Right now I’m trying to skip Algebra 2/trigonometry.
If I didn’t skip, my math progression would look like this:
Geometry
Algebra 2/trig
H Precalc
AP Calc AB
(Also, AP stats will be there somewhere)
If I do skip, it will look like this:
Geometry
H Precalc
AP Calc AB
AP Calc BC and AP Stats
I heard that some colleges don’t like if you skip a math because they can’t see your ‘progression’ but that doesn’t make sense to me. It makes sense that an A+ in Algebra 2/trig would be preferred over a B in Precalc, but I fail to see how simply skipping changes that fact. If I go into Precalc and I don’t feel confident in the class, I’ll just drop down to Algebra 2/trig.
Also, I might take the AoPS Algebra 3 course, I’m not sure if that changes anything.
Please help, the district is saying that I can try to test out but they advise against it.
If you know the material well enough to test out of a math class, you should be fine. Colleges won’t dislike the wrinkle, especially since you’d be testing out so that you can take more math classes. Of course, you do want to make sure that you have a strong basis in Algebra II/Trig-- especially because of that slash trig. In a lot of schools, Precalculus is a review of algebra ii with trig added in, and it’s not too bad to need to firm up some of the more advanced algebra, but if your precalc class lacks that review component you’ll want to make sure that you really know your stuff. What a method/program are you planning to use to learn the material?
Make sure you’ve mastered your Alg II skills though. If you truly think you’re prepared, then go for it. As long as your going up to AP Calc, then it’s good.
Thanks psuedoprimal!
I’m really being dedicated to learning everything well, which I can’t prove but I believe it’s true, so I think I’ll be fine in Precalc.
Resources:
The same book my school uses for A2/trig (although I’m mostly using it for practice problems and making sure I hit all the topics, because it’s not very good as a stand-alone resource to learn from)
Life of Fred Trigonometry (I might not do the calculus parts of that, though, it’s low priority)
Khan Academy Algebra 2
Khan Academy Precalculus (I’m probably going to do about half the KA precalculus course, pretty much everything but parametric equations, limits, and vectors)
I’ll probably do practice problems on KA for trig and I might end up watching a video or two but it isn’t my primary method of learning trig.
Websites I’ve been using to help:
Paul Lamar notes
Math is Fun
Purplemath
I’m planning on taking Regents practice tests once I finish (I’m on track to finish in April or May).
I also have a list that’s about a page long of “Things to Learn”, which is basically random little topics that won’t take very long, for the most part. Mostly notes like “geometric series and repeating decimals relationship” or “synth division for more complex factors”.
Testing out definitely doesn’t look BAD, especially if you’re skipping a class between freshman and sophomore year (they’ll have plenty of time to see progression). Honestly, it’s hugely beneficial if you max its potential out (taking science classes ahead since you’re got the prereqs out of the way).
@Stanccepted Yeah, I don’t know if my math level actually affects prerequisites but I would guess IB physics HL (which I’m planning on taking senior year) is much easier with some calculus knowledge. Honors Physics can be taken concurrently or after Precalc, but I would guess it’s easier to do after anyway. So I would say it helps with my science classes as well
That definitely looks like a strong setup for the basics-- I hope you have a good time (especially with Life of Fred. I love those books so much)! You should definitely consider taking an AoPS course at some point if you’re up to a challenge, as it will give you a much deeper/more rigorous understanding of the subject material-- I used AoPS for Algebra I and as a supplementary resource for my Algebra II flex credit (which didn’t work out so well as the syllabus for the class didn’t line up at all with the vaguely defined set of material I needed to know, but was still fun) and it was a really great experience, though I don’t have any experience with their Algebra III class. Best of luck!
Thank you! I do want to take an AoPS course at some point, even if it doesn’t work out this year. Now that I’ve gotten into the habit of spending so much time doing math outside of class, I’m not sure I’ll even stop…I want to get the AoPS textbooks for number theory and probability.
Also, if it matters to anybody, I do really well in math classes, and because I’m good about checking my work, reading carefully, and asking for help when needed, I feel like I could still perform well in a precalculus course. Those perfectionistic habits go a long way in math class
I’m glad you’re enjoying the time spent doing math outside of class! AoPS textbooks are great. You might want to look around if there are any Math Circles in your area-- that is, informal high school or university run groups that explore interesting mathematical topics. I go to one every month or so even though it’s a couple of hours away because the math is so great and it’s fun to be around other people who choose to take two hours out of their Sunday to do math! If you are into competition math, you might want to look into that, or down the road to math camps. I hope you have fun, especially if it turns out that math is something you’re really interested in.
@qpqpqp I’ll have a strong background in Algebra 2, though, hopefully. The only major topics I have left are series/sums/sequences, some more matrices stuff, and conics (and trig).
Pseudoprimal, thanks for the suggestions! There is a math circle nearby that I might start being involved in next year, and I do want to try competition math eventually (AMC/AIME stuff!)
Initially, I wished I’d skipped a lower math because I declined an opportunity to skip 6th and 7th grade math (I made the decision in 5th and 6th grade). I was really intimidated by the math classes at the time. And jealously was a motivator in starting my whole crusade of math.
However, I now have zero regrets about my course of action. I learned some cool topics, but I also learned that I really like math and just how much I can learn on my own. I have a long list of (math) books to read.
Also, isn’t Life of Fred great? Even for me, reading an ordinary textbook for hours doesn’t sound appealing. I spent hours on LoF last weekend, though! Have you used the calculus book? I’ve heard that LoF Calculus isn’t nearly as good as the trig book.
