I just did my scheduling for uiuc as an undeclared major, who is trying to be a intercollegiate transfer into the business school.
I was wondering what math classes would be most beneficial for getting in.
I was thinking about taking elementary linear algebra and calc 1, which is one option of choices for getting into the college of business.
Keeping in mind that I would like to uphold a good GPA which is an important component of transferring, could anyone give me insight on what classes they would recommend? I heard Calc 2 was very difficult but i was wondering if taking a different class would make it more difficult for me transferring.
Please, any insight is helpful!
I would take your math background into consideration, when choosing between the different sequences.
And be aware that Linear Algebra is a tough course! During orientation for my son (last week), the head of CoB advising really stressed that students under-estimate its difficulty level due to the course name. My older daughter, who took it 2 yrs ago, echoed the same sentiment.
I don’t have firsthand knowledge of the Calculus offerings, (my kids took AP Calc), but if I were you, I would try to find out if Calc for Business (234) makes sense for you. (note: it might only be offered in the Spring, so talk with an advisor. Also, if possible avoid the Calc for engineers)
Lastly, strive not only for a great GPA, but get involved on campus immediately! (in a significant way) Don’t take a couple of weeks to adjust to college. Jump in the first week, by applying to the business frats or some other RSOs that interest you. Good luck!
The course is not as important as the grade. There is debate over difficulty level, and students don’t seem to ever agree on which are the toughest calculus classes. There is a reason for this…
Class difficulty is highly dependent on the instructor in charge of the class. If you notice, no instructors are listed on course explorer for these classes. This is to prevent professor-shopping. There is not much you can do about it until classes start.
Bottom line, with diligence and a willingness to seek out help when you need it, you can get high grades in all of these classes.
Finally, I to not have direct experience, but the advice above to get involved is what I hear from everyone regarding transfers to Business. I doubt that it is more important than a high GPA, but apparently it does carry a fair amount of weight.
Just to be clear, my comments re class difficulty being more dependent on instructor grading policy than subject matter was in reference to the Math department only. Most other departments have instructors listed for most classes next Fall.
Thanks to both of you for the input. To address @88jm19 about my math background, I took Calc AB during my senior year of high school and took the AP test. I’m not sure how I did on it which is why I’m waiting until second semester to take any calc classes. I scored a 97% on my ALEKS math placement test going into the year but I just wanted to have more input on how rigorous schedules for past students who were successful in transferring were. My biggest fear is putting in a substantial amount of work into my grades and extracurricular a only to find out I didn’t get in due to the rigor of my classes not being up to par with what they wanted.
Calc AB is excellent! My daughter (the rising jr on CoB) said it’s great to take Linear Algebra in the Fall, because you will be taking it with a lot of CoB students…and the sooner you meet/become friends with fellow CoBers, the better in her opinion.
As for rigor, you should be fine. In fact CoB recommends only 14hrs for their incoming freshman in the Fall. (14 because everyone takes Bus 101, which is 2 hrs) Take five 3 hr classes and you should be fine. Just be sure to take the required classes for transfer and attain that high GPA! Good luck!