<p>I am a currently a sophomore taking honors trig precalc. I will take Calc AB next year, and Stats the year after, unless my school decides to offer Calc BC.
I have a solid B in trig right now, which is not likely going anywhere, unfortunately. I have a very difficult teacher, and while I understand things and have a tutor, I am prone to making stupid mistakes and forgetting things due to nerves.
However, I'm a little worried that my B will be an issue for top tier colleges like MIT, CalTech, and Harvard. I know admissions are competitive, and that B could be an issue, compared to people who have A's, you know?
I want to major in (molecular) biology and applied mathematics. Will this not so great grade ruin my chances?
Also, any tips on the test taking side? The tests are usually very long, with both calculator and non calculator parts, always graphing parts, and to be finished in about 40 minutes. I am always freaked out because my teacher is very intimidating....
Thanks!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, anything less than A’s in your intended major will probably bar you from admission into these schools. However, you can apply under a different major and, if accepted, take classes in applied math before switching to that major. (Generally you have to show that you’re capable of handling the material before they’ll let you switch in.)</p>
<p>If you get A’s in your other math classes I don’t think it would really matter.</p>
<p>
Not necessarily. Take the SAT Math level 2 and an AP calculus exam. High scores on both those exams should provide plenty of validation of your mastery of trigonometry if you are concerned that a B in trigonometry is not enough validation.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your replies. Is taking trig in 10th grade normal, below, or above average? It is above at my school, but I know that is not the same everywhere.
Also, any tips for test taking?
Thanks!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>It is two grade levels ahead of the normal math sequence in US high schools. The normal math sequence in US high schools has students taking trigonometry and precalculus in 12th grade.</p>
<p>Students applying to highly selective colleges or intending to go into math-heavy majors are more likely to be a grade level advanced, taking trigonometry and precalculus in 11th grade and calculus in 12th grade. Being more advanced than that is less common; such students are usually the top students in math at the high school.</p>
<p>Note that very few colleges require students to have had calculus in high school before entering college.</p>
<p>Thank you very much, ucbalumnus, and all the others who replied. I wasn’t sure if how my track measured up to others, and it’s much clearer now. Thanks!</p>
<p>Doing well in later classes will erase doubts. You will still be looking at a slightly lower gpa. I disagree that it rules you out. Perhaps your teacher’s rigor will pay off and you will find yourself very well prepared for your later classes. It seems you need to gain confidence in test taking and dealing with your teacher. Maybe stay after class and let her know you are interested in doing your best and try to get some tips on what she thinks you can work on.</p>
<p>My daughter had precalc in 11th but calc BC in 12th. So didn’t have as early a track as you but got farther. Your plan is fine, though.</p>
<p>Make sure you go over each test after you take it and understand what you should have done better. Do all your homework and problem sets. Ask for extra problem sets if you think that will help you prep for your tests better. Or see if she has old tests you can do self timed.</p>
<p>“Or see if she has old tests you can do self timed.”
That’s a great idea! Thanks BrownParent!
It is also the general opinion that kids who take this teacher’s class find Calc much easier than those that did not, so I hope I’m prepared, too 
I’ll be working really hard to bring up my grade, and thank you all for your help!</p>
<p>It’s not the grade itself that bothers me, it’s the fact that you are trying your hardest and still ending up with a B. Most people I know who are very good at math (being defined as someone who is studying math at Harvard or MIT) could have goofed off in school and still got A’s in math easily. Their ability and potential was just that high.</p>
<p>If you want to go to school there, then you should be preparing for AIME and USAMO. Not trying to get an A in trig.</p>
<p>Not trying to be a jerk.</p>
<p>But, if you’re serious about those schools, buy an AoPS book and teach yourself an hour or two every day for a year. Do that on top of getting A’s from here on out.</p>
<p>The B in this class isn’t that important. B in a future class would be a killer. USAMO qualifying would be a golden ticket.</p>
<p>^^Although OP listed applied math as one of his majors he doesn’t necessarily need to major in that. Taking AP Calc in junior year of high school is good and he would probably score decently well enough on the math portion of the ACT or SAT.</p>
<p>If he wants to go to MIT or CalTech, he needs to be exceptional at math. Regardless of his major.</p>
<p>" Decently well" (or even perfect) Math SAT scores != exceptional.
USAMO = exceptional.</p>
<p>All I’m saying is he needs to study for the AIME **on top of ** getting A’s from here on out… If he wants to get in.</p>
<p>Did any of you have issues with a super stressful class and have tips on handling it? I’m very active with activities and other classes, but I’d like to think I have good time management 
I know that it’s only going to get harder, thus the tutor, and I guess I’m looking for some during-test stress management, if you don’t mind :)</p>
<p>Hmm, when it comes to studying there’s not much advice to give besides the usual cliche stuff, but I’ll try my best:</p>
<p>1) Like you said, time management. Discipline yourself. Go over notes after and before class, and never take the easy way out with hard classes. Procrastinating is a big no-no. Being on top of your game will make you confident and thus less prone to nerves.</p>
<p>2) For tests never spend an inordinate amount of time on a question. Skip it and come back to it later. If you’ve done your best leading up to a test you just need to be aware that you’ve done all you can and whatever happens is okay. So what if you don’t get that A? There’s more to life and your development than just getting an A, as long as you shot for it.</p>
<p>This might be a stupid question that gets everybody all riled up…
How much weight does being female apply in terms of admissions to a male-heavy field?
Please don’t take this as me saying ‘Oh, I got a B but I’m a girl, so it doesn’t matter.’ I do not want to come across as such, but it is a serious question.
I’ve always thought it to be that if the admins were between a girl and a boy with similar stats and little differentiation, they would choose the girl if they were interested in a field in which women are the minority. Is this accurate at all?</p>
<p>Possibly. There is a push by many colleges for women to enter STEM fields.</p>