So I’m a bit worried about the rigor of my senior course load (I’m applying to Ivies and T20s):
AP Stats
AP Physics: C
Semester 1 Economics / Semester 2 AP Gov
European Literature
Spanish 4 Honors
I’m considering taking Multivariable Calculus at a nearby community college. However, this would definitely increase my time commitment and I’m not sure it would be worth it. Would taking this course boost my college application chances, or would the difference be negligible? (I’ve already finished AP Calc BC last year)
You’ve hit the main areas of study, many with honors/AP level.
MVC isn’t expected by any school. Advanced coursework will always help, but if you want to invest additional time, I’d suggest something like a CS course - AP CSP or CSA if you have the prerequisites (if they are offered).
Our school has honors engineering, art, music, etc courses, where you could pursue an interest, again if available and with prerequisites.
The other obvious option would be AP English, if offered. But even my D, who will have 12 APs, is skipping that Sr. year.
But again, all of the major “advanced” expectations (Calc, an AP science, 4 years of a language, etc.) are covered.
@sdough I finished Calc BC as a Junior as well and only took Stats as a senior. However, I applied as a Public Health major/Pre-med, so I wouldn’t need more calc for med-school applications than BC. If you’re applying as a Math major/CS/Engineering, Calculus is seen as more rigorous than Statistics, so I would recommend that you don’t take Stats and take the calc course at your local community college instead: colleges aren’t going to expect you to take 2 math courses in a year. As @ucbalumnus says, you should think about taking an art class (whether at a cc or at your school,) as the UC system, UW etc. require it.
What do most advanced/STEM students aiming for Top 20s take at your high school? Keep in mind that you’ll be compared to them - so, if the “normal advanced honors” path is Calc BC- Stats, you’re 100% fine taking this.
However I would take one more (stem-oriented?) class, perhaps indeed AP CS P or A or something linked to your would-be major even if regular level,so that you have six classes and perhaps replace regular Econ with AP Econ, to up rigor a bit .
@sdough I agree with @MYOS1634 words of wisdom, the only caveat would be if you are applying for Math/CS/Engineering/Physics etc. as Calculus > Statistics in that case. If you’re applying for Biology/Chemistry or a non-STEM field, Statistics is more than adequate, especially after taking a year of college calculus (BC’s equivalent to Calc 1 & 2 at most schools offering AP credit.)