<p>I'm a junior in high school, and we're currently choosing classes for the next school year. I'm not sure if I want to take AP Calculus since that's the only other option for me to take (my high school is really small and doesn't have much class choice). </p>
<p>I know only 3 years of math is required; 4 years recommended for a UC. I'm not planning on going out of state or private colleges. Should I take AP Calculus anyways? I really don't want to because I hate math, I'm currently getting a B in Pre-Calculus. I really want to go to UCSD, UCI, or UCD. Will I dramatically hurt my chances of getting into those school if I choose not to take math my senior year? =/</p>
<p>Well UCs do look for you challenging yourself in a positive way. If you hate math to the point where you’re unsure that you’ll pull of a good grade (are you going to get a C or lower in the class), then maybe it’d be a good idea to take a lower level math class if your school offers some. I don’t think it will dramatically hurt your chances, but it definitely isn’t a plus. </p>
<p>Honestly, just do what you feel is best. Like I said before, is there a different math class you could take that would make it easier on you?</p>
<p>Sadly, there isn’t any other math I could take besides Algebra A and Algebra 2 A (both of which aren’t college prep). I think I could possibly pull a B in the class, but if I were to get a C, wouldn’t it be better than not taking math at all?</p>
<p>The general consensus (and by general, I mean what college counselors believe) is that taking an AP class and getting a C is worse than taking a regular class and getting an A. If you do think you can pull off a B, that’s fine. From what you mentioned in your OP, you aren’t aiming for top 10 schools so it’s not a huge deal!</p>
<p>If you really don’t want to take AP Calculus, maybe taking a different math course online would be great for you. But if you’re willing to put in the effort despite a lack of interest, it won’t matter what colleges think, because it’s a huge self-esteem boost. :)</p>
<p>I personally would take a normal Calculus class online and self-study the AP test, but I probably have a different learning style than you do. Just find out what works best for you! Best of luck!</p>
<p>UC’s basically DO NOT CARE about your individual subject grades in your senior year. You have to conform to your provisional admission contract, which usually requires a 3.0 UW for each semester at the higher UC’s, no D’s or F’s, and no more than 3 C’s in a semester. I think that varies a bit from campus to campus, and possibly major to major, but getting C’s in calc, while maintaining 3.0 in your senior year should be fine in most if not all cases. It MAY be different for some math intensive majors like engineering (or math;-), but it works for everything else.</p>
Best of luck!</p>