<p>So it is my understanding that the intro math courses at duke are very difficult. I'm in Calc BC now however I don't think I'll be able to get the credit for either calc 1 or 2 so I'll be starting at calc one. I here Calc 2 has the biggest fail rate out of any of the classes but I also understand that most students start at calc 2 rather than 1. My question is, will taking calc 1 better prepare me for second semester calculus or is it pretty much fair game for everyone. And also, does anyone have any tips on how I can be successful in these classes? That would be really helpful.</p>
<p>I had 5’s on the AP test, 36 on the ACT, 800 on the SAT and SAT II. Started with multi variable, managed to get a B, and could not have been happier. The professors do very little in the way of quality teaching and everything is from the book. You pretty much have to teach yourself and everything is on a curve. As much as I’ve been impressed with all things being Duke, the math department is a major disappointment. Remember you are not graded on how you do, you are graded on you do versus the person next to you who has equally impressive credentials.</p>
<p>^Yes, avoid intro math courses at Duke as much as possible. If you can place out in any way, do it. (Coming from an engineer…I took 3 math courses + stats - started in MV like tennisforall). Saying that “professors do very little in the way of quality teaching” is a bit harsh, though, as it’s HEAVILY influenced by your individual professor. There are some amazing professors in the intro math courses - the issue is that the odds are stacked against you at getting one since their sections fill up really fast. I had a great professor in Differential Equations II, which was the last required math course in the sequence for engineers. It still was far from easy, though. And, yes, I too had a 5 on the AP Calc BC test, 800 on SAT II, although only a 34 on the Math ACT. 
The curves are harsh and the students are well-prepared; it’s not like high school math at all. In fact, I know someone who got a 5 on Calc BC, and ended up getting a C- in Calc II. He regretted that decision to “take it again.” My advice is to stay on top of the homework, textbook, form a study group, possibly get a peer tutor if needed (which Duke offers its students for free and pays them for you), and try to find notes from a student in one of the “good” sections.</p>
<p>Note: higher level math courses that are heavily theoretical may not fall under the same rubric.</p>
<p>Avoiding the intro courses is sort of out of the question for me. I just wanted to know if taking Calc 1 will prepare me better for calc 2 as opposed to those going straight into calc 2?</p>
<p>Unless you have absolutely zero mastery of basic calculus/math, I recommend jumping directly to calc 2 and getting it over with if you can. If you’ve already taken some form of calculus in high school, you should have enough of a foundation that simply studying and working hard will suffice to pull you through if you start at calc 2 (potentially to even an A). </p>
<p>Sure, taking calc 1 might mentally prepare you (i.e. study habits/familiarity of teaching style) for calc 2, but math here is so miserable/difficult/tedious/poorly taught/frustrating (note that I’m referring to introductory math only) that it’s simply not worth it if you can just take one semester of calc 2 and be done. </p>
<p>(Sorry double post)
The reason that it’s so difficult is because calculus is a pre-req for a lot of popular fields of study such as econ/engineering/premed/many science majors. Therefore, it’s used as a primary “weedout” course to thin the competition early on.</p>
<p>Hey, sorry if my question sounds redundant, but would you recommend math 105(25L) for someone who never took AP Calculus in high school? </p>
<p>Hey polodolly,</p>
<p>It’s certainly feasible to do well in that course even if you haven’t had previous exposure to calculus. The concepts in calculus are not difficult to understand so going in from scratch shouldn’t be a problem so long as you’re motivated and keep up with the material. That means doing homework regularly/going to office hours when you need help/putting in extra hours on weekends to do additional practice problems. </p>
<p>Essentially if you don’t underestimate the class then you should be just fine!</p>
<p>(and no worries…ask away!)</p>
<p>The thing is, the ap test is next week for me and theres zero time to study and you need a 4 or a 5 on the AP to place put of it. Thatswhat I mean by placing out of it is not an option</p>