I’m one year ahead of my school’s traditional math sequence; I am taking multivariable calc this year, while having taken Calc BC as a junior (Calc AB as a sophomore). However, I never mentioned this in my applications. Furthermore, my school sends a report to colleges and on the report, they list multivariable calc as a “Senior Year Course” along with Calc BC (which is the course that seniors normally take). Also, it should be noted that I get college credits for this course through a public college in my state (MA), and I indicated that on my CommonApp.
Do admissions officers know that Multivariable Calc is essentially Calc III and a higher level course, especially given the fact that I’ve already taken AB and BC? Or will they think I’m slacking off this senior year, especially since multivariable calc is neither an AP or honors course in my schools (although it is way harder)?
Each HS sends along a school profile with the transcript which describes things such as the grading system, the different levels of coursework available etc. so it should be no issue. I would think a college level course following a senior course would be understood as a higher level class. Also if the guidance counselor checks off that you too the most rigorous schedule available on his/her recommendation then you should be set. But if you have any doubts that it will be understood, you can also ask your guidance counselor to discuss it in his/her recommendation or clarify your math sequence in the additional comments section of your application.
If it is a dual enrollment course with a college, wouldn’t you be listing it as a college course that you are taking or have taken? If any transcripts are requested, and you have completed the course, you would have to send that college’s transcript which will list that course and the grade you got.
A course title “multivariable calculus” or “calculus 3” is pretty obvious to colleges.