<p>I agree with your remarks that the US undergraduate math curriculum <em>requires</em> fewer classes than the undergraduate curriculum in Europe. However, students are free to take more classes. My college requires 32 courses to graduate and only 10-12 courses for the math major (depending on initial placement). However, no one is stopping me from taking 25/32 courses in math. It’s really up to me.</p>
<p>bruno123, you are right that the standard degree in Germany is a Master’s degree. But I think it is kind of unfair to compare a 5-year BS/MS program in Germany to a 4-year BS program in the US. Even though, I would have taken enough pure math classes for an MS degree in Germany when I get my Bachelor’s degree in the US (though I would be lacking applied courses). </p>
<p>Laylah, if I had not taken those classes in high school, I would probably be 1 or 2 semesters behind where I am now. However, I would still have one additional year at the undergraduate level to go deeper into the subject than most undergraduate students in Germany. And while it is uncommon for European students to take college classes in high school, it is not so uncommon for high-achieving American students. I participated in a math program at Cornell this summer, and most of the 20 students there had taken a number of college math classes while they were still in high school. Many states even have entire programs that allow talented high school students to complete the last 2 years of high school at a college, taking college classes for high school credit. I think we should consider the option to take college classes in high school part of the standard American college system rather than an exception.</p>