Likelies/safeties for math-oriented majors

[Anonymous]

DC took BC calc in 9th grade (on track for multivariable, linear algebra and differential equations, and number theory in 10th-12th), and is starting to show interest in specific colleges very well known for math. Even at this early stage, however, I don’t want DC focusing on reach schools - as everyone knows, it’s just not prudent in this day and age.

While circumstances can certainly change, thus far, DC has truly enjoyed and excelled in both humanities and STEM coursework, and is on track to take the most rigorous curriculum offered across the board at DC’s high school. Math is the primary love, however, and DC likely will pursue a math-oriented major in college. Whether that’s pure or applied like physics/CS/engineering/etc. remains to be seen.

Wiser and more experienced parents of DCUM, I would appreciate your insight as I begin to gather information on safeties/likelies with strong undergraduate math programs. I hope to help DC get excited about schools that are actually attainable, not just those that are aspirational. Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

What about schools like RPI, Case Western, or Purdue?

[Anonymous]

Wow, your kid is advanced in math!

Those in the know---does this type of math acceleration (and let's say the kid has great grades) help with elite school admissions? Or is it pretty commonplace? This is the equivalent of taking Algebra 1 in 5th grade.

[Anonymous]

Am I understanding that your kid just finished freshman year in HS? It’s way too early for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, your kid is advanced in math!

Those in the know---does this type of math acceleration (and let's say the kid has great grades) help with elite school admissions? Or is it pretty commonplace? This is the equivalent of taking Algebra 1 in 5th grade.

In truth, with the exception of schools like MIT, this kid will be no more likely to get into an elite schools like Ivies than a student who does exceptionally well on a more traditional AP or IB path. This is a very exclusive track that the vast majority of students don’t even have access to, and those that do, are groomed and prepped from a very young age to be prepared for it.

I am not trying to discredit the accomplishments of the OP’s kid in any way. They are definitely very talented and advanced in math. I am just saying that this is not usually a thing that is even an option to kids who have the capability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about schools like RPI, Case Western, or Purdue?

Thank you for these suggestions! It’s my understanding that these schools have great engineering programs, not specifically math as a standalone, but I will look into them further.

[Anonymous]

Reachy still: UCLA, Michigan, USC, UCSD

More likely safeties: Rochester, Southern Methodist (yes, you read that correctly, merit possible), CWRU, Vassar (maybe merit), Grinnell (merit possible), UIUC, Minnesota (merit possible), UDub, NEU, NC State

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about schools like RPI, Case Western, or Purdue?

Thank you for these suggestions! It’s my understanding that these schools have great engineering programs, not specifically math as a standalone, but I will look into them further.

University of Wisconsin-Madison has a solid math program and isn't as hard to get into as the top tier (though it's getting more competitive OOS). Closer to home, UMd has a good program. Rutgers.

I would recommend if you're not already, get in touch with your closest university's math department and see what work they do with really advanced math kids--there's usually a professor or two that works with a small group. They would then be a great resource for recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, your kid is advanced in math!

Those in the know---does this type of math acceleration (and let's say the kid has great grades) help with elite school admissions? Or is it pretty commonplace? This is the equivalent of taking Algebra 1 in 5th grade.

The short answer - by itself and without any additional context (e g neither parent is a college graduate) - no. The math geniuses peak relatively early. For an UMC kid to show significant promise in math (as in to be admitted to an elite school purely on his math potential), there should be more than just an acceleration by 2 years.

In conjunction with other things - yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, your kid is advanced in math!

Those in the know---does this type of math acceleration (and let's say the kid has great grades) help with elite school admissions? Or is it pretty commonplace? This is the equivalent of taking Algebra 1 in 5th grade.

In truth, with the exception of schools like MIT, this kid will be no more likely to get into an elite schools like Ivies than a student who does exceptionally well on a more traditional AP or IB path. This is a very exclusive track that the vast majority of students don’t even have access to, and those that do, are groomed and prepped from a very young age to be prepared for it.

I am not trying to discredit the accomplishments of the OP’s kid in any way. They are definitely very talented and advanced in math. I am just saying that this is not usually a thing that is even an option to kids who have the capability.

Agreed DC’s math level offers no particular advantage in college admissions! No grooming or outside prep in this case - DC’s school is a bit progressive in that math level has little to do with grade level. Upon entering this school at a young age, DC took an initial placement test that led to a particular track, and simply has been on it ever since.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reachy still: UCLA, Michigan, USC, UCSD

More likely safeties: Rochester, Southern Methodist (yes, you read that correctly, merit possible), CWRU, Vassar (maybe merit), Grinnell (merit possible), UIUC, Minnesota (merit possible), UDub, NEU, NC State

I appreciate these suggestions, and will research them all, thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

St Olaf. They punch above their weight in terms of the number of graduates who go on to get their PhD in math, so the math department must be pretty strong. Also check out SUNY at Stony Brook and Union college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about schools like RPI, Case Western, or Purdue?

Thank you for these suggestions! It’s my understanding that these schools have great engineering programs, not specifically math as a standalone, but I will look into them further.

University of Wisconsin-Madison has a solid math program and isn't as hard to get into as the top tier (though it's getting more competitive OOS). Closer to home, UMd has a good program. Rutgers.

I would recommend if you're not already, get in touch with your closest university's math department and see what work they do with really advanced math kids--there's usually a professor or two that works with a small group. They would then be a great resource for recommendations.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:St Olaf. They punch above their weight in terms of the number of graduates who go on to get their PhD in math, so the math department must be pretty strong. Also check out SUNY at Stony Brook and Union college.

And thank you!

[Anonymous]

Not OP.

So taking 3 levels of math above calculus (and doing well) has no value in college admissions over a kid who takes precalculus or calculus as a senior?
I don't think I've seen that play out in my limited experience.

I know a few kids who were on this track (calc in 9th or 10th followed by 2-3 years of post-calc math) and they were among the few in their class who were accepted to very top universities (Stanford last year, Cornell this year among my very small circle of friends with older kids).