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[quote=Anonymous][quote=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![/quote]

A (probably guaranteed unless they commit a felony) safety that will give them enough merit aid to make the price comparable to in-state is St. Olaf. St. Olaf is a less selective school that really punches above its weight in math. It has one of the best selections of upper-level math topics courses of any liberal arts college, let alone one that accepts over 40% of applicants. It runs the North America office of Budapest Semesters in Mathematics, which is the best math-specific study abroad program. And, over the last decade, it has produced more math PhDs than almost any other liberal arts college, save Harvey Mudd and Williams [url]https://www.highereddatastories.com/2020/12/baccalaureate-origins-of-doctoral.html[/url]. On-campus research opportunities are rampant and faculty help with applications to summer REUs at universities. Your kid will be better prepared than most students there but won't run out of opportunities. Also, the school is full of very kind students and faculty, especially in the math department. The department also takes math pedagogy very seriously. The natural sciences at St. Olaf are good, but if computer science is a priority, look elsewhere.

I suspect your kid will get into a more selective school, but St. Olaf is a place to look into. Also, while you're there you can check out the cross-town rival, Carleton. Carleton is a great choice for math and a much better choice for CS, but my impression is that it's not really a safety for anybody. [/quote]

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