<p>Here’s the beginning of the math discussion I mentioned previously – goes from p. 619 through page 621.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/544629-parents-class-2010-a-619.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/544629-parents-class-2010-a-619.html</a></p>
<p>S had BC Calc, Calc-based stat, multivariable, differential equations, lin alg, discrete math, complex analysis and a proof course, plus he self-studied complexity theory and other areas of theoretical comp sci (which is heavily applied math) while still in high school. Basically, he didn’t apply to a school unless he felt the department would be able to offer what he needed. At some schools, this would have involved some independent study with a prof; in others, there are multiple levels of analysis/abstract algebra courses offered; some offer early graduate work; at others, there was generous placement/options to test into courses. We know tippy-top math folks who have attended each of these various options.</p>
<p>S’s top three going into senior year were UChicago, Mudd and MIT (in that order), and he was fortunate to be accepted at all three. Each has its pluses and minues, both in the math dept. and in the school itself, but these are the schools that spoke most clearly to S. Depending on someone’s other interests, specific fields of interest in math, etc., there are a number of excellent choices.</p>
<p>His experience is NOT typical. His college search was very department- and program-focused and he wanted strong CS as well. There were many, many excellent schools (UW-Madison for math and UIUC for CS in particular) that simply weren’t on his radar due to size and that he really, really, really liked the UChicago/Mudd vibe. The fact he liked UMich was astonishing to us.</p>