Math is not my strong point in the slightest, and in college I want to major in political science. I am taking 3 APs currently (English, World, and Spanish), and I’m doing well in all 3, however, in pre-calculus academic I am struggling quite a bit. I’m actually spending more time studying for precalc than all of my APs combined, which in my opinion is a problem.
I made an appointment with my guidance counselor yesterday and he recommended dropping, but it would change my whole schedule and I’m pretty well adjusted as of today. I also don’t want a withdraw on my transcript, and I’m already in the remedial physics (which I have an A+ in).
They would put me in “advanced algebra and trigonometry” and senior year I could either take statistics honors or college preparatory math. Also, I heard colleges want every high school student to take calculus/precalc, but I’d probably end this class with a C+ at best.
What would look better-dropping to remedial and getting the A, or staying in precalc and getting the C?
Never heard of “remedial physics” in high school. Usually, students who do not like science stop after biology and/or chemistry and avoid physics altogether (not recommended if you want to apply to more selective colleges or study something in college that requires physics in college).
Regarding math, more selective colleges likely prefer math through precalculus; some prefer calculus if you complete precalculus prior to 12th grade. What math have you completed, what are your various math path options, and what college math does each option prepare you for?
Political science (and other social sciences) will require statistics and other quantitative skills; consider statistical analysis of polls and elections. While introductory-level college statistics or similar (equivalent to high school AP statistics) may be sufficient for many political science majors, those who want to go deeper into the subject may want stronger preparation (e.g. calculus and calculus-based statistics).
Example major-specific quantitative methods course for undergraduate political science majors: https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~gailmard/syl.ps3.pdf
Example short math preparation course for political science PhD students: http://www.guadalupetunon.com/uploads/1/8/9/0/18901061/2016_mc_syllabus.pdf