<p>Well, like many other people, I have a question on if AP Calculus would be possible for me. I have looked into some Business majors in college, and after looking at the required classes for that major, there has been one that has kept on making me shy away from that major; Calculus. Math isn't one of my strengths. I won't say I am bad at math, I just have a harder time to understand the concepts. I am a Junior in highschool, and we are currently registering for classes for next year, my Senior year. As I mentioned before, the majors I have looked at all have Calculus as a required course. However, I am still undecided on what I will for sure do with my life, but I know Calculus will help me with about any major out there (math is universal of course). So, I would really like to take AP Calc, since I know it'll look really good on my transcript for colleges and because it will help me out with majors. I just kind of feel that I won't be able to take on the heat. My Freshman and Sophomore year were horrible. I failed many of my classes but I think the reason was because I slacked off too much. Math has always been a hassle too. For Algebra II I failed, but I feel as if I could go back and do it again, I could do much better. Right now, I am in Math Skills; a math class for people that have struggled in math. So finally, from all that jabber, here is my question. Would taking AP Calc be a smart decision, taking in account the cons (not a very good history on math) and the pros (Calc is a very good class and knowledge for what I want to study). Right now, I am on the Straight A Honor Roll and have a good GPA for this year, my cumulative is low since I wasn't very smart to take school serious. I know this question is confusing, but if you can understand what I said and have knowledge of a Calc course, maybe you could tell me what I should study or if I am ready for Calc. I pay more attention and I dont slack. I know that isnt enough, so I need help from a pro! Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>If you do not have strong algebra skills and pre-calculus, then I would strongly advise against AP calculus at this time. Find out what is the next LOGICAL course to improve your math skills (I suggest asking your Math Skills teacher).</p>
<p>Well, right now I have been working on Trigonometry and some of the math that was in Algebra II (I have the same teacher for Math Skills as I did for Algebra II). We use Kahn Academy and that has helped a great lot. I have been brushing up on my Algebra since I am more focused on school and try very hard in all my classes. Is there any subjects in math that you think I should take to prepare me for Calc, or is it just not possible to learn the crucial math for Calc over the summer?</p>
<p>It might be possible to learn pre-calc and trig over the summer, but I think you’d be much better off getting a thorough grounding now and taking calculus when you get to college.</p>
<p>Can you register for AP Calculus and then drop it if you decide over the summer that you are still not where you need to be? If you are intent on catching up over the summer, get a pre-calculus book and do as many problems as you can stomach, particularly ones with answers in the back. </p>
<p>Don’t feel pressured to rush into a math class you aren’t ready for. There are many kids who take Calculus (and even pre-Calculus) in college. Most schools will assume you have not take Calculus and the curriculum will be set up so that the courses that need calculus will be delayed until the second year.</p>