Is it ok if I take algebra I as a junior? How much will it hurt me in the college admissions process? In my school we do mixed math, geometry, algebra I, then algebra II. I am shooting for Yale and my gpa is around a 3.7 unweighted.
@savagestudent7 is algebra II the most advanced course your HS offers? If your school offers precalculus, calculus, or more advanced courses, then it might be looked down upon. If you can’t take those at your school, and if you can’t take them online for whatever reason, then you generally aren’t penalized, but keep in mind that you’ll be competing with applicants who have taken more advanced courses.
@MITer94 yea, they don’t offer precalc and calc at my school…I am highkey screwed.
I got a 630 on the math I subject test though…will that cover up for my lack in advanced math?
@savagestudent7 if you do well in algebra II, you should be alright.
Pre-calculus is essentially a review of algebra and trig, with a couple new topics, and is not too hard if you have a good understanding of previous courses.
You aren’t required to take calculus in high school, though if you were applying to more science/math schools (Caltech, MIT), then you may want to consider learning calculus on your own, or taking a class somewhere.
@MITer94 yea problem is I want to b an engineer and my algebra I class isn’t going so well for me I have around a 79% right now. it is a huge adjustment from geometry in tenth grade. if I don’t go to yale ill prob go to Utah state
@savagestudent7 what kind of engineering? For many disciplines (electrical, mechanical, computer, civil), you’d likely need courses such as calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics, all of which require a good background in what you’re studying right now. So focus on doing well in your algebra (and other) classes now, worry about Yale and other colleges later.
I already feel behind and I’m taking algebra 2 junior year. I’d recommend trying your hardest to be concrete this year, since a2 and pre calc will require you to be fluent in those skills (as I saw in my summer hw). I took geometry After algebra and forgot some things; if you aren’t a 100% on algebra, algebra 2 will be brutal(esp if it’s with trig or common core)
@miter94 I want to do Biophysical engineering. @acceptmyname lmao yea sucks
I would really really try to find a way to get through at least pre-calculus if you want to be an engineer. If your HS doesn’t have it, does your local community college? Double up on math one year and then take precalc at your CC. Talk to your guidance counselor about how to do this.
You can take calculus in college…curriculums for engineering are set up assuming you do.
In [this thread](Rate the schedule above you - #5730 by savagestudent7 - High School Life - College Confidential Forums) you said you’re taking AP Calculus AB this year, but here you say that you’re currently taking Algebra I?