<p>I'm a incoming freshman at Dartmouth at class of 2014. I'm thinking of majoring in Applied Math. I've taken the AP Calc BC and am currently enrolled in Multivariable Calculus my senior year. Could anyone offer me any advice whether I should take my AP credit and place out of Calc 1 & 2? Or should I retake Calc in Dartmouth (either 1 or 2)?</p>
<p>Use the BC credit to place out. You can take a placement test to place out of multivariable, but I wouldn’t recommend that.</p>
<p>I would use the AP credit to test out of Math 3 and 8, and if you can do it take a placement exam for higher level math. Especially if you’re thinking about majoring, you will appreciate the extra classes you get by testing out of the lower level ones.</p>
<p>-Spunaugle</p>
<p>Some people have told me that maybe I shouldn’t skip because if I don’t skip I can get an easy grade out of a Math 3 class or Math 8.</p>
<p>Is that a good reason not to take my AP credit?</p>
<p>I would say, as long as you feel comfortable doing the higher level coursework, to still take the credit. For one, you’ll finish your major 2 classes sooner, which will allow for greater flexibility in your schedule, easier ways to double major or study abroad multiple times, and pursuit of upper level classes sooner, which could translate to the possibility of graduate level classes while still an undergrad. If you’re worried about easy grades, there are no doubt other classes you could take that would interest you that your math background would make easier, and still give you greater breadth of knowledge (you only get around 35 classes while in college, why use some relearning material?)</p>
<p>That being said, reasons to forfeit credit for lower level classes (and it’s not all or none, for example, you could retain math 3 credit while opting out of math 8 credit), would include worries that you will need review before tackling more difficult courses, or, after looking over the syllabi for the respective classes, concern concepts were covered that your highschool preparation left out. I sure once you get on campus this fall your advisor will also be able to help you decide if opting out of credit is necessary.</p>
<p>-Spunaugle</p>
<p>Thank you. Does anyone know when I meet with my advisor and pick out classes? Do I have to do anything online beforehand?</p>
<p>you meet w your adviser during orientation (ie the week or so before classes start) and you don’t have to do anything before hand… but it’s probably a decent idea to have some sort of idea about what you want to take/look into taking…</p>
<p>You should go to the mathematics department and speak to the undergraduate chair.
You should make very clear that you have an interest in majoring in applied mathematics
and explain your background. I would not rely on any other information. The faculty in the mathematics department will know the best course sequence for someone with your background and interest.</p>