<p>JMHO but math 3 and math 4 reek of non-rigorous and even non-college prep and looks like avoidance. I would think taking algebra II, pre-calc and calc and getting Bs would be better. Even taking algebra II, pre-calc and then something like stats would be better IMO. Trying to optimize GPA in this way could backfire. What level of colleges are you looking at?</p>
<p>Ms. Rubenstone - I am an IB student, currently a junior, who is scheduled to take IB Math SL next year. How will most top-tier colleges view this? Should I double-block IB Math SL with AP Calculus AB? I would have to replace either AP Spanish or AP Government & Politics with calculus; which would be better to replace? I am already in IB Spanish SL right now, and I am fluent in Mandarin.</p>
<p>Also, you’ve mentioned it might be to an applicant’s disadvantage not to have taken AP sciences. By the time I enter college, I will have taken IB Physics HL for two years. Will I still be at a disadvantage come admissions time?</p>
<p>Z.Exodus2008–I assume that your college counselor will indicate on your applications that your curriculum is the “Most Demanding” when compared to what is offered at your school (as opposed to “Very Demanding,” etc.). Correct? </p>
<p>If this is the case, and if you are not aiming for a high-tech major or institution (e.g., MIT, Cal Tech), then your program seems fine as is. But here are a couple questions:</p>
<p>-What is your intended major? (Subject to change, of course)</p>
<p>-How many years of Spanish have you had so far?</p>
<p>Do note that it isn’t really responsible for me to advise students about important decisions like this in this sort of forum situation without knowing a lot more of the whole story. But, if you answer those questions above, I’ll at least have a bit more to go on.</p>
<p>Ms. Rubenstone - I understand that, since you don’t really know anything about me, you may not be able to advise me as accurately as my college counselor, and do I plan on speaking to my counselor soon. However, my school is very large (3000+ students), meaning the waiting list is very long, not to mention the counselors do not have much experience sending students to top-tier schools. Thus, I came to CC, hoping to find other opinions. =) Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.</p>
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<li><p>I definitely plan on majoring in philosophy, although possibly combined with economics (I will definitely not choose a major any more math-based than econ). After college, I think I’ll pursue a JD.</p></li>
<li><p>I started Spanish in the 7th grade…so in total, this is my fifth year; technically, though, I’ve only taken 3 years of foreign language in high school. It’s very likely I’ll be taking the SAT II for Spanish w/o listening, although I’ve already scored 800 on Chinese. (Then again, this was my first language, so I’m not sure it “counts.”)</p></li>
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<p>Also, if it helps, I’m currently in AP Statistics, double-blocked with Pre-Cal/Trig Honors, and I’ve been doing extremely well in both classes.</p>
<p>Part of my concern about double-blocking math again next year is appearing like any other Asian American (I’m a Chinese American female). However, I’ve also heard that the easiest math courses at many top colleges is on par with AP Calculus BC, so I’m willing to seem like a “math whiz” if it means I’ll be more prepared for college.</p>
<p>About the IB programme I’m in…it’s very, very young, with very few students. So far, we’ve only graduated one year of 11 IB students; my group will be the third IB cohort to graduate. I’m not sure IB Math SL will teach me what I need to know.</p>
<p>Last but not least, I’m not aiming for MIT, Cal Tech, or similar schools at all. =P Most of the dream colleges on my list are Ivy League or LACs.</p>
<p>If you’re taking the HL physics next year, it sounds like your program will be “Most Demanding” even without the AP Calc. So only take the AP Calc if you want to take it, and don’t worry about the math-whiz stereotyping issue. Electing a high level of math won’t have any negative impact on your admission decisions whatsoever … trust me on that.</p>
<p>The Chinese SAT II doesn’t really count. While it may be helpful for admission officials to know that native speakers are also proficient in reading and grammar, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you submit it as one of your required Subject Tests. Use it as an extra one instead.</p>
<p>Ms. Rubenstone - Thank you very much for your information. I do really (REALLY–i.e. I’ve wanted to since I started high school) want to take AP Calc, and now that I know I likely won’t suffer any stereotyping, I’m very happy I can take the class without second thoughts. =)</p>
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<p>Sadly we live in a world where high school students–especially Asian students–learn that they should “play against type” for the best shot at the most selective colleges. As much as this bugs me, I periodically dole out such advice myself. For instance, if a Chinese boy were to write to me and say, “I have room in my schedule to be in the chess club or on the football team, but not for both, which do you suggest?” I’d reply, “Get on your spikes!” </p>
<p>But note that I do NOT give such counsel where academics are concerned. If an Asian student wants to load up on math and science classes, I would never say a discouraging word. So I hope that you do take this AP Calc class, and any other rigorous class that you might want to choose, without regard for racial or ethnic stereotyping. Good luck with it, too.</p>
<p>I heard that calculus is basically a requirement for some selective universities since more people take calc AB or BC at some point than any other AP test, so if you don’t you are at a disadvantage</p>
<p>may be wrong though</p>