I registered to take multivariable calculus with Johns Hopkins’ CTY program online. After finishing AP Calc BC as a junior, I decided that further advancing myself in math would strengthen my application for an engineering major. Does anyone know how credible the program is with top universities, and whether or not completing the course would give me a significant advantage in the admissions cycle?
There will be lots of applicants with CTY or CTY like programs on their applications. They are well known. Would it give you a significant advantage? No. At Harvard, about 25% of students have MVC+ in HS.
As stated above, CTY Online is a known and reputable entity in college admissions.
My daughter is also taking MV Calc through CTY Online next year. She finished AP Calc BC this year and is at the limit of what she can take for dual credit, so she will do CTY Online for MV Calc.
As for an advantage, math past calculus can’t hurt (if you do well), but for tippy top schools, many applicants will have it. You should definitely take it if the alternative is having no math during senior year.
In itself? not a “significant” advantage. As the others have said, it is a good way to continue your math, shows rigor, etc. But it is just one piece of the puzzle, and though not common, not particularly rare either.
It will be an “advantage” to the extent that taking MVC would be for any student. It’s ahead of the normal HS curriculum, so uncommon but not “I qualified for IMO” rare.
CTY won’t make a difference either way. It’s well-known, so the course work will be fully accepted and understood (not “I learned MVC from my friend Steve”). But it won’t be viewed at better than a quality HS course either.
Just curious if the 25% number is a guess or if there are stats somewhere that state what number of students (vs. applicants) have math above BC.
Thanks, @Eeyore123! I had a feeling you had actual stats! 