<p>I do have a great interest in mathematics that will be demonstrated on my application, but I'm having qualms about taking multivariable calculus. If I do not take multivariable, I will probably sign up for linear algebra. Which seems more impressive?? Any suggestions??</p>
<p>Calculus, by far. I took algebra courses in 8th grade and just took my first calc class junior year; I'm pretty sure that linear algebra is about as straightforward as algebra can get, while multi-variable calculus is more advanced than anything offered in my school (we only have AP calc AB and BC which are both single variable calc classes).</p>
<p>Are you taking the math courses at a college? My son and a bunch of his friends took multivariable calc at a university first semester of senior year, then took either linear algebra or differential equations second semester of senior year.</p>
<p>.......... okay wait no.</p>
<p>I took BC Calc my sophmore year (5 on AP), and Multivar when I was a junior, and LinearAlgebra Diffeq as a senior. I can say that I flew through the Multivar class and with an A and worked my ass off in LinearAlg with a B+.</p>
<p>DaneC--- Linear Algebra is NOT the same thing as middle school algebra. Whereas multivariable algebra is primarily a bunch of theorems, formulas, and whatnots built upon what I assume is a pretty solid calc foundation, it's not hard at all.</p>
<p>ON THE OTHER HAND... Linear Algebra is FCKING hard. You will work with Matricies and VERY, VERY, abstract concepts. Be prepared to do enormous amounts of proofs. Additionally, LinearAlgebra is often taught in conjunction with (higher order) differential equations -- which makes the DiffEq stuff you learn in BC seem like kiddy-play. </p>
<p>Bottom line--- take Multivariable because its easier to get a good grade in. Colleges are not gonna give a FLying fart in space if you took linear/multi because both are extremely high level classes for high school students. in fact, I only know a handful of high schools that offer it.</p>
<p>I will consider your advice, truazn just b/c you said "FLying fart in space"</p>
<p>i have to agree with truazn... the course was ridiculously hard for me :-(</p>
<p>Haha, truazn, way to beat the point to the ground.</p>
<p>Generally, LinAlg is a little harder than MVC. On the other hand, those precious few who have a penchant for abstract thinking will probably do better in linear algebra.</p>
<p>If you got a 5 on Calc AB/BC, you should probably take MVC. It's relatively straightforward, and you should get an A/A-. If you plan to take Lin. Alg., there's plenty of time to do so when you're safely nestled in college.</p>
<p>In terms of prestige, the difference between MVC and Lin. Alg. is so small that taking one instead of the other is unlikely to change your likelihood of getting admitted to [insert school here]. It's safer to take the class that you're probably going to do better in.</p>
<p>Just for reference, I took both. MVC was challenging at times, but I ended up with a comfortable A. LA, on the other hand, was sometimes incomprehensible, and I didn't do so hot. </p>
<p>Oh, and four words. Laplace Expansion Theorem DIE.</p>
<p>^ haha I agree 100%</p>
<p>There are two different approaches to linear algebra; there's the computational method which is probably easier than MVC and the proof-based variant which is more abstract (harder than MVC for most students). Bigger universities usually offer both.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Oh, and four words. Laplace Expansion Theorem DIE.
[/quote]
Dual spaces are even more fun.</p>
<p>Linear algebra. All the math professors I know recommend lin alg before multivariable. I've been trying to self teach myself lin alg, and it's pretty interesting. I think mvc is pretty useless, for me at least...but we did have a retarded teacher who studied the material a class before she taught it to us.</p>
<p>Haha, my school sucked. Calculus AB senior year! WOOT! I didn't do too terribly though.</p>
<p>At DS1's school, MV is fall semester, and DiffEq spring semester. Folks usually take Lin Alg (also a one-semester class) coinciding with or after MV/DiffEq, depending on how early they got through BC Calc.</p>
<p>If you are seriously interested in math and don't take MV if it's offered at your school, that will not reflect well on your apps.</p>
<p>Well for me, people at my college are supposed to take multi before linear, so I'm going to go with linear as more impressive, though I personally find both to be equally impressive in high school, but I guess take whatever you find more interest in...</p>
<p>They are two very different things. take the one that will be more interesting to you. also, take the one that you can get college credit for (most likely Multivariable).</p>
<p>linear algebra will probably help more with multi calc than the other way around. you'll be used to working with vectors, several variables, etc. LA is kinda the first step into more abstract "pure" mathematics. It's not terribly difficult though. Just do whatever works out for you. In the end I don't think admissions officers will care all too much.</p>
<p>i think linear is just more interesting. it's also good to get away from the purposeless blind rush to know as much analysis as you possibly can in high school. theoretical linear algebra in particular is quite interesting. "linear algebra done right" by sheldon axler provides a really clear, concise elementary treatment that ISN'T merely listing off a thousand things you can do with matrices; it deals more generally with abstract linear transformations over arbitrary vector spaces. it's one of the textbooks in harvard's math 55 class for good reason. it friggin rocks.</p>
<p>iostream,
Thanks for the book reference. I will add here that one doesn't get to analysis at most schools without MV/DiffEq AND LinAlg, so all three of the classes will be helpful to the OP in the long run.</p>
<p>haha, my school also suks. Calc AB in Senior and no AP stats, MVC, or LA offered..</p>
<p>"Haha, my school sucked. Calculus AB senior year! WOOT! I didn't do too terribly though."</p>
<p>ME TOO WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!</p>
<p>BC as a sophmore????? My school really blows mathwise then, we only offer BC for Seniors, and only like 10 ppl take it too</p>