<p>I'm an 8th grader. I've qualified for the CTY summer program, but I'm really debating whether to apply or not. I was going to take a summer class at my school so that I can earn credit for a math class and accelerate--meaning I'd get to do pre-calc as a freshman (something I've really wanted to do for a long time). However, I really want to do CTY while I can. I've read and heard great things about it, the classes seem fascinating, and it sounds amazing. </p>
<p>So I'm in a delimma. Accelerating in math and studying topics beyond Calculus BC in high school has always been my dream, yet I also want to be able to experience CTY. What about the "Individually Paced Mathematics Sequence" class at CTY? I'd have work on my own for most of the day though; I'd really prefer to have teacher instruction. I have to study on my own in math right now, and having a teacher makes everything clearer.</p>
<p>By the way, I can't do both the school math class and CTY, because the dates overlap. </p>
<p>Also, does applying for CTY by the early registration deadline significantly increase your chances for acceptance? In 7th grade I had scores of 530 V and 580 M on the old SAT, and this year I took the new SAT on Jan. 28. I anticipate scoring over 600 on CR and M. (Knock on wood!) If I wait for my new scores, which will come out this month, I'll have to apply for the regular registration deadline in April. However, I could just apply with my 7th grade scores by the Feb. 11 (early) deadline, which is this Saturday!! I'm just concerned that my 7th grade scores are too low, even though I qualify for CTY. </p>
<p>I really appreciate your insight and help! Thanks.</p>
<p>Pre-calc is ordinarily an 11th grade class, so even if you took it in sophomore year, you would still be able to go beyond Calc in high school. In other words, you should not worry about whether to take a summer math class in order to accelerate. </p>
<p>My S did not want to do the Individually Paced Math sequence. The class does have a TA, so you would be mentored. He just likes the experience of working in groups a lot more. He took science classes; others have taken classes that are not part of the regular school curriculum and have had a blast. </p>
<p>CTY is a wonderful experience. Do apply; and look into different classes besides the Individually Paced Math classes.
You may want to apply now and send in your new SAT scores when they become available.</p>
<p>You will get into most CTY classes if you apply after the early registration but before the regular registration deadline. If the 7th grade scores are adequate to qualify for the classes, just use them, otherwise you will probably not be shut out of a class by waiting.</p>
<p>What you gain from CTY is: 1) the fun of meeting a lot of bright motivated people your own age who are motivated to learn (or they would have chosen something else to do with their summer!) 2) to get a real taste of what college will be like, including late night card games in the dorms, dining halls, faster pace of academic work; 3) the skills involved in making friends quickly and losing your fear of being tossed into a group where you don't know anyone; and 4) last, but not least! the classes are terrific, most are taught by professors - my son still says that his Logical and Formal Reasoning course, summer of 7th grade, was the best course he took in his entire middle and high school career.</p>
<p>Have a great time! There will be opportunities in high school to take accelerated math and/or college math courses.</p>
<p>unless you live nearby a local Uni (or Cal State), you will have a difficutl time exceeding Calc in HS.....few state jucos (at least the ones of which I'm aware) offer math beyond Calculus. The other option is something like EPGY; thus, I support others in applying to CTY and see what happens!</p>
<p>It is very possible that your high school has an arrangement with one or more of the nearby universities to enable its students to take college classes. Quite a few of our high-schoolers take BC Calculus before 12th grade, and several of them then go tuition-free to the Harvard Extension School for Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra. Indeed, a few years ago, out of 83 students in the Extensions School's MV Calc class, 53 were high schoolers from our and other local high schools. I suspect something similar is available through your high school. </p>
<p>As I said, however, pre-calc is an 11th grade math. Also, I do not suggest you skip algebra or rush through it. It will come back to haunt you later on if you do.</p>
<p>when you're not in class (and you're in class from about 9-12, 1-3, and 7-9 each weekday) there are bunch of activities that you can sign up for--anything from kickball and lanyard-making to cooking and dance and football...basically the RAs (like counselors) choose programs to lead. On weekends, there are dances, sports, sometimes small trips, free time to go to religious services/sleep/relax, and bigger events like trivia contests, talent shows, carnivals, etc. It's a LOT of fun.</p>
<p>--former CTY (young students, regular, and CTY-Ireland) participant and friend of several current CTY staff members</p>
<p>The on campus CTY and EPGY programs might well be a great experience, but there is a limit to how much serious work can be done. In contrast, EPGY by distance learning allows steady and serious work in math, physics and some other areas. Calc BC (and a 5 on the AP exam) by the end of seventh grade is not unheard of, and that means after a full run through of prerequisites, including Algebra II and Pre-calc, with rigerous homework, chapter tests, exams, etc.</p>
<p>Students spend much of their time in classes. When my S attended, it was often so hot that the students spent their leisure time watching movies in air-conditioned rooms. But others played ultimate frisbee and some other sports. It's really up to individual students how much exercise they perform.</p>