Reply to Math track at TJ and college admissions

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]“The post calculus stuff is icing on the cake but I would probably take a very solid calculus score over a mediocre calculus score + more advanced math.”

That’s not the question.  The question is whether a college would favor a kid with a solid calculus score over a kid from the same school (or a like school) with a solid calculus score plus more advanced math. I think you’re deluding yourself if you think a college would not favor the latter.  It’s different than a 1580 vs. a 1600, where the college likely doesn’t distinguish. [/quote]

Academic evaluation is based on gpa, class rigor, class rank and standardized tests. Usually it’s a bin from 1 to 5, as shown in students for fair admissions discovery. Once you’re in the top bin, there’s no additional benefit and other factors are considered: extracurricular, personal and athletic, or whatever is listed in the common data set. People don’t even bother to read about colleges and their admission criteria, but are suddenly experts because their kid is a junior.

Taking Multivariable is going to be a small factor in the overall academic ranking. It’s a high school elective or community college course of dubious rigor. Take it if that’s your thing but don’t assume it confers any benefit for admissions.[/quote]
How can you expect to be in the top bin if you aren't taking the most rigorous courses available at your school?[/quote]

By most rigorous courses at your school you mean some math electives that you have to take because of the placement in middle school.

People want so much to believe they were good parents and set their kids up for success. If anybody needs more evidence, this is what Harvard recommends on their admissions webpage:

Applicants to Harvard should excel in a challenging high school math sequence corresponding to their educational interests and aspirations. We recommend that applicants take four years of math courses in high school. Ideally, these math courses will focus on conceptual understanding, promote higher-order thinking, and encourage students to use mathematical reasoning to critically examine the world. Examples include rigorous and relevant courses in computer science, statistics and its subfields, mathematical modeling, calculus, and other advanced math subjects.
Students’ math records are viewed holistically, and no specific course is required. Specifically, calculus is not a requirement for admission to Harvard. We understand that applicants do not have the same opportunities and course offerings in their high schools. Moreover, many programs of study at Harvard do not require knowledge of calculus. We encourage applicants to take the courses that are available to them and aligned with their interests and goals.
Students intending to study engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, statistics or other fields where calculus is needed may benefit from taking calculus in high school. However, students at Harvard can still pursue such fields by starting with one of our introductory calculus classes that has no high school calculus prerequisite. On balance, we encourage all students to master foundational mathematical material instead of rushing through any of the more advanced courses.

I bet some doofus will chip in that what colleges doesn’t matter, students are compared within their school etc. and still be convinced this support the claim that students need to take Multivariable if offered at their school.[/quote]

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