I’m currently a rising sophomore who’s going to be taking Precalculus next year as my math course. The year after that I will be taking AP Calculus. My plan this summer was to study for the SAT since I already have all of the prerequisites for math and feel decently confident in my reading and writing abilities, which I intend to practice and improve on. I came across some other forum questions with students asking “Should I study precalc over the summer?” This got me thinking, should I do the same or should I continue doing what I am right now? I have until August 1st to study for whichever one I choose. I was thinking that I could study for precalc and eventually test out of the class, making it possible for me to take AP Calc next year and not the year after, making my course load for Junior year much easier.
My question here really is whether or not I should continue studying for the SAT, or if I should switch off and study precalc. If I was to study precalc it would probably be on Khan Acadamy since I’m well adjusted to the learning style on there and often use it as a tool for other classes as well.
Why not take the August SAT without studying, studying precalc in the summer?
And you better be 110% sure that your high school allows testing out of pre-requisites and AP Calc will fit your schedule.
Personally, I’d recommend taking the August SAT with minimal studying (maybe take a few sample tests, that’s it, less than 20 hours), then do really well in pre-calc during the year and take AP Calc BC next year.
Rhandco Thank you for your response. Although, I’m having some confusion with what you’re saying. Why would I take the official SAT without studying? If I wanted to see what my score would be like, couldn’t I just take a practice test? I have several books sitting at home with 3-5 practice tests in each. Sorry, I’m just a bit confused as to why I would want to do this.
Yes, my HS does allow me to test out of classes. We’re required to receive at least a 90%, I believe. If I was to test out of the class I would transfer to AP Calc BC this coming school year.
I would recommend- Study for the August SAT.
Do not rush through Pre-Calc. It is the foundation for Calc. If you are so super fantastic at Pre-calc honors that you get an “A” and honestly really understand the concepts super easily, then skip to AP Calc BC junior year then Multi Variable Senior year. If you struggle with Pre-Calc or are more of a plug and chug type of math student, then take AP AB junior year followed by AP BC senior year. You will undoubtedly repeat calc 2 or 3 in college either way if you are a STEM major so DO NOT RUSH THROUGH CALC in high school only to end up taking stats senior year, getting low grades or not thoroughly understanding the concepts or something like that. You will miss the chance to get a solid foundation for all of college level math and engineering courses.
Naviance, Thanks for your response as well. Here are the two options I have:
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Study precalc this summer, test out and take AP Calc BC next year followed by Multivariable junior year and linear algebra senior year (or stats, not too sure yet)
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Study for the SAT and take it in August
A second ago I had thought of three options, but ended up completely blacking out. These are the only two I can think of.
I know this is very premature, but for college, I’ll probably end up majoring in BME and minoring in political science.