Hello,
I am currently a junior. Senior year, I am on the path to take Ap Calculus-Ab. However, my precalculus teacher does not encourage me to go on and take Ap calculus because of my C’s in precalc. I am now confronted with my own desire to take Ap calculus and the fact that I may fail or earn C’s in Ap calculus next year. Would you suggest me to follow my own desire or to face reality?
This doesn’t have a simple answer. When I took precalculus, I made low B’s and almost ended up with a C during one quarter. My precalc teacher told me that I would probably not do well in calculus, but I took it anyway and consistently make A’s and B’s. It depends on a variety of factors.
What kind of math grades did you make before precalc? Are there specific topics that you’re struggling with more in precalc?
I don’t think you should base it off of grades. I got an A in precalc but learned absolutely nothing, and I knew I would do horribly in calc (I had no desire to take it anyways, so I took stat). If you want to take calc, then take it! Most majors in college require you to take calculus, except for humanities and education for the most part, so I strongly recommend you get it done now. Anyone who tells you that calc is easier in college is lying to you! Calc is calc so I say if you’re interested- take it! You’re might have to take it anyways at some point.
@Reallycoolshoes I took Accelerated Coordinated Algebra/Geometry for Freshman year. Sophomore year I took Accelerated Geometry/Algebra. In reality, I’m just not a math person…
@RKD89023 Thanks for the advice!
Face reality. I mean, Calc AB isn’t the hardest course by any means, but if you’re struggling with Precalc, then that’s going to be a significant time investment that you just may not be able to afford.
@mrnephew Thanks, and I am one of those people who have to practice with math concepts in order to grasp it. I’m assuming that you’re good with math? I’m jealous of those who can just be taught once and immediately understand! 
I’m okay at math. I’m in a high level course for my grade - I’m in Calc AB, sophomore, but I still have to work to get everything. I used to be able to understand things in one go, but not anymore…
You’re “not a math person” and wonder if you should “face reality.” And your math teacher, who actually knows you, (unlike all of us) has advised you NOT to take AP because of your performance in her class?
Then why on earth would you consider taking a college level math course in high school?
^For college.
Yes, I understand that.
But it’s a college level course, intended for those high school kids so advanced that they can take courses intended for college kids. AP should NOT be the default course; it should be reserved for those most capable of doing well. Otherwise, the coursework simply just gets watered down so those struggling can keep up-- or else they’re left to struggle.
If it’s not your strength, you consider opting out to be “facing reality” and the one person in this conversation who KNOWS your capabilities-- your teacher-- has advised against it, then it seems to me that the question has already been answered.
I thought AB was easy with ALOT of practice, related rates and optimization were both difficult concepts to get a hang of, but with hard work they can be made easy and fun. Honestly, just ask yourself if you’re willing to put the time in to study, if not, you’re better off without it.
@bjkmom Very precise advice. Thanks! I’m just struggling to fight against my own feelings. I am personally an ambitious individual so I feel that I am not good enough for Ap math…
@mrnephew I understand that feeling…I used to get straight A’s without studying and now I’m struggling due to my lack of studying habits…
I’m taking Accelerated Precalculus so it is faster paced than a regular precalculus class…I forgot to mention it!
It depends on what the C is. Obviously, you should probably listen to your teacher. However, a C isn’t bad compared to a D. If you had a D I would completely say forget about it. You would buy a prep book or two and really make sure that your pre-calc background is strong. Review from the beginning of the year, stay for tutoring etc. Prove to your teacher that you can keep up and not slack off or struggle.