MV calculus vs linear algebra
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Anonymous
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DC is in AP Calculus BC right now in grade 11 and needs to select a math class for 12th grade. DC liked algebra much more than he does calculus and has no intent to major in math or engineering. DC may also take AP Stat but feels if stat is his only math it will look like he’s stepping down in challenge after bc calculus.
His high school recommends MV calculus after Calc BC, and then linear algebra after that. Is there a reason for this from the perspective of necessary background? Could DC take linear algebra next year instead of mv calculus? Thanks for the help. Signed by a former English Lit major … |
Anonymous
| What does he want to do in college? |
Anonymous
| He can take linear algebra |
Anonymous
he’s looking forward to exploring options in college! He is strong in history and math and has lots of other interests, too - music and drama for some. |
Anonymous
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If not pursuing math or certain sciences/engineerings, AP Stats will serve better for the rest of DC's life. Imparts much better understanding of information DC is likely to encounter. Could make DC a better critical thinker. Even preps for many science careers. MVC & LA will always be available in college if DC shifts into EE or the like.
As for it being a step down in rigor, sure. As for that mattering to a college admissions office, not so much unless DC is not aiming at one of the majors that really need MVC/LA (or a college honors program that might see it as a differentiator). Even then, some colleges might prefer that MVC/LA be taken there instead of in high school, and not all colleges grant credit for it (there are no corresponding AP tests). |
Anonymous
| *is* aiming at |
Anonymous
Then both are fine. The sequence does not matter. If he is serious about pure math, then linear algebra. |
Anonymous
Linear Algebra is more broadly useful than MVC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osEADxaIKIc |
Anonymous
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So if he's a senior taking MV calc, he won't take linear algebra in HS at all. I don't think most high schools offer linear algebra except the Blair and Poolesville magnet programs. I'm not a math person myself but my understanding is that linear algebra isn't just algebra 3 but is super hard. And MV calculus is no joke either.
I think AP Stats is perfectly reasonable to take senior year and is also a very useful subject to learn. |
Anonymous
| LA is not exclusive to Blair/Poolesville magnets. If not available at the local HS, one can take it at another HS or via Montgomery College. Check with the principal/guidance counselor/math dept. lead. |
Anonymous
OP here. Linear algebra is listed in the course guide for DC's mcps high school. Yes he'd be taking senior year which is why he is hoping he can take it instead f MV calculus rather than after mv calculus. He likely will also take AP stats, he has room for both classes in his senior year schedule. Thanks for all of the responses. DC emailed his school counselor but they are very busy this week. |
Anonymous
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OP our kids were tutored by an MCPS math teacher who has worked in one of the Bethesda HS for many years. She told us that the most rigorous choice for 12th grade is MV. That the "soft" option is stats.
We have also looked at some colleges outside of the US and the more prestigious ones have actually said that AP Stats won't cut it - it needs to be the most rigorous course. I would say however, that Stats is going to be helpful for certain professions further down the line - Psychiatry and Law. So take that as you will. He sounds like he is an overall strong student with lots of options. |
Anonymous
| AP Stat!! I took AP Calc B/C in 11th too, and took both Linear Algebra and AP Stat in 12th. Stat is infinitely more useful. it should actually be a required course. |
Anonymous
| Another +1 for AP Stats!! But if it's between calc and linear algebra, the latter is far more useful. |
Anonymous
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AP Stat. Stat is not stepping down, it's a different kind of math.
- engineer with 3 STEM kids |