I wasn’t sure exactly where to post this question… My S20 has made class selections for next year, but keeps going back and forth regarding math. He’s currently in Calc BC and has the opportunity to take Calc3 next year online via UIUC, which he would take during a class period at school with a handful of other students in his situation. He has wondered if instead he should take AP Stats or pursue being a TA for Calculus that he was just approached about by his teacher (who is also the head of the math department). The feedback we have received from a college admissions consultant is that AP Stats may look like a step backwards for a kid in his situation (has good stats, perfect ACT and SAT scores). So, I’m thinking we have ruled out AP Stats. And I’m worried that doing the Calc TA thing instead of Calc3 would leave him with no math class for a year before entering a (hopefully) rigorous program.
Next year he is also taking AP French 5, AP Physics C, AP World History, English IV, a couple “fun” electives and will have an Independent Study with the CS teacher.
He is planning to apply to top tier schools in Computer Science, so I’m curious what might look best for him admissions-wise in regards to math/calc3. And obviously keep him on a great track during his senior year. I would love to get feedback, especially from anyone who may have been in similar situations with their math track heading into senior year and planning to study CS.
Admissions-wise, I doubt that it will matter. The balance of his schedule is rigorous enough for the GC tocheck of the “most demanding” box on the Secondary School report. That said, for his potential major, I would not suggest forgoing math, particularly when he will need advanced math classes in college for a CS degree.
While I would not necessarily call AP Stats a “step back,” if the major requires stats, it will be a calc-based stats class, which AP Stats is not. I would continue on with Calc 3.
Thank you, @skieurope . I maybe should have mentioned that he is curious what a challenging class would be like to take online where he doesn’t have an instructor available to ask questions of. So, he wonders if this is the right choice because of that, since he’s assuming much will be self-directed. I think it presents a unique opportunity since there are several other students doing the same thing and they can all discuss the subject/homework/etc. And if he will need to take Calc 3 in a CS program, is it better to wait and take it as a first year college student in a traditional classroom setting? He has reached out to the admissions offices at a few schools to get some feedback, as well. Thanks for your feedback!
I have no experience with taking calc online, so I can offer no feedback. Personally though, I don’t think it should deter him. Taking Calc BC as a junior, he’s already a year or so ahead in math from other honors students, and 2+ years ahead from the rest of the world, so he should be able to handle it. Additionally, advanced math in college is generally very collaborative with students forming study groups to go through the material. As others in his school will be taking the course, he’s got a built-in support system right there.
What is unknown (and will continue to be unknown until he gets college acceptances) is whether his ultimate college will assign credit for calc 3 or offer a challenge exam to place out or make him take calc 3 at the college (often, at top colleges, an advanced or honors calc 3 version is offered). But that should not be a factor to deter him, IMO.
S20 took Multi/LA this year. It is offered by his HS, but the teacher made it a self study. Even though he has access to the teacher to ask questions, I think a lecture ( even if online) is better than self study. My son says it is fine. I am thinking he should retake in college.
We have no experience with Calc 3 through UIUC (that particular online provider), but my kids do have experience with AP Calc online (as well as many other online courses) through PA Homeschoolers, and they have had online classes with other providers (CTY Online, AoPS, VLACS, and others). They always have responsive teachers, discussion boards, TAs, etc. None of their online classes has ever been a situation where there is no interaction with others. Frankly, that’s a stigma that should have gone away years ago. My kids have had tons of personal interaction with professors and other students with each one of their online courses. Whenever I see someone say there will be no interaction or study groups, I cringe… that’s an outdated stereotype, based on my kids’ personal experiences. They have had all the personal attention they have ever asked for or needed with their online courses.
So maybe look into UIUC to see if your assumptions that there won’t be any interactions with teachers/other students is correct before making a decision.
I also vote for Calc 3. Especially since you said there is a group of students who will be taking it together during the school day. They could form a study group and help each other.
Thank you everyone for your responses! I’m guessing he will stick with Calc 3 online. Since he will be applying to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I think this is the way to go. And I feel not having a solid math class for a year would not be a good idea. Unfortunately, we haven’t had much guidance from his GC other than wishy washy answers, so I appreciate everyone’s thoughts. Thanks!
He should definitely take a Math class.
He shoud take one he feels he can succeed in. Multivariable Calc can trip people up…so you want to make sure you can do well as your grade would be part of your college GPA.
My daughter is taking MVC online through Johns Hopkins CTY this year as a senior - no HS class available, no local community college course would work with her school and athletics schedule. It’s been fine. The online professor is available for help on appointment. It would be nice to have a few kids at her school taking it together.
She is planning to take the ASE for the class when she lands at school in the fall, but fully expects to retake in college.