Calc BC or Multivariable Calc?

<p>Okay so next year I am scheduled for Calc BC because I am in Math Analysis this year, it's the usual schedule. Okay however there is a Multivariable class also. I really wanna take it cuz I know i'm gonna take math in college and cuz I am kind of an overachiever. I talked to counselor and she said that you need Calc BC, but I know people who took Calc AB and are going to take it next year. I told her I wanna take a summer class online, so that I could take Multivariable. She just said that she doesn't know of any online things(although there are a lot) and that I am scheduled for Calc BC. I don't think she likes me very much cuz I annoy her so much about classes for next year. </p>

<p>So Should I talk to her and try to explain the situation even more. Or should I let it go. Also I am taking like 5 other APs so should I let it go and focus on these subjects or try to take Multivariable Calculus.</p>

<p>If it's any kind of a decent MV class, you'll need what's in BC Calc. FOlks may say they're taking MV next year after AB, but they don't know what they're in for! (DS took MV/DiffEq this year. He is an excellent math student, and the course is not for the faint of heart.) If you think this will be easier for you than another AP, you are wrong. BC Calc shouldn't be too tough after taking AB, but MV is a whole 'nuther story!</p>

<p>How are you doing in Math Analysis? </p>

<p>You might want to look through Apostol's Calculus Volume I and II to see the level of difficulty of Calculus II and Multivariable Calculus. Apostol's Calculus books are arguably the best books out there, and they will give you a very good idea of what will be required of you in Multivariable Calculus. If I am correct, knowledge of BC material is required for Multivariable. Make sure you look through a textbook so you know what you're getting yourself into. </p>

<p>Something I learned this year was that having a strong foundation in Calculus is essential, especially if you are planning to major in science or mathematics in college. I took an online BC course this year, and although the video lectures emulated an actual classroom setting fairly well, they couldn't replace a live teacher to whom you can ask questions on the spot. Also, you will have to learn a lot of material by yourself. In my case, the online class covered no BC material at all; the video lectures went over AB concepts and you were expected to study the rest by yourself. It's a waste of money if you ask me. Get a good book like Apostol's Calculus and learn the stuff on your own.</p>

<p>Chances are you will have to retake the class in college unless you learn Calculus very thoroughly; AP Calculus is nothing compared to an actual Calculus class at a college. A decent Multivariable Calculus class, being a college course, can be a beast if you're not properly prepared. </p>

<p>You can always self-study Multivariable Calculus while you're in AB or BC, but if you're in Multivariable, you can't go backwards.</p>

<p>What grade are you in?</p>

<p>Just my $0.02. ;)</p>

<p>Same as above. I just finished up MV and it's a beast. If Math Analysis is analogous to PreCalc, then skipping Calc I and Calc II to go into Calc III doesn't sound like the best idea. If you really think you can cover a year's worth of calc in a summer and do well at the next level, then you can go ahead and try. But I'll agree, it's going to be hard to go back to learn stuff you may have missed when you need it to do a problem in MV.</p>

<p>As an example, I know someone who took PreCalc in their junior year and then took a Calc class at a college over the summer. He tried to do Differential Equations his senior year, but could only flail around. He dropped out before the semester was over.</p>