My daughter is a Junior and in AP Calc this year. She is considering NOT taking math next year and loading up on sciences and other courses that she is more interested in (including 4 APs). Her GC does not think this is a problem but I am concerned since some of the requirements I have seen mention 4 units of Math. Does anyone know if exceptions are made based on the level of Math that is reached in HS?
Does the requirement for 4 units of Math in HS apply even if you got through AP Calc by junior year?
Typically, ‘4 units’ means Algebra 1+2, Geometry, pre-calculus. Calculus is one more. So, she’s fine.
However if she plans on studying engineering or math, she should continue with math if a further class is offered.
If she is planning to major in anything science or math related (biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, statistics, etc) then it would probably be in her best interest to take a math class her senior year to keep her skills fresh.
Usually, “4 years” of high school math means completion of precalculus or higher (calculus is higher than precalculus). But you can check each school to be sure (ask directly if the web site is not clear).
What additional math is available to her in high school or a nearby college, and is she interested in studying math-heavy subjects in college?
I think it really depends on the policy of each school. My son is applying to a school which requires 4 years of math in high school. He will more than likely be taking AP Calc BC in 9th but they will still require 4 years.
^I assume they either offer other math, or will facilitate dual enrollment?
I can understand not wanting a gifted 9th grader dropping math entirely - it’s a bit different from finishing BC in 11th grade and wanting to double up in science.
yearstogo: With BC as a 9th grader, he’d take Multivariable/Differential Equations in 10th, Linear Algebra/Discrete Math in 11th, and whatever class he’d want in 12th… as long as there’s a college nearby to accomodate his needs.