I am looking into transferring into Carlson next fall and I am wondering which calc class is easier. I have a heavy load of classes for spring semester and I am wondering which one to take. Thanks!
Short Calc will be easier - it’s less in depth. Many students have trouble with 1271 (my daughter took it last semester and the majority of the class was lost). However, if you’re “good” at math, that may work to your benefit; it did for my daughter! The curve was generous. You can also make use of the PALS group for 1271, but I’m not sure the same is true for 1142. (I would assume it is.) There is NOT a PALS group for math 1272 and above, alas.
I would do Math 1271. If you change majors, you may end up needing to take it anyway, then you’ll regret not doing it. Adding in trig is not that much different. If you’re worried, take it at a community college, even online is an option and transfer the credits, grades don’t transfer.
Which one did you place into? If you are worried about a heavy course load you might consider the easiest one that satisfies pre-reqs. for Carlson. However, keep in mind that a request to transfer is no guarantee so if you were planning Econ. or similar as a backup you would need to make sure your choice satisfies Plan B for your major, as @UMNMom is saying.