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<p>I attended Harvard - and I went to an IB school AND took IB Math HL AND got a 7. With that context, here’s my advice:</p>
<p>1) Harvard math is conceptually challenging - IB will get you ready to start multivariable calculus, but won’t ensure that you are a conceptual thinker. You either are or you’re not. Most math concentrators are –> or they do applied math.
2) There are several different tracks Xa (pre-calc), 1, 21, 23, 25, 55 (most advanced) that you can start with. X is for people who have never done calculus. 1 ~ equivalent to AP/IB calculus, though slightly more challenging. 21 = multivariable, where most science/math-inclined people go who have scored well on their AP and IB’s in math. 23 is more conceptual with emphasis on linear algebra and proofs, less useful for engineers, physics people, etc. 25 you have to be math olympiad level or just very hard core to take. 55 you have to be ready for graduate-level math.
3) In addition, all harvard students take an exam during their orientation week to direct them into which level of math they should take based on their performance. These are recommendations, so you can still take whatever you like.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. Personally, I started with 21, took a whole year of it which include multivariable and differential equations. I was a chem major, so it was required for honors. I tried starting with 23, but didn’t like the prof, and it was more proof oriented, and slightly advanced. After 21, you can do 55 or higher.</p>
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