I’m currently a junior trying to get into a low-end ivy(cornell, dartmouth, brown, upenn). Sophomore year I took calc AB and I got an A, but this year in BC I started first quarter with a 79 and decided to drop. I’m still taking four APs this year e/o BC and plan to take five next year. How bad will it look if I don’t take calc BC next year? I’m trying to major in economics or finance.
Stats and other info(idk if this is relevant):
4.2 gpa thru sophomore year
4.4 thus far junior year
1500 sat(790 math, 710 english)
Math level 2 subject test:790
Recruited athlete and pretty rigorous schedule
You could try BC again next year but I wouldn’t necessarily sweat it – most schools are looking for AB, and completing that (and getting an A! nice!!) your sophomore year is pretty impressive. If you’re looking at majoring in econ/finance I’d actually recommend you take AP Stat over BC.
@yankeeinGA okay that’s good to hear. I took AP Stats sophomore year as well so I’m out of math classes to take next year besides BC and Compsci, which I’m planning on taking.
It does look odd that a student who is a top student in math (three grade levels ahead, as indicated by taking calculus in 10th grade) has difficulty handling a slower paced calculus sequence (in college (and some high schools), the content of calculus AB and BC will be covered in one year, instead of two that your high school takes).
Economics and finance can use considerable amounts of math and (calculus based) statistics. If you want to go on to PhD study in economics, you will want to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, real analysis, calculus-based probability theory, and other advanced math courses.
Just for the record, there is really no such thing as a “low level Ivy League school”. One still needs to be an outstanding candidate to have a chance for admission.
Acceptance rate
Penn 9.4%; Brown 9%; Dartmouth 10.5%; Cornell 14%