<p>if i dont want to take math 1a/b and go right into 21a/b, do i actually have to "place out" or do well on the math placement exam? or can i just be like... yea i want to take 21a/b regardless of how i did since these are all lower level math courses and the placement tests are just "recommendations"?</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>(im asking because my browser totally died on me when i was taking my online math placement and now i cant access it)</p>
<p>If you took the AP Calculus exam or IB equivalent (not entirely familiar on program), your scores on these will give you a placement. A few years back, I remember that a 5 on AB would place you into 1b and a 5 on BC places you in 21a. If you haven’t taken a math exam or Harvard’s placement exam, you will definitely be challenged by your freshman academic advisor. At the same time, I talked over what course was best for me with three different professors my freshman year and the ultimate conclusion I had was, if you have a strong background in calculus with the exception of knowing series you can very well skip 1b if you anticipate not needing to know series or if you plan on teaching them to yourself later on.</p>
<p>Exactly- the placement tests are recommendations, but the AP courses are required. You might be able to get permission from the instructor, but generally it’s a bad idea to take 21a without having taken either 1b or AP BC Calculus.</p>
<p>huinsider: When did you talk with the three professors? There seems to be very little time to decide/discuss courses between the move in date Aug. 27th and the first day of classes Sept. 2nd. When did you schedule meetings with the professors?</p>
<p>hey ecneics,</p>
<p>You won’t register for courses until study card day (which for freshman is 11 Sept), thus, you have plenty of time to figure out your courses. One of the hottest topics in terms of class selection is what level of math should one take, and at least when I was a freshman, a reasonable selection of math professors had very generous office hours during shopping week.</p>
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<p>Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this statement is misleading. So long as you know the material, you can take the class. No AP course/credit is required.</p>