Seeking math dual enrollment advice

ucbalumnus
Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:41:00 +0000

Collegequestions5:

My understanding is that multivariable calculus and linear algebra are the options to pursue after Calc BC. Is one “better” than the other”? Is there a recommended progression?

After single variable calculus (calculus BC), common semester long courses that follow (often in any order) are, with applicable college majors:

multivariable calculus: M, S, P, C, Eng, Econ

linear algebra: M, S, P, C, Eng, CS, Econ

differential equations: M, S, P, C, Eng, Econ

discrete math: M, CS

calculus-based statistics: S, CS, Econ

M = math, S = statistics, P = physics, C = chemistry, Eng = engineering (including engineering-based computer science), CS = computer science (liberal arts based), Econ = economics for pre-PhD or quant finance.

Note that some math departments combine linear algebra and differential equations into one course, so if transfer subject credit is desired, it is better to complete both rather than just one.

Taking in-person college courses will give him a chance to experience how college courses are run differently from high school courses, so that he will be more ready when he enters college as a college frosh (many college frosh have difficulty making this adjustment while simultaneously making many other adjustments from high school to college). Taking an online course would mainly be an advantage of this nature if he expects to take significant amounts of online courses while in college.

One other thing: he may want to try the calculus 1 and calculus 2 final exams from the college he will be taking the more advanced math courses at, to verify that he knows the prerequisite material from the college’s point of view.