Math 115 or Math 185

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>I have Orientation tomorrow, so this definitely qualifies as last minute.</p>

<p>I took Calc BC in High School and got A's both semesters. But I didn't take the class to learn; I had other priorities. Come AP Exam time, I barely slept the night before and hadn't studied. I didn't even get a 3 on the AB portion. I can say with confidence that I don't know Calculus very well.</p>

<p>I know the Honors Math/ Regular Math debate has been answered in other threads, but I am more interested in which course to take in the context of getting a good grade. Here's my grasp over the options:</p>

<p>185
-- Much nicer curve
-- Classmates are dedicated
- Harder course
- More theoretical material</p>

<p>115
-- Easier material
-- More applied material
- Harder curve
- Tricky tests</p>

<p>I don't particularly like Math, but plan on taking a few semesters. I think I want to take Honors Applied II second semester.</p>

<p>Overall, I am not leaning towards one or the other. A higher percentage of students in 185 get A's. However, 185 has more proofs and the material - as far as I can tell - is generally more difficult than that of 115. Since the label 'Honors' is placed on 185, those students are likely smarter or more motivated to begin with. So the higher percentage of A's may simply be the result of that. </p>

<p>I know my calculation seems primarily concerned with the grade. I realize that isn't a <em>great</em> way to pick a class. However, that is my primary criteria (not <em>entire</em> criteria) for my first semester of college. The quality of the material and professors are also important criteria, of course. I realize the urge to criticize my methodology for choosing a course may be hard to overcome. So I am fine if you would like to convince me to choose a different method of picking courses. However, please assign a recommendation based on your method of picking courses if you choose to criticize mine.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance</p>

2

<p>when you go to orientation, talk to your advisor. s/he will give you info on where you should be based on your placement and your ap scores. if you are tested to be aat the 115 level, take it, and if you tell your counselor your current situation and she agrees your in shape to take 185, take 185.</p>

3

<p>115 is pretty easy. Very little work (team homeworks have virtually no effect on your grade) and the tests aren't bad.</p>

4

<p>I know its not strictly relevant, but I took the Honors Applied Calc 2&3 last year (156, 255 I believe). They were both easy. I know that's a bit qualitative, but the course seemed more like my high school course where most kids got A's or B's on the exams and there wasn't too large of a curve. That and we had no online homework which was quite nice. From what I've heard, 185 was similar. If you had BC calc you should be ok to take either.</p>

5

<p>I'd say the best math sequence at Michigan would go:</p>

<p>115-156-255-216.</p>