My son is currently taking Calculus I at a local community college. He’s scheduled to take the Calc AB exam next week, but I see Penn doesn’t give credit for it. Do they use the AB exam for anything such as placement? If not, can anyone see any reason for him to take the exam? (He’ll be attending Penn after a gap year)
I think I’d rather have him repeat Calc I anyways since he might be rusty after his gap year.
Thanks for any feedback.
I would say that it never hurts to take the exam. It lets him know where he stands and is always good to have that result in case things change.
While AP Calculus AB may not get you credit. It is still important. What he is learning will be valuable and may also impact placement. If he understands the material, there is a good chance that he will be able to begin with Math 104 and skip Math 103.
If he is in a major where math knowledge matters, I would consider using his gap year to enhance his math knowledge and become a better calculus student. It can only make his transition to Penn an easier one. You may not get “credit” for it initially, but it may impact placement, and hr may receive credit eventually, if you can demonstrate your knowledge.
Fore example, after a week in the class, DD was bored in Math 114, so she discussed it with her advisor and he moved her to Math 240. When she completed Math 240 successfully, she received retroactive credit for 114.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, @Much2learn.
I totally agree about using the gap year to enhance his knowledge of math. Since he has a math disability, that will be especially important. I was suggesting maybe some Coursera or other online classes that can reinforce what he’s done. He also might continue to work with a tutor as he has been doing (he’s been working with a friend whose headed to MIT).
My son will email Penn and ask what they think.
Kahn academy may also have something you could use with the AP BC study materials from one of the review book companies?
That would be fairly straight forward.