Do I Need to Take Calculus II at MIT if I Get a 5 on AP Calculus BC?

[Nerd10]

If I get a 5 on AP Calculus BC, do I still have to take Calculus II at MIT? Or I don't have to take it?

 

[jtbell]

A Google search on "MIT advanced placement" led me (after a couple of clicks) to this page:

http://web.mit.edu/firstyear/2017/subjects/incomingcredit/ap.html#math

Math 18.01 appears to be equivalent to most other schools' Calculus I + II, as the next course is 18.02, multivariable calculus.

 

[Nerd10]

Thank you.

 

[IGU]

If I get a 5 on AP Calculus BC, do I still have to take Calculus II at MIT? Or I don't have to take it?

If you're planning on majoring in math then a 5 on Calc BC shows nothing about whether you have learned calculus. You would want to take 18.014 and 18.024 at MIT, Calculus with Theory. If you can understand Apostol or Spivak and do the problems, then you don't need MIT's calculus classes.

AP level understanding is good enough if you're going to be an economist or a chemist, where you don't have to really understand the math, but just be able to use it as a tool.

The basic problem with AP level high school calculus is that it skips the proofs and real mathematical thinking and just teaches you a bunch of techniques. Sometimes you get better, but as it's not necessary for the AP test that takes an exceptional teacher.

 

[Matrix0]

I cannot make a definitive statement about the specific requirements for taking Calculus II at MIT. However, in general, earning a 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam indicates a strong understanding and mastery of the material covered in Calculus II. Therefore, it is possible that you may be able to waive the requirement for taking Calculus II at MIT. However, it is ultimately up to the university's policies and individual department requirements. I recommend checking with your academic advisor or the department to determine if your AP score will exempt you from taking Calculus II at MIT.