Calculus Course Question / Poll

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Ok, here's the deal. I've got to submit course selections REALLY soon for sophomore year and I'm not sure whether to take AB or BC Calculus. </p>

<p>Background: The only B I ever got in math was Hon Precalc A, (all other grades were in the 99s, if not a 100) but I managed to prove my point on the Mid-Term by acing it (surprising my teacher) and the fact that I have a high A now (second semester).</p>

<p>There are three other freshmen taking Hon Precal and all of them are going to BC These kids are the top of the top when it comes to math. I want to go to AB and kinda "slack off" with my other classes (may be a change from my other post): </p>

<p>~~MATH~~
AP US Government and Politics
AP Music Theory
AP Human Geography
AP English Language (10 over summer)
AP Computer Programming 2 (Online)
AL Spanish 4/5
Honors Biology (Required grrr)
Honors Symphonic Band (Lunch)
Maybe a couple self-studies (...?)</p>

<p>But I would feel really bad as the only sophomore taking AB while all the others are taking BC, you know? But we'll all end up in MultiVariable in Junior year (AB -> MV/DE is allowed).</p>

<p>Also, I heard that the BC exam has a huge curve (~50% 5s) and that even though BC goes a little bit faster it only covers just one more unit. </p>

<p>So.........</p>

<p>Question: Should I take AB or BC?</p>

2

<p>I'm taking calc AB right now (BC not offered) and self-studying BC, and it's barely anything more. I really don't think it makes a difference.</p>

3

<p>Take BC. Certain MVC and DE topics will make more sense if you have taken the more rigorous BC Calculus. For example, say you are trying to solve a second order differential equation. In many cases you will need to use infinite series to solve such an equation, and AB doesn't cover series.</p>