Math Classes in High School

Applying to College
1

I know most colleges expect 4 years of math, but by the end of sophomore year I will have tested out of the 4 required math classes at my school. I planned on taking AP Calc AB, but as math is not my best subject, I am worried that it will negatively effect my GPA. I know AP Calc BC is a lot harder, and realistically it would not make sense for me to take it in Senior year if I am going to fail, or bomb the exam. Would colleges understand that I was on an accelerated track and therefore chose to take AP Stats along with AP Calc AB instead of AP Calc AB/BC?

2

Calculus in 11th grade is two grade levels advanced, but “math is not [your] best subject”?

In any case, taking calculus in high school means that you have completed the normal four years of high school math (algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, precalculus/trignometry). Only a few colleges require or expect calculus in high school, and none require anything more advanced than calculus, so you should be fine with calculus in high school.

If you live in the state of Washington, be aware of the Washington publics’ 12th grade math requirement, though a chemistry, physics, statistics, or AP computer science course in 12th grade counts: http://admit.washington.edu/apply/freshman/policies/cadr#math-based-quantitative .

3

If you take calculus AB junior year, you could take AP Statistics senior year or check with your local community college to see what math classes they offer beside calculus 2 (discrete math? College statistics?)

4

Be aware that many college majors, including all sciences including biology, business, and economics, may require a year of calculus. High school calculus AB that covers material at a slower pace than college calculus may be a more gentle introduction, although colleges often offer a “calculus for business majors” that covers the material less rigorously.

5

I agree with @MYOS1634 Based on the limited information we have it seems to make sense to take Calc A/B junior year and AP Stat senior year. I’d also recommend that you discuss this with your guidance counselor.