I took Algebra I and Geometry in middle school and now I am a rising senior and debating on whether or not to take another level of calculus. Since I have only taken three years of high school level math in high school, I’m not sure if I should take another year just to be safe for the school that recommend or require 4 years of math.
If your school offers it, I would take it. What are you planning on studying in college? If it is STEM+Econ, I would definitely take it.
What math did you take junior year? What math classes are available? What major are you thinking of? What College are you aiming for? GPA/scores?
I took Calc AB junior year (at my school you take AB then BC) so I would be taking BC next year if I chose to take a math but my intended major is International Relations/Political Science. If I didn’t take BC I would take AP US Gov but I’m definitely hesitant to not take a math.
Precalculus and calculus are the fourth and fifth years of high school math, so you should meet “four years” requirements at most colleges.
With respect to stopping before completing the highest level readily available to you, that can be an issue at the most selective colleges, particularly if you intend a math heavy major. But that is likely more of an issue if you stop after completing precalculus in 11th grade or earlier.
In your case, as an intended political science major, if you cannot take both calculus BC and AP government due to scheduling conflict, it would be understandable to choose AP government.
Note that political science does require some quant skill, mainly statistics (though calculus can help understand statistics).
Ok, if you’ve taken Calculus and plan on International Relations, you’re good - history, government, economics, and foreign language will all matter more for senior year.