Upper divsion math courses in high school

[mathlegend]

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Just wondering, has anyone taken upper division math courses in high school? I ask because I'm currently a sophomore in high school. I'm taking calc BC at school right now. Over the summer, I'm planning to take linear algebra at community college. Next school year, AP stats at school and multivariable/diff eqn at community college. Over the summer (junior year to senior year) I might take discrete mathematics at a UC (but will cost near $1k...), since the community college doesn't offer it, or I might just take that senior year at community college to save money. If that case, then I won't have anything else to take at the community college for math in 2nd semester senior and in the summer before senior year. I read the UC pages for summer programs, and they don't seem to allow high schoolers to take upper division courses. I was wondering if anyone have done it before, since I think I'll still want to take math 2nd semester senior year. Or if I have any other options.

Here is a link to what I'm reffering to... http://math.berkeley.edu/courses_descripts.html I think that the linear algebra and diff eqn I'll be taking is equivalent to course 54 on that site.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

I'm sure folks have done it before, but honestly, I'd spend senior year chillaxing a bit more. Taking abstract algebra or real analysis as a senior would certainly put you in a high echelon of academic achievement, but the fact is, it will be less of a hassle to just take it freshman or sophomore year.

 

[physics junkie]

I didn't know linear algebra was considered upper division anywhere. Your local community college/state university might have more flexible guidelines.

Here's a pro tip: There is no need to navigate this yourself. Go to UCB's math department website and email their math department head with your situation and ask him specific questions about bending the rules for you or if there is someone he can put you in contact with so you can pursue your goals. He will likely have some guidance and/or information for you. He is most likely well connected in your area and could arrange something for you at Berkeley or elsewhere. Those rules can probably be bent if you ask the right person. If he's unresponsive email the undergraduate provost. Don't take no for an answer. If that doesn't work start emailing different professors for advice. One of them will have a solution. Most mathematicians will sympathize with not enough resources being available to bright students.

I would generally avoid your high school guidance counselor. He is likely some long haired hippie who will tell you to chill out.

P.S. If I were you I would consider skipping AP stats and doing more work at the local universities. High school math courses are 2x as long as they need to be and you probably would be better off with using your calculus foundations for a calculus based approach to statistics. No college admissions committee will fault you for it. 🙂

 

[mathlegend]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll email some professors at Berkeley and see what they say about this, then I'll decide what to do. Anyhow, I do have over a year until I'm a senior 🙂

AP Stats...I prefer to take it in school, since I'd like to get the GPA boost. I don't think 1 semester would make too much of a difference...and anyhow I can't take anything else really until I take multivariable.

 

[physics junkie]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll email some professors at Berkeley and see what they say about this, then I'll decide what to do. Anyhow, I do have over a year until I'm a senior 🙂

AP Stats...I prefer to take it in school, since I'd like to get the GPA boost. I don't think 1 semester would make too much of a difference...and anyhow I can't take anything else really until I take multivariable.

Good choice then. Best of luck 🙂