<p>Hello, I have a question that pertains to taking multiple math classes in one year of high school. I am currently a junior and over the past 12-18 months, I have become very passionate about mathematics and science. Because of this passion, I decided to make the executive decision to transfer to a different, college prep high school that offered the advanced math classes that I wanted.</p>
<p>Now, I took Algebra I in 9th grade, Geometry in 10th grade, transferred to the new school, and right now I am about to complete Algebra II and Precalculus/Trigonometry concurrently. This new school is on a double period block schedule so, after the finals next week, I will be starting 4 new classes. Originally, my guidance counselor had a class called Technology Careers on my roster, but today I asked her to switch it out for Calculus. This means I will have taken 3 math classes in junior year, which is really cool in my opinion.</p>
<p>My question is this: Will taking 3 math classes in the same year of high school make me come off very "one dimensional" and close-minded or will it be looked at in a good light? </p>
<p>These are the classes that I will have completed by the end of junior year:
Intro to Engineering (Project Lead the Way class)
Health (required by school to graduate)
Algebra II
Precalculus/Trigonometry
Calculus
Honors Chemistry
Pre-AP English
Pre-AP US History</p>
<p>I'm jealous that your able to take so much math classes... Anyways, I don't think it'll be bad at all. First of all, you clearly said you love math (who doesn't ;) ), and doing what you want in HS is the best thing. I wish I had realized that earlier instead of conforming to the authorities around me. Biggest thing to do is not worry about what colleges think. If you do what you want, you'll likely develop a very unique profile. AND that is the biggest and badest weapon for college apps.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'd agree it's definitely a positive. I'm amazed that you have done those three classes in one year and you basically crammed 5 years of math into 3 years. That should define you as unique; it's actually sort of a comeback story. I would guess most MIT applicants did not start with Algebra I in high school, but I very well could be wrong.</p>
<p>I also would not really classify MIT as a school that has a reputation for looking for well rounded individuals... i mean... MIT likes kids who like math.</p>
<p>benjamingrantdu, MIT actually puts a pretty high emphasis on well-rounded people. Thousands apply, most of them are good at math. Not nearly as many are good at math while still maintaining skills and interests in other areas, but those are the types of people that help make up a coherent class of students.</p>
<p>I actually just found out that I can't take Calculus at my high school until senior year because it's only in a period that I don't have so it wouldn't work out with my schedule. Oh well, nothing I can do about that.</p>
<p>Make sure you have some extracurricular or volunteer activities that reflect your well-roundedness. Not everyone can excel in higher-level math and science, so that will certainly set you apart. Write a fantastic statement of purpose that highlights all of your talents - the math will be obvious thanks to all the courses you are taking.</p>
<p>Never say never. Check out your online and community college options. The latter will probably be less expensive but, for some, provides more logistical concerns. The former is more flexible if you can swing the cost. My S (a Jr) is currently taking a JHU-CTY on line class in linear algebra (a LOT of work but he's carrying a 105% w/ bonus points) and is planning to do the same next year for multivariable calculus. His logistical problem is water polo/swim team after school and no driver's license (yet, this could change in two weeks.)</p>
<p>Good luck! My H got his PhD in math from MIT and is a math prof as USC.</p>