Post-Calc BC Math Classes

Applying to College
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<p>(Note: If you want the short version, just look at the questions in the last paragraph.)</p>

<p>I'm not sure if this is the right section for this, but I was hoping people here would be able to provide some suggestions. I've been ahead in math for several years, and this past year, as a junior, I took AP Calc BC, which is the highest math class offered at my school. Now, this year, as a senior, I am stuck. I want to take a math class this year for a few reasons. First, although I'm sure my counselor would note to colleges that I had exhausted all my options, I think it would look best to continue math through senior year. Second, I plan on majoring in a math or science field, so I don't want to have to return to math in college after a yearlong hiatus.</p>

<p>Now, as I said before, I've already taken Calc BC, which is the highest math class at my school. I've also already taken AP Stats, due to a scheduling opening this past year, which is what I've heard some students in my situation use to keep up with math.</p>

<p>So I am left with very few options. I can take AP Comp Sci next year, which is slightly math-y, but if I could do more, that might be better. Two other thoughts that have occurred to me: an online multivariable calculus course (I believe this is the next class after Calc BC) or independent study in the same course. Now, awhile ago I asked about Stanford's EPGY Multivariable Calculus and received not-so-positive reviews. But has anyone had any success with another online multivariable course that they would be willing to recommend to me? As for independent study, no one at my school has done it before, so I'm not really sure how it works. If anyone can enlighten me to some steps I might need to take to get started on independent study, that would also be appreciated.</p>

<p>So, in short, should I take AP Comp Sci, an online course, or do independent study? And if one of the latter two, can someone recommend an online course or a path for independent study?</p>

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<p>I took BC this year and next year and next year I'm taking AP Comp Sci. I think computer skills would be valuable for future use :-)</p>

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<p>I've taken AP Comp science and I can say that it isn't very math heavy, just requires logic. It is REALLY fun though, and I bet that you would like it. You should look into the math offered at your local community college... You may able to enroll in an advanced calculus class, but its up to your school board. I would say that if you find a well recieved advanced calculus course you should take it instead, because it will probably look better than Comp Science.</p>

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<p>Look for Multivariable/Many variable/Calculus III at a community college or local university. If you would like to explore online classes, I know a few places.</p>

<p>I'm taking AP Calculus BC as a sophomore, the highest math class at my school? Integrated Math III (Algebra II). I'm planning to attend my state's flagship during summer '09 and then either do EPGY or other online options during 2009-2010. I'm also hoping to attend my state's magnet school, where they do directed studies of higher level math. </p>

<p>I hope that helps.</p>

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<p>Have you had bad reviews of EPGY courses in general, or just the Multivariable class? There are other EPGY courses that you're now plenty prepared to take, as long as a foray into real college-style (read: proof-based) mathematics doesn't scare you. I took Number Theory and Modern Algebra in high school and really enjoyed both. But like I said, be warned that you'll be learning to do proofs, which you probably haven't encountered before (and no, the ones you did in geometry don't count).</p>

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<p>We are in the same situation-- daughter took Calc BC and Stats as a junior. I am interested in comments on the Johns Hopkins CTY on-line courses. Are they the same as EPGY.</p>

<p>We have a local college option, but that comes with transportation issues and possibly at the price of some extra-curriculars.</p>

<p>I encourage my daughter to take computer science, but the only computer course she has interest in is CAD IV.</p>

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<p>Does anyone on here have any personal (or even second-hand) experience with the multivariable calculus courses from CTY, EPGY, or another online course?</p>

<p>Sly: I only heard that about their multivariable calculus course, but I'd prefer to continue with that course rather than jump around, when I could take AP Comp Sci, which is also slightly math/logic related, at school.</p>

<p>Poisonous: I have a very busy after school schedule that doesn't allow me to take the classes at the community college or other local colleges.</p>

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<p>I took Multvariable and Linear Algebra at Harvard extension after Calc 1/2 at Harvard SSP.</p>

<p>CTY I heard was pretty good.</p>

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<p>I would go with either Harvard ext. or any other reputable online courses. Honestly, most online courses of major institutions are pretty weak (except Harvard, I hear very good things about their ext. school), so if not Harvard ext, then just choose the reputable online courses. Just make sure they are accredited, and are really well put together.</p>

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<p>This might be a different idea than what you're looking for, but if you're planning on majoring in math, but maybe you feel like your school's math classes have been computation heavy, you might want to try taking classes at Art of Problem Solving, Online</a> Math Classes. I don't know if these classes would be that useful, but in the course descriptions, they have diagnostic tests to see whether your ready to take a class, or if maybe a class would just be review for you. I know someone who was able to take these classes and get math credit at his school, so these might work out for you. You probably wouldn't end up getting college credit though, and they might be too competition focused (especially the Problem Series, which I wouldn't really recommend unless you're looking for a way to do well on contests instead of a math class to take). Also, they might be too easy for you, since they put all of their advanced classes into WOOT, which is a Problem Series class. But yea, that's something you might want to check out.</p>

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<p>Local CC or university is the best way to go. Take multivariable and linear algebra.</p>

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<p>Be careful before you decide offhand to take multi/linear/diffeq. You may end up retaking the same course in college anyway. I took those classes at a CC in high school, but ended up retaking them at the honors level once I got to Stanford. In my case, I'm glad I took them before, because I probably would have struggled in the honors classes if I hadn't seen the material on a less theoretical level before.</p>

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<p>^^^That's exactly what my S is doing as a math major at UMCP. The CC class was taught at the High school (new program designed to keep advanced students engaged in math).</p>

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<p>Yea, go look for Multivariable/Cal 3 classes at local Uni or CC</p>

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<p>As mentioned earlier, I've looked into it and the classes at the cc and other local unis do not fit into my after-school schedule. Can anyone recommend an online course / independent study plan (I do have a study hall each day where I could work on these) or should I just stick with AP Comp Sci and have my guidance counselor note this in college apps?</p>

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<p>I don't think your GC needs to note it. Colleges can see your school profile which includes your course catalog. Most sci/math people don't suddenly stop taking hard math classes.</p>

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<p>I've followed numerous threads just like this one. </p>

<p>Another poster mentioned that his son had a good experience with NetMath from University of Illinois
NetMath</a> - Online Math Course - University of Illiniois</p>

<p>They offer courses beyond Calculus.</p>

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<p>Actually, that same poster just posted a more detailed review on this topic in the Parents Forum</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/547424-multivariable-calculus-line.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/547424-multivariable-calculus-line.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>I thought I was going to be okay without math and with comp sci, but now I'm reconsidering and want to do an online course, sooooooo</p>

<p>BUMP</p>

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<p>comp sci is usually a math credit...(although it really has nothing to do with it)</p>