Hello,
I am a seventh grade student at a small Quaker school. While I am currently enrolled in a Geometry class through my school, I will be utilizing Johns Hopkins CTY classes next year. I am looking to attend Lawrenceville School, and as admission is very competitive, was wondering what course of study is better for admission. Algebra 2 or Precalculus in 8th grade? I have the resources to be able to take Algebra 2 during the Summer online if precalculus would be a greater choice.
My school does not offer honors variants of English because of the fifteen kids per class size, so I was contemplating over what course would be of assistance to take via CTY. This course would be in addition to the English class at my school. I was thinking about CTY Essay Writing, but would like advice about if this makes sense.
My school also does not offer honors science courses, but I would like to take one if not two basic high school science courses to be able to study at the AP level earlier. Out of biology, chemistry, and physics, what are the best ones to take? I would again be taking this through Johns Hopkins University CTY and in addition to my science class in school.
I am a member of the Johns Hopkins University Study or Exceptional Talent, so I have adequate communication with them as well. Thank You for reading this thread and for advice or review!
Current student at Lville here. I personally took Alg 2 in 8th grade and Precalc in 9th grade. Most people take Alg 1 in 8th grade and then Geometry in 9th grade, so if you take Alg 2 in 8th grade, you’ll already be 2 years ahead. If you take Precalc over CTY in middle school, you still most likely wouldn’t be able to start at Calc in 9th grade. Barring extraordinary circumstances, Precalc is really the highest you can start at in 9th grade.
Taking courses on CTY beyond the scope of your middle school is a great way to show your interest in learning. However, extracurricular activities are equally important, if not more important, compared to coursework. I’d recommend pursuing your interests in the form of extracurriculars, whether it be joining a robotics team if you’re into that, writing for essay competitions, doing math competitions, etc.
To the OP - good question. Having a solid foundation in Algebra-1 really helps, as does Geometry. There seems to be great variability in math preparation and science preparation coming into boarding school. This also may relate to the fact that some kids are repeating their grade. The Algebra-2 course at some BS’s can actually be more like Pre-Calc at a local school. Agree with the above poster @ Pre-Calc in 9th grade - we know many students who had to drop down from it even though they scored very high on placement tests and had completed Algebra 2 in 8th grade or in their previous 9th grade year. Our experience has been that math at BS is very fast paced, as are the sciences. Many BS’s now have Physics in 9th grade. If you have never had Physics, it would probably serve you well to take some type of online course.
Schools have a drop/add period the first couple of weeks of school. Many students shift classes - it’s ok and it is not uncommon. So, if you do not feel comfortable take action during this drop/add period.
Be prepared for the summer reading assigned by your school. Some schools will discuss it or have some type of assignment about your reading when you arrive on campus.
Thank you for your feedback. This has improved my understanding of the curriculum in freshmen year at boarding schools such as Lawrenceville. Thank you as well for informing me that these competitive admissions schools value academic competitions.