<p>I'm an incoming freshman and I wasn't allowed to take Calculus at my HS. I'm looking into books and online resources for Calc., but feel nowhere near confident in my math skills. I'm an Undecided major, how will this affect what math courses I can take? The bad thing is, I plan on declaring a science or math related major in the future.
Due to this situation, what math course would you recommend for my <em>first semester</em> as a freshman? Keep in mind, I've never stepped foot in a Calc. class :(</p>
<p>I think you should start with Math 32. It’s a precalculus class and should prepare you to move onto Math 1A or Math 16A which are beginning calculus classes.</p>
<p>Thank you 
Do you know what the difference would be between Math 1A and Math 16A?</p>
<p>The 16 series is meant for the life sciences and other majors that only need a basic understanding of calculus. The 1 series is for physics, math, chemistry, engineering, and other majors that require a more thorough understanding of calculus. </p>
<p>Which majors are you considering? Taking Math 32 would really slow your progress in a lot of cases…for example, you wouldn’t be able to take the Physics 7 series in your first year because Math 1A is a prereq (1B must be taken concurrently). Chem 4A (for chemistry majors) also requires calculus to be taken concurrently. I know for chemistry (and chemical engineering and chemical biology) at least, not being able to take Chem 4A in the fall would most likely delay your graduation because the course is not offered in the Spring.</p>
<p>take math 1A and you’ll be fine. the first few calculus courses are quite easy and all have tutors so you will do fine</p>
<p>I’ve taken AP Calc AB and got a 5 on the AP test and people are still telling me that I shouldn’t take Math 1A because the curves are hard and the people in those classes are very competitive. Not sure if someone who’s not confident in taking math should start with 1A, maybe 16A.</p>
<p>The problem is that LemonCat is interested in a math/science major. Most of these majors require the 1 series. Taking 16A and then 1A would be stupid.</p>
<p>also you can’t go from 16A–>1B if you find that you could actually handle the harder work. 16A would be a waste of a semester and tuition money</p>
<p>There are plenty of science majors that do not require 1A/1B. There is IB in L&S and a lot of majors in CNR that will take 16 series. Unless you are interested in MCB or a major in the college of chem then you should take the 1 series. Otherwise, I would advise you not to take the 1 series because it is too much trouble. I got a 5 in AP Calc AB and took the 16 series. It was less troublesome and I did well in the classes. As a premed, taking the 16 series allowed me to have more time to focus on my harder premed requirements like chem1a and chem3a. Unless you are considering something in the college of chem, college of engineering, comp sci or math then take the 1 series. If you are not then save yourself the trouble and agony by taking 16 :)!</p>
<p>Agree with Stevenboi. If you are a life sciences major- go with 16A (unless you want to declare MCB).</p>
<p>Based on another thread, it looks like LemonCat intends to transfer to Civil Engineering in the CoE, so the only option is to take math 1A.</p>