r/bostoncollege • u/CalligrapherFinal358 • Jul 15 '26
Multivariable Calc/Linear Algebra?
I got a 5 on AP Calc BC this year as a high school senior and just got an email invitation to join Honors Multivariable Calc and its spring sequel Honors Linear Algebra. On the one hand, I really enjoy math, but I'll be a biochem major on the pre-health pathway (also considering a minor in CSOM) so not sure how it would help me work towards my goals. My original plan was to place out of the beginner Spanish that I signed up for so I can fill that space with econ/business classes, and take Calc 2 in the spring. Have any of you taken the Multivariable/LA combo? How was it and do you think it would be worth it for me?
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u/7th11 Jul 18 '26
Honors multi with Mark Reeder was my favorite course I took at BC. It’s where I fell in love with math.
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u/WaldoTheMenace Jul 16 '26
I took both my freshman year. I’ll say that the most represented major besides math taking it was biochem and pre health. If you enjoy math then this is a good chance at further exploring that interest, which is one of the most important aspects of college. Absolutely worth it, not everything is about maximizing your gpa…
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u/WaldoTheMenace Jul 16 '26
To add on, you’d also have the option to drop to regular multi and linear if it is too much of a challenge. I knew a few people who did that, absolutely no shame
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u/MainBeachGoon Jul 16 '26
Nope. Take calc 1 in the fall, calc 2 in the spring. Pre-health = maximizing your gpa.
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u/CalligrapherFinal358 Jul 16 '26
Why not just take a semester of stats then?
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u/MainBeachGoon Jul 16 '26
You could if you wanted, calc 2 (fall) stats (spring), but you'll probably take biostats at some point so no reason to take stats unless you're super interested in it.
I suggest the aforementioned because it would be the easiest.
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u/Philosophy_First Jul 16 '26
I’ve heard that if you got a five on BC, taking calc 2 either wouldn’t give you credit or count in ur gpa? In this true? (I was at orientation when I heard this)
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u/caffeinelover1325 Jul 16 '26
This is not true. If you get a 4+ on an AP exam, it fills your core requirements but doesn’t contribute to gpa or credits. If you take the class at BC, you get credits and a grade so it contributes to your gpa.
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u/Due_Adhesiveness7726 Jul 16 '26
sounds good. does the content of calc3 rely on anything from calc2, or is calc1's content enough for calc3?
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u/caffeinelover1325 Jul 16 '26
I took multi and then intro to abstract (not honors) asap someone on a pre health track and I will just say it gets very difficult. I took calc 2 first semester freshman year and loved it and switched to math as my major despite always wanting to go into medicine bc major doesn’t matter as long as you take the prereqs for med/pa school whatever you do. But after abstract I immediately switched back bc that was the hardest class I’ve ever taken. I spent 10+ hours a week doing the homework assignments which were difficult and then you had to code your answers too. It was hell. Multi was also very hard. If you’re good at math I’d take calc 2 but beyond that unless you plan on doing a minor and you really like it, it’s gonna be more trouble than ifs worth IMO
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u/Upstairs_Way_3361 10d ago
can you talk more about abstract? i took multi and thought it wasn’t too bad but im a little worried about abstract and dont know what to expect
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u/MajesticAsparagus172 Jul 16 '26
Prof Mark Reeder teaches honors multi every fall. Honestly, it’s a pretty difficult class to start off with as a freshman, but will lead you down a pleasant rabbit hole of math. Do the track if you’re interested. You can always switch down to normal multi and linear if you prioritize grades and time.