Which Looks Better--Calc, Stats, or Computer Science?

Z.Exodus2008
Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:39:42 +0000

Ms. Rubenstone - I understand that, since you don’t really know anything about me, you may not be able to advise me as accurately as my college counselor, and do I plan on speaking to my counselor soon. However, my school is very large (3000+ students), meaning the waiting list is very long, not to mention the counselors do not have much experience sending students to top-tier schools. Thus, I came to CC, hoping to find other opinions. =) Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.


I definitely plan on majoring in philosophy, although possibly combined with economics (I will definitely not choose a major any more math-based than econ). After college, I think I’ll pursue a JD.
I started Spanish in the 7th grade…so in total, this is my fifth year; technically, though, I’ve only taken 3 years of foreign language in high school. It’s very likely I’ll be taking the SAT II for Spanish w/o listening, although I’ve already scored 800 on Chinese. (Then again, this was my first language, so I’m not sure it “counts.”)


Also, if it helps, I’m currently in AP Statistics, double-blocked with Pre-Cal/Trig Honors, and I’ve been doing extremely well in both classes.

Part of my concern about double-blocking math again next year is appearing like any other Asian American (I’m a Chinese American female). However, I’ve also heard that the easiest math courses at many top colleges is on par with AP Calculus BC, so I’m willing to seem like a “math whiz” if it means I’ll be more prepared for college.

About the IB programme I’m in…it’s very, very young, with very few students. So far, we’ve only graduated one year of 11 IB students; my group will be the third IB cohort to graduate. I’m not sure IB Math SL will teach me what I need to know.

Last but not least, I’m not aiming for MIT, Cal Tech, or similar schools at all. =P Most of the dream colleges on my list are Ivy League or LACs.