So junior was really bad because I has to work full time each week, so about 40 hours per week. I had to do this, like I had no choice. Obviously, this interfered with my academics and pre calculus. My teacher thought I was a slacker and didn’t know anything about my situation. So he recommended me for Honors Calculus. The problem is that I have self-studied most of calculus and I can do pretty well in AP Calculus. My school doesn’t seem keen on letting me take AP Calculus. But I am more than capable. I can even take in multivariable calculus. People who have done worse than myself are taking AP. They most likely won’t let me take AP. Final schedules are being released tomorrow. I want to go into neuroscience and eventually become a neurosurgeon. Will I be penalized for not taking AP Calculus for college admissions? Does it matter in the greater picture if I don’t take it? I know I can do better than honors, but they apparently don’t. My school hates it when people try to move up for some reason…what should I do? I don’t want to be stuck in honors, it will be a breeze and boring. Should I take the AP exam at the end of the year? I have already learned calculus. Should I just prove my capabilities in a placement test in college? I want to tell myself that this doesn’t matter, but I’m sort of becoming angry about it. They didn’t even let me borrow a book for AP, so now I don’t have the summer assignment done, which seems deliberate on their part. What should I do?
I am sorry to tell you that yes, if you want to go to a great college (Ivy League and such) it will be bad for you. Try hard to get into the class and if not, take the ap exam at the end of the year. You see, if you do take it, colleges won’t care much; however, If you do not take it at all it will be bad for you in the end.
@Giovuhnni Thanks dude! This is probably a problem for my reach school. Btw, I like the way you spell your name lol
Sorry to disagree with the above poster, but no, it will not be a disadvantage if, and this is a big if, the rest of your schedule is rigorous enough that your GC marks your schedule as “most rigorous.” Of course, AP would be better, but it will not be the end of the world if you don’t get in. As an aside, many people get into top colleges without any calculus; not having AP in not a death knell.
Feel free to take the AP exam if you choose; it will benefit you will placement and/or credit, although it will be of no use in the admissions process.
@skieurope Well I am taking Honors English, AP Biology, AP Euro, and AP Spanish Literature. I do plan on majoring in neuroscience. I’m just worried because I have read that calculus is a must in the sciences.
It is a must for the sciences. However, there are 2 different issues. One is getting into college and two is completing the requirements for your major once in college. Not having AP Calculus as a class will not prevent you from getting into college. Once in college, you will undoubtedly need calculus, either taken in college, or via AP credit. You can still take a regular HS calculus class an fill in the blanks with some prep to take the AP AB exam if you desire.