Is it worth it to take Calculus 3/Differential Equations with the AP exam for AP Calculus BC exam?Answered
I am currently a rising junior in high school who is supposed to take AP Calculus BC next year. However, I learned all the BC concepts while in the school year last year, and am now proficient with them.
At this point, I don't want to take a class where I would review everything I already know or learn for only one or two additional concepts. For that, I want to take Calculus 3/Differential Equations instead while taking the AP Calculus BC AP exam that same year.
However, I heard that AP Calculus BC is important for Colleges to look at. So I'm not sure if I should take AP Calculus BC or Calculus 3/Differential Equations with the AP Exam for BC.
I'm looking for insights into whether this will make a significant difference in competitive college admissions or not.
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2 answers
Your reasoning is sound and I recommend that you go forward with it. Just remember that you need an AP score of 5 in Calc B/C to get credit at MIT which is for class 18.01. You will still have to take 18.02. And a UChicago - "Students with an Advanced Placement Calculus BC score of 5 or an International Baccalaureate Mathematics HL score of 7 will also be invited to begin in MATH 18300, but these scores do not supersede the Online placement, and a MATH 18300 invitation is not the equivalent of a MATH 15300/15250/18300 placement."
The value of taking Calc 3/Diff. Eqs. is to show additional course rigor not so much to get any sort of college credit for the add'l Calc course.
Good luck.
Hi @PekkaKnight!
I don't think there's any specific reason colleges would need the BC course rather than just the AP test, but you should study outside of class for the test itself. You'll probably have a gap in material between Calculus BC and 3, and while this might not be a big deal in-class, you might get stumped by some of the more specific questions on the test if you don't prepare. I'd recommend skimming some online resources like Khan Academy and taking practice tests to be absolutely sure you're ready for the AP exam next year.
On the plus side, though, self-studying for an AP exam will look really good to colleges (even if you took AB). The difference will vary depending on your score, so getting a 5 will be an important boost in admissions (and not just the typical placement mechanism for after you're admitted).
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
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