<p>I am a high school student who took the full IB diploma but I have not taken any courses in higher level physics, chemistry nor computer science. However I have a very firm background in math, especially calculus.</p>
<p>Do you think if I worked hard enough, I could manage the engineering curriculum, just through the intro physics, engineering courses in UMichigan? Would I really need the high school experience in these sciences in order to keep in pace with the rest of the engineering students?</p>
<p>I am fully aware that UMichigan students are very hard working and intelligent and that UMichigan is definitely not a place where I can reach the top easily, no matter how good I think I am. </p>
<p>It's just that although I have taken liberal arts classes in high school, I have a passion for math, especially in courses like engineering and specifically, comp eng, and comp sci. I was just wondering if it is too late to make a career shift.</p>
<p>I’m also an IB diploma candidate, and I haven’t taken the HLs you mentioned either. I’m taking HL Biology and Math, along with some liberal arts HLs. I wouldn’t worry about engineering in college. Even though I haven’t been through any real engineering courses yet, I know that I’m being well-prepared by IB for whatever comes my way.</p>
<p>You seem to not understand what an average school offers…</p>
<p>For instance, my school didn’t offer comp sci at all (not even a non-AP comp sci). I only went through Calc BC (and a large number of people in Engineering only went through AB because their school didn’t have BC). Many didn’t have AP Chem at their school, even more didn’t have Physics C. </p>
<p>Your preparation is far better than most people in Engineering. Not worse. Don’t worry.</p>
<p>In High School, I only took AP English and a couple Honors Science classes(but no AP science classes). The Highest Math I took was Pre-Calculus. I just finished my first semester with a GPA well over the average for a freshman engineer. So as far as the core courses required for engineering majors(Calc, Programming, Chem, etc), im doing pretty well. If you put in the work, you will do fine.</p>
<p>yo, dont worry about it. u’re gona do fine. i came in this yr with pretty much the same or less exp as u. i didn’t know anything about physics, absolutely NOTHING at all about physics, and still got a B(soooooo close to a B+). not that a B is great, but its really possible that you’ll get A- or something if u try hard. I dont know anything about chem either, so i can’t comment about that. Judging from wat my friends said, it’s really not that difficult either. Dont worry.=]</p>
<p>^^ Since the highest math you took was pre-calculus, which math course you first took in UofM? My twin brother is deferred and the highest math he is taking at high school is pre-calculus. Any information will be helpful to him.</p>
<p>If the highest he took was Pre-Calc then he should take Math 115. I don’t think there’s an honors Calc 1 except for Math 295 (which is very hard).</p>
<p>I managed to get a B+ in MATH 115(Calc 1) without prior experience in the subject, but I would not necessarily reccomend it. If a person is shooting for A’s then I’d suggest MATH 105(Pre-Calculus) during the first semester and MATH 115 during the second semester. UofM Math is tough, so it is a much better idea that he develops a strong foundation before moving into the tougher material. </p>
<p>MATH 115: Tricky class, hard material
MATH 105: Tricky class, much easier material(still somewhat challenging though)</p>
<p>He just has to decide whats best for him. One things for sure though, theres alot more people who regret taking MATH 115 first(when compared to people who took MATH 105 first).</p>
<p>I ended up doing very well this semester, but I’m vary nervous about taking Math 115. Even though I’m sort of good at math, Michigan math is a different story. Anything at U-M is manageable. It just takes effort and good time management skills, which can be developed over time. </p>
<p>I came in with minimal knowledge of chemistry. I actually got a 5% on the placement exam, but I was 3 questions away (Final Exam) from getting an A- in the class. I went to office hours every week, read the book and did hundreds of problems. Even though I only got a B+ (Which I’m proud of), hard work goes a long way.</p>
<p>Thanks for the wonderful feedback. I am doing Calculus III in OCC but my brother is not a big fan of math. I guess he will be better off with Math 105.</p>
<p>math105? engineering? are u ****ting me?even LSA kids take 115. i only know one kid in engineering(and idk how the hell in the world he got a 70 on one of the exams) taking math 105. do u even get credits for that? OP stated that he’s pretty good with calc, so 115 shouldn’t be that hard for him. i honestly dont know how you’re going to catch up to ur peers if u take 105. by the time u finish ur 2nd yr, u wouldve only finished calc 3… you’d be really behind.</p>
<p>I was referring to adam14’s brother who has only taken Pre-Calc, not the OP. </p>
<p>I’d have to disagree with you though. The “I dont want to fall behind” mentality is a big part of why alot of students(specifically freshman) are disappointed with their GPA. Students need to let go of their pride and learn to stop taking on more than they can handle.</p>
<p>The reality is, if a student is not confident in their abilities and still takes MATH 115, its likely the best they can hope for is a B-, but they will probably do worse. I know plenty of faculty who reccomend taking MATH 105, as it sets students up for success in future math courses(it allows them to adjust to Michigan math).</p>
<p>If a person does not care about their GPA, then i guess taking a class they cant handle is fine. IMO, a low GPA is what puts students behind, not taking one extra class.</p>
<p>i dont care if that person taking 105 is in LSA,but if he/she is in engineering, and taking 105, he/she is gona have some problem handling other courses.</p>
<p>If an engineering student is planning to graduate in 5 years, taking Math 105 might be a good idea to start with. Math 115 is a difficult course that expects students to have some math background. If you think your precalc class was not strong and/or you didn’t take math your senior year in hs, math 105 might be the better choice. That said, square is right that a lot of engineering courses will require math but if you dedicate yourself to learning calc I and II thoroughly, you shouldn’t have a problem when you begin to take these courses.</p>