<p>Hi guys~</p>
<p>I'm a freshman and I'm finishing AP calc BC this year and I'm taking multivar over the summer. So I have an open spot in my schedule for college math class(es) during the nine month school year (Aug-June) of my sophomore - senior years. So my questions are these:</p>
<p>Does a normal college math class last a single semester?
If so, I have six open slots for math courses. What would I put in each slot chronologically speaking? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>If you will have six semesters of math available in high-school, you need to talk to a math advisor and get on a math degree plan as soon as possible. Pre-requisites for classes vary from department to department, and none of us know what the situtation between your HS and college is like. Make an appointment with a math advisor, or even download a math degree plan from the university’s website.</p>
<p>Common courses that follow a calculus sequence for math majors are linear algebra, differential equations, analysis (a two-semester sequence at my school), discrete math, and we also have an ‘intro to advanced math’ that introduces proofs and leads into abstract algebra. Again, these will vary and if you have that much space, you need to talk to a math advisor-- and, judging from your username, a physics advisor as well. Even if you don’t, take a look at degree plans and what classes you need. The math required for a physics major, for example, will be a lot less abstract than the math required for a pure math major.</p>
<p>Most college math courses last a semester long.</p>
<p>After multi-variable, you could take differential equations, statistics, linear algebra, abstract algebra, real or complex analysis, etc…or you could learn more discrete subjects that aren’t normally taught in the regular curriculum, such as number theory, combinatorics, “geometry”, set theory, etc.</p>
<p>(By geometry I don’t mean standard high school geometry, I’m referring to more olympiad-level)</p>
<p>@purpleacorn</p>
<p>When you say “set up a degree plan” are you referring to working towards an undergrad degree? Getting 3 of the 4 years done before I finish high school?</p>
<p>Well Linear Algebra and Differential Equations are generally the first two classes taken after Multivariable Calculus. Either can be first, really, but I’ve seen most people recommend that you do Linear Algebra first.
After that is past anything even most engineers go through, and that’s most of what I’ve researched, being a future engineering major.</p>
<p>You likely won’t be able to get three years complete, but you can use the degree plan to help you figure out what classes you need to take and in what order you need to take them. Speaking with an advisor would help you figure out pre-reqs and things like that, and you could easily plan out six courses in one appointment with an advisor.</p>
<p>Yes, some Linear Algebra is required for Diff Eq, though at my school it is not an actual pre-req, and Diff Eq professors teach the bit of linear you need in their class. Engineers I know here also must take Intro to Statistical Inference Theory, so again, it depends on the school.</p>
<p>Most places will let you take statistics in place of a “hard math” class, and it is probably taught at your high school</p>
<p>AP Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, or Linear Algebra are the best options.</p>
<p>Oh, woe is me! I finished my math early! I’m not smart enough to figure out what to do next!</p>
<p>^lol I agree</p>
<p>I would do differential equations and linear algebra next year if I were you. You should have a look at what colleges you’re thinking of going to require after that, but I’m in a pretty similar situation (except I’m self studying due to international education systems) and am planning on doing some analysis next year.</p>
<p>With that, you’ve pretty much got 2 years of work out the way and can choose another 2 semesters from whatever areas particularly interest you.</p>
<p>On another thread, he’s a senior in high school and made the All-League baseball team his senior year (for a season that wouldn’t yet be complete), and wants to know what his chances of getting into an Ivy school are:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1468243-chances-ivy-leagues.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1468243-chances-ivy-leagues.html</a></p>
<p>^Wow, nice detective work.</p>
<p>Yeah those might be predicted stats or he’s just trying to brag by making this thread. Who knows.</p>
<p>In my school, we do multivariable calculus and linear algebra in the same year. Then we do differential equations and complex analysis in the following year. The last course that my school offers is analysis.</p>
<p>Well regardless of what grade you’re really in, make sure you understand how mathematical proofs work and are comfortable writing them. Maybe take a semester or two off of expanding the breadth of your knowledge to focus on understanding exactly why everything you’ve learned up to now is true. That advice applies to everyone who cares about math.</p>
<p>sonofgod908…in high school? Though complex analysis before analysis makes no sense, and unless the MVC/LA is also an intro to proofs course analysis will be rough. That is insane for a high school.</p>
<p>After multivariable it’s diffyQ and linear algebra, I’d recommend a semester of each instead of the combination one (which at my school is for engineering and science majors, not for math majors). Then something that is an intro to proofs, which can be covered in classes, doesn’t necessarily have to be a separate class. Then you’re ready for upper-level classes like analysis, modern algebra, topology, etc. But talk to a math advisor at the school you want to attend, they will be the best help.</p>
<p>oh, and take stats, you’ll need it. if you are planning engineering or science, take the one the major requires. There’s also more theory-heavy ones you might prefer.</p>
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<p>He’s ■■■■■■■■, no high school offers complex analysis. That’s a third year college math major course.</p>