a very prestigious and recognized math competition. </p>

<p>Studying calc BC sophomore year is notable, but not extremely impressive. It’s not a hard course, and the material requires mostly memory with a little application. Qualifying for the USAMO or doing some form of research would look better.</p>