I took Calculus 2 and Calculus 3 as a junior in High School, and I planned to take Linear Algebra and Differential Equations as a senior, but AP English and Linear Algebra are at the same time. I had hoped that me being so excel in math would help put me ahead of other college applicants, but with dropping Linesr Algebra I wouldn’t be as far ahead. I am taking differential equations and AP Statisics, so I’ll have two math courses, but I really want to be as far ahead in math as possible. However, AP English is as equally important because I’ve been taking difficult English courses for a long time just to be able to take AP English. I plan on going into biomedical engineering and applying to colleges such as UCLA (I want to get into at least a top 50 school), my ACT score isn’t the best of the best so I need other things to stand out. So, what should I do, take Linear Algebra or AP English?
Considering your intended major, I’d go for linear algebra. Will you still be able to take a regular English class? You need to take 4 years of English.
I would take expository writing and public speaking, expository writing can be college credit.
I know plenty of STEM majors who stepped off the advanced English track to focus more on AP sciences and they ended up attending great schools. You should be fine with linear algebra and your public speaking class.
I forgot to mention I plan on getting my phd for biomedical engineering but another major in journalism or English lit. If I weren’t to take AP English but took the AP English exam could I still pass?
I would talk to the English department head at your school about this. I personally think it’s easy enough, but you will need some direction in the different writing styles they expect you to understand for the exam.
Will do, thank you!
I would take AP English. It shows that you are well-rounded. Plus, I do not believe that many colleges will let you pick up from where you left off. Some will place you into Calculus III, making you retake all of the extra courses that you’ve taken. It is good to have exposure, but you’ll be bored if you truly know the material.
Take Linear Algebra and public speaking.
Be aware that it’s practically impossible to double major with an engineering degree. There are more mandatory classes than for a typical major and they’re sequential, so that you cannot step off the sequence without losing a semester or a year.
What about a Biostatistics major? That would be more flexible than engineering, has excellent job prospects, and remains within the general fields you’re interested in.
Definitely Linear Algebra in order to keep up with your Math competency and the story of a fearless Math kid. Gotta have an unique story … I don’t believe in overwhelming AP #. Build a story around your Math journey and how that helps you getting your Biomed or Biotat major dream. Good luck and all the best. May I know what state or what school are you from?
Yeah, the well rounded student arguement is what’s making this decision so difficult, also with the fact that there’s a chance I’ll have to retake the classes. Nonetheless it still looks semi-impressive on the college resume, right?
The schools im looking at encourage getting a double major, especially if you’re an engineer. They want you to get a creative major with it such as theater or writing so when you’re out in the job field you have more options.
I’ve never looked into Biostatistics, I’ll definately check it out, thankfully I still have tons of time to choose a major.
“The story of a fearless math kid” is also the arguement that’s making this decision so difficult, I have to stand out or I’m not going to get into the college that I want to. Also, I’m from Wisconsin.
If I can’t decide I’m going to try and talk my counselor into this, Linear Algebra is Mon, Wed, Fri, meaning I could go to AP English Tuesday Thursday and work with the English teacher on the things I miss, plus Christmas break is waaaay longer than High School break so this would only be the case for about 3 months. Then since Linear Algebra is only a semester I can transfer into AP English full time. Crossing my fingers they’re open to this.
Would it be doable 1) practically and 2) in terms of workload?
Remember that you’ll have a hidden wiriting-intensive class called 'college applications ’ .
I’m also hoping the fact that I’m a female who’s in love with math and science will help my college application, if that’s still a factor.
Yes, it would be very doable, I’ve suffered through all of high school with my workload, I can suffer one more year, plus it’s only for 3 months.
What do you mean a hidden written intense class? I’ve never heard of that before, is that at all high schools?
[Why well-rounded is the kiss of death.](How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, by a Harvard Alum) A long article, but I highly recommend reading it (not being well-rounded is a main point made in the article). As long as you have 4 years of English, I’d advise taking Linear Algebra.
They mean all the essay you have to write for college apps 
Oh, I thought they meant a class, lol. I skimmed the well-rounded student part (I’m going to read the rest later, thank you so much for that article). I know this doesn’t pertain to my initial question but the whole standing out thing is freaking me out, I’m extremely worried about college. Do you think the fact I played state level soccer, coached soccer, reffed soccer, and played club and varsity all my high school career kind of falls into that category of dedication and being great at one thing that universities look for? Or is this just a case of another person being good at a sport? I’d think the latter.
^Yes, I meant all the research and the writing for college essays.
Can you be recruited for Division 3 soccer? If so, contact coaches/fill out the “recruit questionnaire” on Div 3 college pages now. Recruiting has started.
Linear Algebra is fine but realize that writing is very important in any career. That doesn’t mean you need to take AP Lit but take Honors English at least.
None of the schools I’m looking at have division 3 soccer. Also we don’t have Honors English unfortunately.
I talked to the AP English teacher and she said she’d be happy to have my in her class two days of the week for a semester, and then full time second semester, thankfully. I honestly could not make that decision.
Thank you everyone for your input and advice! It really helped a lot.
^that sounds ideal actually.
Congratulations on finding a creative solution and on advocating for yourself. 