<p>I have a question, i spoke to the head of the math department and she told me that i would most likely be capable of taking Accelerated BC Calculus starting next fall (its accelerated because its in three terms instead of four). But she also said that i might want to wait a year because it is a very hard class and it would be tough to start that class on my first day at the school. My question is has anybody ever taken this class or known somebody who has. Preferably at Andover but not necessarily. How hard is it really, is there a huge amount of hw, is it manageable? Thanks im just trying to weigh my options.</p>
<p>You might want to specifically ask an Andover student. There are some current students on here, but at Andover's web site, they have an "Ask A Student" section that might be helpful.</p>
<p>Admissions</a> Information</p>
<p>Yes, it is a hard class from what I've heard. It's designed for kids who are the math type (you have to take a test to get in). There is more homework than the four term class, but most of the math teachers don't check or collect it. I would personally wait to take the four term version that starts in the spring. You'll learn the same material just slower. This also gives you time to adjust to the school and get some requirements out of the way. It's not impossible to take this class and do well, but it might add some extra stress.</p>
<p>What are your long-term math aspirations? I'm guessing from the types of concerns you raised that you're very accomplished in math but not necessarily interested in pursuing math beyond the requirements in college. If that's true, I think the four semester course might be a good way to go. Assuming you have some collegiate math requirement to fulfill, taking the Accelerated BC Calc course now would mean that you would have to move forward in math and then be left with some extremely advanced math courses to take in college. And your college choices could be all the more difficult if you take more math at Andover before graduating. The alternative to that would be to take a filler course or, if you have enough math credits to graduate, take a timeout from math. Either way, that would likely do you a disservice when you have to get back in good math form as a college student.</p>
<p>As I understand it, the four semester course will keep you in solid form for college. It's not exactly basketweaving so it's not like you'll be seen as running from a challenge and it gives you math continuity at a high level without pushing you too far to make your collegiate math experience unbearable.</p>
<p>That's really not so much a recommendation (talk to a REAL counselor first!) as it is just some food for thought, to balance against all the other pros and cons you're mulling over.</p>
<p>well, i wouldn't mind taking extremely advanced math courses in college, thats kind of my goal. While i dont think i will be a pure mathematician i do anticipate doing something in the sciences and i do love math. Not to the level that i do it for fun but i am willing and able to do math homework without much of a problem. I just dont want to waste a year doing stuff ive already done but then again i dont want to go in over my head. I know you can move down after a couple of weeks if it is way too hard so i might end up just trying it knowing i can move down if i need to. It would be great to get beyond even multivariable in high school so in college i really have a lot of options.</p>