<p>Alright guys so here's my current situation:
I'm a freshman at the moment and I'm taking AP Calculus BC. Next year at my high school, no higher math class will be offered. Therefore I'm planning on taking the following courses over the next three years at Stanford's EPGY online program:
Multivariable Differential Calculus
Multivariable Integral Calculus
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Real Analysis
Complex Analysis
Abstract Algebra
Introduction to Logic
Partial Differential Equations
and Topology </p>
<p>It fits perfectly into my schedule, but I have two main concerns.
First off, how will college admissions view these courses? Does it matter that the are taken online?
Most importantly, the online courses will count for high school credit. However, they will only count for regular credit. Not honors credit. So it will drop my weighted GPA significantly. Is this a major issue? Or would a college admissions office be more impressed with the courses than the GPA? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Sent from my SCH-I535 using CC</p>
<p>can i ask how were you prepared to take AP Calc BC in freshman year? That’s insane! Good for you haha</p>
<p>and i have no clue about your question…but the courses seem crazy impressive</p>
<p>I took honors pre-calc in 8th.
They’re graded on a Pass/Fail basis to anyone else who is curious. I know that makes a difference.</p>
<p>To be honest I figured that, but did you go to some school that allowed you to take algebra as a fifth grader?</p>
<p>Yeah, I was in a really good GATE program that allowed me to</p>
<p>PP, congrats both on being in Calc BC as a frosh as well as your ambition. </p>
<p>Most of the classes you list are regular Stanford University Math Dept offerings. Before you jump in I would make a few suggestions.
- Take the SVC course offered by UPenn through Coursera
- Take the EPGY Geometry course, arguably the most impressive course in their math arsenal
- Consider taking a course similar to OM050 - Advanced Problem Solving and Proof Techniques that the OHS offers. I have seen similar courses at other universities. Together with the geometry course and a rigorous 8-12 week UPenn SV Calculus course, you will have a very sound footing for the regular Stanford courses, which are likely to be challenging for many in their abstraction.</p>
<p>Undergrad College Admissions: Do not expect too much. Most were “fuzzies” and are almost assuredly lacking the proper background to assess just how impressive the list of courses you give above would be for an undergrad applicant. In fact, it might count against you. ROI vs. a culturally impressive activity will be lower than expected. However, as a frosh, you and your college counselor (also a person unlikely to have a clue) have time to educate the admissions staff of your target schools. That relationship needs to be cultivated on a growing understanding of your math prowess. </p>
<p>Note: my presumption all along is of your love and ambition for mathematics. Let this drive your progress going forward. If instead your prime objective is simply admissions, then I think you should consider giving up a number of these courses–right around real analysis–for the opportunity cost is likely to be great.</p>
<p>a final comment on your high school. Most likely your high school admin will be even more clueless on just what these courses might mean. This means do not expect accommodation or fairness in how to school computes GPA, valedictorian, etc. Weighted GPAs are limited to honors vs. AP vs. regular courses. To be fair to the gifted.ambitious, further courses should receive 6 and 7 weightings. </p>
<p>Sounds harsh but this is what I have seen and experienced. The bias against the math and science gifted/ambitious is as real as is the almost intentional lack of understanding of just how impressive it is for high school kids to successfully take more abstract math.science coursework.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>