<p>So, I'm a sophomore in high school right now and am trying to figure out what classes I should take for AP/EA at CMU. I'm really interested in 15-211, but am a little worried about the accompanying class (Concepts of Mathematics) that is a co-requisite. I received a 5 on the AP Comp Sci AB exam last year as a freshman and really have a passion for programming (definitely a Comp Sci major in college). In no way do I struggle in math, (straight A's for every class, place pretty high in MAO (math competitions)), but I'm just a little worried about how it sounds and what people are saying about it here. </p>
<p>Would Concepts of Mathematics be out of range if I'm only in Precalc Honors (taking BC Calc next year)? The course description was a little ambiguous about the level of the class; although I do understand it is a challenge. Also, is it really necessary for 15-221? Thanks!</p>
<p>(also, if anyone is going this summer, post here too! :D )</p>
<p>I am planning on going to AP/EA over the summer.</p>
<p>I am going to commute though.</p>
<p>I think I am going to take 18-100 Intro to ECE and 15-121 Intro to Data Structures. I have heard Intro to ECE is super hard so I don’t know if this what i am going to do for sure.</p>
<p>Hi! I’m a current sophomore in CS at CMU. If you’re planning on CS or ECE major, definitely AP Calculus BC, AP Comp Sci AB. AP Stats and AP Physics C would help too. </p>
<p>Concepts of Mathematics is going to be a different way of thinking if you haven’t done any work in discrete mathematics. High school calculus and other whatnot classes have you thinking in continuous mathematics and for most people, doing discrete mathematics was a first. However, trust me when I say this course is really not that bad compared to other courses down the line. And yes, the course is required for 15-221. :)</p>
<p>I’ve also taken 18-100 Intro to ECE and like concepts of the math, it’s the course that ECE majors take to get them to wake up about college :D. Similarly, it’s not that hard in retrospect. I’m sure you’ll do fine. It really isn’t as bad as everyone makes it out to be. </p>
<p>Bottom line: For any course, make sure you work hard, start assignments early and get help before you fall behind.</p>
<p>I’ll definitely take those classes by the end of high school. But is Precalculus Honors enough for Concepts in Mathematics? Even if it is tough, I just need to know whether or not I’d be able to understand the material even if it does take some effort. I don’t see how I would need too much calc for a computer class, but I just want to make sure I don’t. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Well, precalculus honors is stuff that you need to know but it really won’t prepare you for Concepts of Mathematics unless you are doing proofs, logic and discrete stuff. </p>
<p>Precalculus doesn’t teach you enough hypothetical math to prepare you for something like Concepts. </p>
<p>Concepts of Mathematics is learning stuff like proofs, set theory, induction, modular arithmetic and combinatorics.</p>
<p>I really don’t know how you will respond to discrete mathematics so I don’t know if the class will be tough or easy for you. Some people find it really tough while others find it to be a walk in the park. </p>
<p>To answer your question, knowledge of pre-calculus is highly suggested for Concepts while knowledge of Calculus isn’t essential since everything you’ll be learning has nothing to do with calculus anyway.</p>