Benefits of taking Algebra 1 in 6th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just retained a college counselor this past month for my oldest and I have a younger child taking Alg I HN in elementary school. The counselor noted unequivocally that the right track for kids is to take Alg 1 (HS level) in 6th grade. He said most international kids applying to the top colleges in the US are on that track and that most international primary education covers Alg. No idea if this is accurate but not sure why he would make that up (it's a well reputed college counseling firm). I think there is probably a reason why FCPS is pushing this out so early and while I agree that it should have been better planned and prepped, perhaps that is a learning lesson for the team at Gatehouse for next year and beyond.

I call BS on that. Algebra in 6th means Calculus BC in 10th, with two more extra years of DE math that includes Multivariable, linear algebra differential equations, discrete math. Even Algebra in 7th means taking two of them in 12th. There’s no country in the world that matches this curriculum.

If the kid wants to take Algebra early and is capable, then by all means, but catching up with international applicants is not a good reason. People confuse Algebra 1 with doing the quadratic formula in 8th grade. The highest level of math in most other countries is still Calculus and most often it’s taught at a level below AP BC.

Urban high schools in China, India, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, etc teach well beyond AP calc BC before 12th graduation

Look up a syllabus, I just quickly checked the South Korean one, and it’s definitely below Calculus BC or AP Statistics. To be fair there’s a tiny bit of vector algebra, but it’s in no way “well beyond Calculus BC”.

The elite high schools in South Korea go well beyond Calculus BC and Stats and many kids use tuition programs to supplement math when it's not available at their school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just retained a college counselor this past month for my oldest and I have a younger child taking Alg I HN in elementary school. The counselor noted unequivocally that the right track for kids is to take Alg 1 (HS level) in 6th grade. He said most international kids applying to the top colleges in the US are on that track and that most international primary education covers Alg. No idea if this is accurate but not sure why he would make that up (it's a well reputed college counseling firm). I think there is probably a reason why FCPS is pushing this out so early and while I agree that it should have been better planned and prepped, perhaps that is a learning lesson for the team at Gatehouse for next year and beyond.

I call BS on that. Algebra in 6th means Calculus BC in 10th, with two more extra years of DE math that includes Multivariable, linear algebra differential equations, discrete math. Even Algebra in 7th means taking two of them in 12th. There’s no country in the world that matches this curriculum.

If the kid wants to take Algebra early and is capable, then by all means, but catching up with international applicants is not a good reason. People confuse Algebra 1 with doing the quadratic formula in 8th grade. The highest level of math in most other countries is still Calculus and most often it’s taught at a level below AP BC.

Urban high schools in China, India, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, etc teach well beyond AP calc BC before 12th graduation

Look up a syllabus, I just quickly checked the South Korean one, and it’s definitely below Calculus BC or AP Statistics. To be fair there’s a tiny bit of vector algebra, but it’s in no way “well beyond Calculus BC”.

The elite high schools in South Korea go well beyond Calculus BC and Stats and many kids use tuition programs to supplement math when it's not available at their school.

No, elite high schools in South Korea offer AP classes. Link to a course catalogue or any other reference, otherwise you’re making things up. Tuition programs are for university entrance exams, not for the few needing advanced math. I don’t understand why people feel the need to pitch in when they are so clueless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

[Anonymous]

No evidence here. But given that about 30 kids in my public middle school in HoCo are on this track and that there are a couple 1 grade level, even above this, I'm sure top colleges are flooded with applicants such as these. Also doing a high level of math doesn't mean these kids are not involved in meaningful clubs, one is a national level swimmer, several all state orchestra/band players. Many have leadership roles in the school sci oly team. These are predominately asian, high-drive immigrant kids and their work ethic is something else.

[Anonymous]

DC did summer geometry, and is taking Alg 2 HN in 8th grade. I'm thinking pre-calc in 9th, then AP calc AB in 10th, AP calc BC in 11th. AP stat can be anywhere in 9th-11th. 12th can be multi-var/Liner Alg or something. With this, you can take two AP calc classes spending 2 years, and can possibly get higher GPA. I think this is one benefit of acceleration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

You are trying to derail the competition.

Kids who take math beyond Calculus BC in HS are auto admits to HYPSM. Once they see Multi and Linear they know they are in presence of a genius and admit the student immediately and not even look at recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

You are trying to derail the competition.

Kids who take math beyond Calculus BC in HS are auto admits to HYPSM. Once they see Multi and Linear they know they are in presence of a genius and admit the student immediately and not even look at recommendations.

I really hope you're being sarcastic.

Colleges care that you take the most rigorous courseload. At most schools, Calc BC is probably sufficient for that. That being said, kids are compared to the other kids from the same school. If a kid plans to major in engineering, math, or physics, and the kid's school is chock full of kids who will have post-BC calc math classes, high grades, high test scores, and great recommendations, the kid will look comparatively worse if they're only in Calc BC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

Please do your own research. This is an easy research topic. Better yet, ask a high school junior and they'll be able to tell you. College admissions is a comparison game, and those who have advanced math beyond BC calculus have the advantage over those who don't (provided you have decent grades in those advanced courses). It's really quite simple. If you don't believe it, then don't worry about it. But don't obfuscate the reality of college admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

Please do your own research. This is an easy research topic. Better yet, ask a high school junior and they'll be able to tell you. College admissions is a comparison game, and those who have advanced math beyond BC calculus have the advantage over those who don't (provided you have decent grades in those advanced courses). It's really quite simple. If you don't believe it, then don't worry about it. But don't obfuscate the reality of college admissions.

DP but I would say look at admissions from TJ into schools like VT and UVA and you’ll see it’s actually a bit of a disadvantage in some cases.

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Part of the issue is when the math gets so hard if you aren't a natural the grades can dip and that can backfire.

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Anonymous wrote:Many parents are largely unaware of the realities of competitive math sequencing for admission to Top 25 schools. Counselors (both private and public high schools) consistently note that this practice is common nationwide, not just within our local community. Students are enrolling in community college courses to accelerate their math track, often advancing well beyond BC Calculus. Those dismissing this trend as exaggerated are simply uninformed—or their child may have gained admission to an Ivy+ school on other strengths. Across districts such as HoCo, FFX, ARL, LAUSD, NYC, and many others, a significant number of students are already completing second-year (or higher) college-level math by the time they graduate high school.

Taking advanced math past Calculus BC will not help with college admissions. If the student is interested, sure, they should do it, but for admissions pursuing meaningful extracurriculars is more beneficial.

Look up MIT advice on what high school classes to take, they only mention calculus, nothing beyond.

I’d be very curious to know if anyone has evidence that DE math helps in some way.

There is no shortage of information online about what students nationwide are doing to strengthen their college applications. To dismiss the importance of math sequencing in admissions is, frankly, misguided. Both UVA and Virginia Tech admissions offices have publicly stated that they consider whether applicants have advanced beyond calculus, noting that many successful candidates present dual-enrollment math coursework well past that level. In fact, during a recent Instagram Live, UVA’s dean addressed a student’s question on this very topic.

I previously shared that our college counselor emphasized the same point—and we spoke with four different counselors before making a selection. Every one of them focused on the importance of math sequencing and asked whether our oldest child would be on track to take dual-enrollment math (he would not). While this is clearly an important factor in admissions, it is not a path available—or suitable—for every student. Certainly, it will not be for my oldest.

Do you have a link to clarify what UVA and VT have publicly stated? I am very doubtful dual enrollment classes like Multivariable are giving a leg up for admissions. If kids take AP Stats instead of Multivariable they won’t be dinged, regardless of the claims made on various forums.

Colleges like MIT and Caltech mention Calculus as being important, taken as AP, IB or DE.

https://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/foundations/

https://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/preparing-for-caltech/selecting-high-school-courses

From the Caltech link:

We never expect you to enroll in other institutions to take more STEM courses, but we do want you to stay connected to math throughout high school in preparation for the core curriculum. That could be through the free Khan Academy or a textbook you pick up on your own to explore.


In my view if your thing is taking more advanced math, then great, why not. But to do it expecting a bump or advantage in college admissions is misguided.

I don’t think students pursue advanced math sequencing because it’s “required,” but rather to gain an edge in the admissions process. College admissions function on a point system, and when comparing a student who stops at Calculus to one who has gone a year or more beyond BC Calculus, the latter typically earns more points. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp if you understand how admissions decisions are made. That said, this path isn’t necessary for everyone, but it is an option for those who are able to pursue it to make their applications more competitive.

Please find me a shred of evidence that the student who goes past Calculus BC earns more points.

You won’t because it’s not true. The application won’t be more competitive.

You are trying to derail the competition.

Kids who take math beyond Calculus BC in HS are auto admits to HYPSM. Once they see Multi and Linear they know they are in presence of a genius and admit the student immediately and not even look at recommendations.

I really hope you're being sarcastic.

Colleges care that you take the most rigorous courseload. At most schools, Calc BC is probably sufficient for that. That being said, kids are compared to the other kids from the same school. If a kid plans to major in engineering, math, or physics, and the kid's school is chock full of kids who will have post-BC calc math classes, high grades, high test scores, and great recommendations, the kid will look comparatively worse if they're only in Calc BC.

I don’t think that’s the case though. For these top colleges and stem majors you need to do calculus and sciences, but I haven’t seen it anywhere that going past BC confers an advantage.

Being an athlete, extracurriculars, work experience carry more weight.