My S did not get a great math foundation in high school, no one in his class even got a 3 on the BC Calc exam. he was expecting to be in 151 math but got placed into 131 math. Mostly because he has taken some time off and has not had PreCalc in 2 years. he did not bother with the Calc placement test. he is the first person from his school to attend UChicago so has no way of comparing his prep with prior peers.
High school math was always easy but that was at a “regular” high school. he is looking at being a Chem, Molecular Engineering or Bio Major or possibly econ although would not rule out Physics or PreMed.
It says that for ME and Chem if you take 130 you must get an A-. For physics it says see the department head to discuss. But I dont want him to be overwhelmed as a freshman so if placed in 130 should he just stay there? He spent an hour reviewing material he had not seen in 2 years but he said what he reviewed was not on the test for the most part and he got above an 80 on the placement test
Also on what basis should he pick sections? Are all math and chem instructors the same? Do some grade more generously than others, do some adjust curves differently than others? Where do you find the ratings and evaluations. I know there is a click through in the course catalog, anyplace else?
He can always consult the math department for a new placement and if 150s are too much he can drop back to 130s. I got an 88 on the placement test but I placed into 160s because of my 5 on BC. If he got above an 80 it suggests that his pre calculus isn’t the issue but rather his weak AP exam scores. I’m just speculating though, he should get in contact with the math department for sure.
^Thank you, good luck in 160.
I forgot exactly what he got, in the low 80s. He did well in the BC Calc class but did poorly on the AP (so did everyone else) but he has not sent any of his APs since none are for prereq so they have no idea what he got on the AP test. Sounds like he was on the border of 130/150.
I know this is not very Chicago and I have no idea how he feels but I am fine with him going where he is placed as long as it does not disadvantage him later. That is my real question, does it?
It sounds like for a math major it does not matter because whether you take 150 or 130 you still have to take a 200 level proofs class later that you do not take after 160. So it seems odd that for a Physics major it may and I am concerned since ME might be competitive to be accepted that they will take a 160 over him if they can pick and choose. Do they? Can they?
Well let me lay some sweet insider knowledge, ME is now open to as many kids who want to take it. No more restrictions on how many can declare the major.
@Trickster2212 Cool! What happened?!