Math in College

<p>In high school math has typically been my worst subject. I'm getting a solid B in AB Calculus this year without too much work. If I get a 4 or 5 on the AP test, will I be prepared to start Calc 2 in college? Or should I retake Calc 1 to make sure I have a good foundation?</p>

<p>In your experience, has math been more difficult in college than high school?</p>

<p>College math is a little bit more on your own than high school AP; if you can handle that, then go on to Calc II. If you think if might be a problem, then consider retaking Calc I--in my opinion anyway.</p>

<p>I took Calc 1 my junior year in h.s. and got a 4 on my AP test. I didn't take caluculus my senior year. Now, I'm a college freshman and I'm taking Calc 2 after a year and a half since my last Calculus class. I'm not going to lie, it is tough. There is a lot of work and it takes a little bit to get back into it. However, it is certainly not impossible. After my first test, I am in the B+/A- range in the class. So, as long as you do get that 4 or 5 on the AP test, I would encourage you to go to Calc 2. If all you want is an easy A, however, then go ahead and retake Calc 1.</p>

<p>Calculus I and II were easy for me. Discrete Math was kind of hard for me and Linear Algebra was a bit of a challenge. And Statistics was a lot of hard work but not too terrible. Really depends on whether you're just naturally good at math/logic.</p>

<p>I really think you should be fine for Calculus II. Just be sure to find a decent professor for it if possible.</p>

<p>College calculus will probably be hard for you no matter what if math isn't your strongest subject. If Calc II means multivariable (that's what I could place into with a 4/5 on the BC), it may be very difficult. I decided to do multivariable with a 5 BC score, and I still don't feel very qualified relative to other students. The idea of repeating BC-style calculus was even less appealing to me, so I decided to stay in multivariable, although I don't plan to make a high grade in the class. Fortunately, my other classes are on the easier side, so I should be able to make up for the low grade.</p>

<p>It is really up to you to decide whether you want to learn new, different material even if you might not get an A or a B in the class. Also, some majors may require multivariable, so it may be helpful to get it done right away.</p>

<p>Based on the fact that you're taking AB, not BC, and that math is not typically your strong suit, I think you're wise to consider starting with Calc I. College calculus will move much more quickly, and a solid grasp is worth it for all that follows. But don't worry, you will undoubtedly get advice on placement during orientation at whatever college you attend, and there is often a decent period allowed for shifting back and forth between levels.</p>

<p>by calc 2 I meant second semester of calc, not second year. anyway, i think sac is right... i will just wait and see.</p>

<p>take calc 1</p>

<p>It also depends on your major. If you're a science, engineering, math, econ, etc major/minor, certainly take calc 1....you'll use it all the time, and a good base is essential. On the other hand, if you're, for example, an english major, I don't see how taking calc 2 will hurt. If you got a 5 on the ab exam, a good number of kids will be around your level, and if you need to get through a certain level for general education requirements, then you'll be done with the math a semester earlier.</p>

<p>:)</p>

<p>Different opinion than those above me...</p>

<p>My school has calc II for those who took calc I here, and calc II for those who took calc I elsewhere (btw, calc II is NOT multivariable here, that's calc III). I took AB calc in high school, got an A in the class but failed the AP exam. I ended up taking calc II anyway, and did well and finished the semester with an A-. So, if you're comfortable with calculus, I'd take the next level, but if you're not comfortable with it consider retaking the class.</p>

<p>You could ask an advisor to find out what material is covered in Calc II. I took Calc AB and got a 4, and I've heard that our Calc II has a huge overlap with AB.</p>

<p>if you aren't majoring in something related to math, and you're not that good at math, there's probably no reason to take calc II</p>

<p>if ur bad at math , what makes you think youll get a 4 or 5 on the ap test and not a 1 or 2....... or are you "college confidential BAD at math" meaning your really good just not compared to ur perfect other skills.</p>

<p>CC bad at math... I only got a 730 on my math sat, sigh (jk)</p>

<p>haha yeah im similar to that. except i always thought i was great at math until coming here, where im well below average</p>

<p>Holy crap, you're all scaring me. I'm a senior right now and I didn't even take trig...I took algebra II last year and that's it. Is my math grade in college going down the drain?</p>

<p>College mathematics is TOUGH. Competition has a lot to do with it as well.</p>

<p>Linear Algebra is so much harder than calculus 3.</p>