Self Study AP Calculus AB??

Test Preparation AP Mathematics & Computer Science
1

So my school offers Calculus AB, but they are telling me not take it because I didn’t do well on Second Semester Precalc (Vectors, Polar Coordinates, DMS stuff, etc.). Would it look bad to elite colleges if I took AP Calc outside of school even though my school offers the course?
The course wouldn’t go on my transcript, but I’d get the AP Score.

2

Please??? I really need help with this!

3

If you arenot doing a STEM major just take a different math. What was your grade in pre calc if you feel like you suffered your better of not taking calc and get a bad grade that would look bad to elite colleges.

4

I also doubt (maybe i am wrong) that you would want to take 8 classes plus your extra c.'s

5

@Bobbx123 For me I’ll definitely be doing a STEM major, but I took just the exams… The vectors and polar coordinates were what killed me, but the Trig was fine.

I’m really considering just self-studying the course, but instead doing BC, while doing Precalculus (so I don’t mess up my GPA). Is this reasonable or would this look bad?

6

I dont think the colleges need to know where you took the test. I have taken two AP exams outside of my school bcz my school doesnt offer them. The only thing colleges see is the grade

7

It might not help, but it won’t hurt. My nonexpert opinion would be to give it a shot. If you do well, maybe you could somehow incorporate into your application (in an essay or personal statement) that you aren’t the kind of student who takes no for an answer and persevere when it comes to learning. That you knew you could surmount your previous difficulties with the subject and do well. My daughter had to read October Sky/ Rocket Boys for English this year. The autobiography includes how Homer Hickam wasn’t allowed to take calculus in his high school and self studied. He went on (among other things) to be a NASA engineer. Don’t take calculus to impress faceless college administrators. But if it’s something you want to learn, find a way to do it.

8

I wonder what grade you are in now. If you are in your senior year, flat out, you are probably too late to make that move. If you are a junior now, then aim for the AP test. It will look good on your personal statement if indeed you pass the exam.
If you just want to learn the concepts anyways, then study it for your own sake.