Hi! So I started out in high school in a lower math track than most of my friends as I was in Algebra 1 freshman year. But I’ve gotten solid A’s since freshman year in math so I don’t think I’m too horrible at it. However, I’m in algebra 2 right now as a junior and I was wondering if it would be a smart idea for someone in the same math track as me to take pre-calc over the summer at a community college so that I can be in AP Calc AB like everyone else in senior yr. I’m mostly considering this because I heard in college Calculus is much harder than it is in high school. Can you guys give me advice on whether I should take it or not? Will it be too hard? Will I miss out on a lot of information by taking it as a summer course? Or should I just take pre-calc during senior yr? Thanks so much
You should consider whether the summer class is affordable and whether you’d rather do something else with that time in the summer. Other than that, I don’t see any reason you shouldn’t do this. The material should be pretty much the same.
bump?
In an earlier post you stated you were taking a pre-calc class meant for seniors? Was that incorrect? I would talk with a guidance counselor at your high school and see if others have taken the class over the summer. Summer class schedules at community colleges should already be out, check out the teacher on rate my prof. Obviously take it with a grain of salt, but it could give an overall feel for the prof.
Other things to think about: When are you planning to take ACT/SAT tests? They do have a few pre-cal/trig questions on the exam. Calc AB can be much more difficult than Algebra 2. Think about what you would like to major in and see if Calc is something that aligns with it. Good luck!
If you can afford it - definitely take it. You will save more by taking it in high school than In college
@jcmom716 I want to go the pre-med route and I’m thinking of majoring in neuroscience or biology. I was going to take the pre-calc class meant for seniors in my math track but I feel like it would be better to take pre-calc over the summer and take Calc AB senior as I feel like selective colleges would probably look at pre-calc senior year and see it as a red flag. Do you really think taking pre-calc over the summer would help me with the ACT/SAT? I’m taking both this yr.
It will depend on the prof and the class. There aren’t usually too many questions on the ACT/SAT with trig but there can be some. If you want to go pre-med it would be good to take Calc AB senior year. It would also be good to show you took a course over the summer to catch up with your class. IMO I would still speak with your guidance counselor to see how others have done this, or talk with head of the math dept in your school. Good luck!