Introduction to Various Math Tracks for Admission to Prestigious U.S. Universities

Today's post is about Math Tracks, discussing the content related to them. Based on the last three years, including this year's admissions results, we'll discuss our academy's students' cases. It would be a valuable time for you to establish your own criteria while looking at which diverse math tracks led to admissions at different universities.

From the perspective of Asians, determining a four-year math track in high school requires a strategy. You need to decide on a math track between two criteria:

• A strong math track that showcases your strengths in mathematics.

• Asian Standard Lower Limit math track, preparing only up to the minimum expected level of math for Asians.

Let's now examine various math tracks through actual case studies of our A-One Institute students.

In American high schools that adopt AP, math classes will progress in the order shown on the left. Some schools offer Multivariable and Linear Algebra, while others might not. There's a vast variety in the curriculum. I'll explain these tracks from students who took easier tracks to those who took more challenging ones.

A math track that concludes with Pre-Calculus in the 12th grade can be considered a situation where math might not be particularly strong. This track represents the lower limit of the Asian Standard.

While some might conclude with Algebra II, we haven't seen any Asian students concluding at that level. Hence, if a student follows this math track, we strongly recommend utilizing vacations to engage in grade skipping.

Let's see which university accepted a student who concluded their 12th grade with Pre-Calculus: Wellesley - Accepted into the top 5 among Liberal Arts Schools in a Non-STEM major. Presenting these student cases serves as a reference point. For instance, if a school ranks lower than Wellesley, this kind of math track might suffice for application.

There was also a student who got into NYU in a non-STEM major.

If you started Geometry in the 9th grade, without grade skipping, by the 12th grade, you'd encounter AP Cal AB or BC. It's quite challenging to claim these students excel in math, especially since taking AP Math in the 11th grade can be considered relatively strong. However, this track is not as challenging as the one shown initially. Still, let's see where students who followed this track were admitted:

Accepted at Cornell: This student took the AP Cal BC exam in May of the 12th grade, although their math concluded with Cal AB. While the 12th-grade math culminated in Cal AB, they mentioned taking the BC exam in their application. This case somewhat falls into the higher track category but is included here due to the Cal AB conclusion in the 12th grade.

Accepted at RICE: Students following this track that concludes with AP Cal BC might not have AP Math scores when applying for Early Decision or Regular Decision. Consequently, it's slightly challenging for STEM majors, and this student was also accepted into a non-STEM major.

Another student was accepted into Northwestern as a Non-STEM major.

Though more data remains, up until this point, it's evident that having a math track at this level is sufficient for admission to prestigious universities. However, this is considering students who are thoroughly prepared in subjects beyond math.

This group of students concludes their math track with AP Cal BC, having started AP Math in the 11th grade. These students can be considered quite adept at math.

Starting with Algebra II in the 9th grade and taking AP Cal AB in the 11th grade, followed by AP Cal BC in the 12th grade.

This track isn't recommended. Completing high school math with AP Cal BC without taking AB is suggested. The AB content is included in BC's curriculum, so taking both AB and BC separately might waste time.

It's recommended to take AP Cal AB in the 11th grade and register for the AP Cal BC exam in May. Moreover, continuing math in the 12th grade by taking Statistics would be beneficial.

Students following this track were admitted to Cornell, Brown, and Johns Hopkins for STEM majors. Even culminating in AP Cal AB is sufficient for admission to prestigious universities.

Following AP Cal BC, some students move on to Multivariable/Linear Algebra in the 12th grade, while most opt for AP Statistics. This track is stronger than the aforementioned one, and these students were admitted to STEM majors at Dartmouth, Brown, and Cornell.

Students in schools with a strong focus on math generally follow this track, starting with Algebra II in the 9th grade and concluding with Multivariable Calculus in the 12th grade. Most of them were admitted to STEM majors.

Following such a strong math track is adequate for applying to HYPS.

Double Math in the 11th grade is evident in the case of the following student:

This student was eligible for Yale, Harvard, and MIT. Finally, they committed to Williams College, a top Liberal Arts college this year.

This math track concludes with Linear Algebra in the 12th grade. Some exceptional students might take College Math or Linear Algebra during high school. However, these students shouldn't linger at this track but rather have AMC on their resume to genuinely showcase math as their strength.

These students need to stand out among numerous competitors. That's the crucial factor.

*Conclusion

While introducing various math tracks and discussing which universities students were admitted to, it's recommended to decide on a math track based on the student's character rather than strict guidelines. Even if a math track seems slightly lower, it's possible to gain admission to competitive universities. On the other hand, having a higher math track doesn't mark the end. Remember, to use math as a strength, it's essential to face competition.