<p>At Andover I'm signed up for Precalculus. I haven't taken Algebra II though, and I was wondering if the two are related or if I will be fine and they are separate.</p>
<p>I think that is a mistake, regardless if they are related. You should transfer to Algebra 2.</p>
<p>I can’t really relate to Andover, as it may follow a different curriculum (but for the most part schools will be similar, maybe the teacher expects more out of you)… Last year I took Honors Advanced Algebra and Trig (AlgII honors) and this year I was, originally, signed up for precalculus. After taking a placement test and getting a great grade on it they pushed for me to take AP Calculus… The syllabus was very similar (almost the same thing) except Precalculus had a small intro on limits (which are easy anyway)…</p>
<p>However, Precalculus expects you to have a background in Advanced Algebra (which is quite easy) while Algebra II does not. I think you will do fine… </p>
<p>Can you give me the link to both the Algebra II textbook and the Precalculus textbook? Chances are they will be VERY similar.</p>
<p>You need to take Algebra 2 before Pre-Calc</p>
<p>The big thing is that they dive right into the trigonometric algebra (at least they do here). You need to be able to comprehend with all that. I think it is doable, but because the curriculums may differ I am not sure.</p>
<p>It is certainly not beyond you, but remember, you are going to Andover (I highly doubt I have to remind you, you must be so excited). You will be surrounded by a plethora of activities and other challenging courses which will demand your attention. </p>
<p>If you want to go ahead, I think the Algebra II to AP calculus jump is far more reasonable. I am not saying you can’t do it (because, trust me, both are easy if you have a good Algebra I and Geometry foundation), but you may have a better use for your time. </p>
<p>Trigonometry was the hardest part last year. After we learned it it was easy, but then we had to apply it to anything and everything else we did. If you are a fast learner and are willing to devote your time, you can do it.</p>
<p>SoontoBoard, you said you “signed up” for precalculus? I thought you dont’ get to say what level of math you want to be at. You will be placed based on your placement test. No? Do you see your class schedule on PANet? It seems to me that only returning students can access their schedules online at this point.</p>
<p>If Dean of Studies or any school official approves your schedule, that should be fine. They review every student’s schedule and they place in a right way.</p>
<p>My D attends Saint mark’s School, and their math path is
- Honor Algebra II –> Honor Precalculus –> AP Claculus BC or
- Algebra II – Functions –> AP Calculus AB or Calculus depending on students grade in Functionc class </p>
<p>After each class teacher evaluates students level and they place students in the right level of class for next year.</p>
<p>So if school official approved your schedule, I believe you have right background and qualification to take the class. Or in the worst case, you can change after the first couple of weeks if it is not a right course for you.</p>
<p>No, I talked to my dorm counselor and he said that I am in Math 320 (Precalculus) not 310. I wrote 310 (Algebra II) on the form where you say what classes you want to be in in April when I took my placement test.</p>
<p>Glad you solved the problem!</p>
<p>Ah! No I didn’t!</p>
<p>The way I found out that I was in Precalculus was by asking my Dorm Counselor if I had made it into Math 310. I’m planning on asking them why they think I should take Precalculus when I get there. Either they made a mistake, or I did well enough on my placement test to take Precalculus (which doesn’t make much sense to me) and I guess I’ll find out when I get there.</p>
<p>SoontoBoard- There is no separate algebra II course at Andover. They teach you what you need to know in algebra in addition to precalc concepts. This is a very normal placement for entering lowers.</p>
<p>Wait, what?</p>
<p>What about Math 310? It’s totally in my course booklet. Okay, well, this is good then. Math is my weakest point and I didn’t want to be overwhelmed. Phew.</p>
<p>I entered as a new upper in Math590, so take this with a grain of salt. But my understanding was that the 310/320/330 sequence was roughly equivalent to Algebra II while 340/350/360 was roughly equivalent to Precalc. I think you’ve just placed out of the first term of Algebra II.</p>
<p>Soontoboard, if you look at the course catalog of 08-09, Math 320 is “Intermediate Algebra”, and 330/340/350/360 are precal, but in the 09-10 catalog, there is no course for “Intermediate Algebra”, and 320 through 360 are all pre-cal. I think they combined advanced algebra and pre-cal together now, so you are right at your level and should be fine.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your help. Especially you, PAParent. I was quite worried. Now Im kind of excited that its sort of a mixed class.</p>
<p>Yeah… The only difference really is that you will have to learn Limits and Transmissions, and apply advanced algebra topics into a greater debth.</p>