Hi, I am a 7th grader currently in Algebra 1. My school allows us to take algebra 2 and geometry in 8th grade. Any advice? Should I double up or just stick with Geom.?
I actually made an entire thread about this that you may want to check out:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1831092-guide-to-math-placement-and-skipping-levels-of-math.html#latest
A few things to consider:
-Why is it you want to get ahead? Algebra one in 7th grade is already advanced, if you do decide to double up then it won’t make a difference in your college admissions
-Are you doing well in algebra I? Harder courses could bring your GPA down in high school.
-What classes would you take in high school?
From my experience, double blocking the two math classes is not incredibly hard if you are relatively strong in math. Geometry includes a lot of vocabulary, proofs, some trig, as well as theorems & postulates, whereas Algebra 2 starts out building on Algebra 1 skills and moving forward into more complex algebra & algebraic applications and some trigonometry concepts. It would be a good idea to check out the curriculum of the two classes at your school and ask your teachers for their opinion before you choose to double block.
There’s no real reason to double up unless you’d be able to take classes above AP Calculus BC in high school. That said, it probably wouldn’t be a big deal if you’re doing well.
Do you love math?
What’s your end plan?
If you take Geometry and Algebra2 as an 8th grader, presumably you’ll take Precalculus as a 9th grader. What will you do in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades? Do you intend to major in math?
If you don’t know or don’t plan on doing a math major (which at basically any college can be started by finishing in Precalculus Honors or AP Calculus AB in the 12th grade), I don’t see the point.
Are you bored in Middle School? Are you also enrolled in Foreign Language 1-2? Have any options for enrichment been explored (AoPS for instance)?
I would do just Geometry and Algebra 2 next year.
You’re already two years ahead of schedule.
Find an elective you enjoy, music, art, that you could spend more time on instead.