So I got into Occidental College, but what I dont know which math class I should take. The choices are math 150 (Statistical Data Analysis), math 210 (discrete mathematics), math 212 (multivariable calc), and math 214 (linear algebra).
Take math classes that are prerequisites for other classes in your major first. Statistical Data Analysis is likely to be the easiest of the four.
Funny thing is that the college requires at least calculus 1 for my major. But I do plan on doing the Caltech program with it for Comp sci. But I dont want a too stressful freshman year off the start. I am going to take 5 classes
I’m a bit confused about why you are asking this question if you need to take calculus 1 as a major requirement. What was the highest level of math you completed and/or where did you place on the math placement test (if there was one)? I would think you would want to take the next level of math so you can get closer towards finishing calculus 1 (if you are not at that level of math yet). Look at the prerequisites for calculus 1 to see if you meet them or to see what math classes you need to take to do so.
Have you ever taken calculus before? If not, I don’t see how multivariable calculus or linear algebra could even be an option.
I got a 5 on the AP Calc BC test so I think I am done with Calc 1.
Okay, so what purpose will this math class have for you? A college requirement, prerequisite, personal interest, needed for another program? If you got AP credit for calculus 1 and 2, the next course in the sequence would likely be multivariable calculus. But you could take whichever course you wanted if you’re not in a program that requires multivariable calculus. If you’re just taking the class for fun or because you want to learn the material, then take whichever class you want. If you want the easiest class because you need a random math class to fulfill a GE requirement or something, then statistical data analysis would probably be easier (but you never know).
I’m not sure how the Caltech program works, but if you are going to need to fulfill Caltech’s requirements for computer science (http://www.cms.caltech.edu/academics/ugrad_cs) or if you would just like the same preparation, they require differential equations, probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, and combinatorial analysis.
What class you should take really depends on why you are taking it.
You don’t have to worry about this too much, because you will likely meet with an advisor during your first few weeks at Occidental who will help you decide.
However, I looked at the 3/2 program between Occidental and Caltech (or Columbia, if you chose). You are required to take both multivariable calculus and linear algebra before you transfer to Caltech, but you don’t have to take statistical data analysis or discrete mathematics. So for the combined plan, you should really take either Math 212 or Math 214 in the fall. I found linear algebra to be pretty easy, so if you wanted a light start it would be good to take Math 214. (But that’s just me - other people might think calc III is easier.)
If you plan on being a computer science major but are interested in taking classes in statistics, I would strongly recommend you instead take the two-course sequence Math 330 and Math 332 (Probability and Mathematical Statistics). Those will give you a much deeper foundation in statistics that’s more useful in CS. But you have to take Math 212 and Math 214 before you can take either of those classes - and many of the upper-level mathematics classes.
Just wondering, where or which webpage did you find that 3-2 engineering program requires you to take math 212 and math 214? I can’t find it