I am currently a freshman taking advanced geometry planning next years schedule.
My parents have advised me to take both Honors Algebra II and Honors Calculus/Trigonometry.
I am not sure about that idea though. My top career choices right now are either law or engineering.
Has anyone here done that? Would you recommend I do it?
Why? You are already ahead in math. I see no benefit in doubling up. As long as you take calculus in HS you are fine for virtually any college.
For Engineering, you want to take Calculus in HS. You are on track for that.
Some people do double up and then get to Calc BC or Multivariable Calc in HS…but there is no particular need for that.
Do you do well in math? Do you love math?
You’ll need to know the Algebra II to do well in Trig and Calc.
If the topics aren’t taught in the right order, you’ll be in real trouble.
I am not a math nerd, but I don’t dislike it. I already to have some foundations in Algebra II (don’t know how many of you are familiar with Kumon, but I am right now finishing up level J).
If I DON’T double up this year then I would take…
Sophomore- Honors Algebra II
Junior- Honors Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
Senior- AP Calculus I
If I DO double up then I would take…
Sophomore- Honors Algebra II and Honors Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
Junior- AP Calculus I
Senior- AP Calculus II
The primary reason I would be taking both classes is 1) Taking Calculus II my senior year which I heard collages like to hear for engineering 2) More AP classes, my school doesn’t offer that many in the first place and I have heard that I should take at least 4-5 AP classes in my high school career
Hope this helps, because I really don’t know what to do right now.
What does your math teacher and guidance counselor suggest? Is this a common path in your school? Can you take Algebra II over the summer so you have that knowledge in place before you take Pre-Calc?
I’d pay attention to @bjkmom who I believe is a math teacher.
You cannot take Algebra2 and precalculus concurrently because they’re sequential classes (kind of like trying to take Russian 2 at the same time as Russian 1). So, is your school on block scheduling?
My kids’ school makes that double up plan work by doing a double math period and it’s all algebra 2 topics first semester and all precalc second semester. Like others have said, it doesn’t make sense to try them at the same time.
In my school it is a common occurrence to double up on classes.
I have thought about taking Algebra II over the summer but I will be working as a waitress at a restaurant that specializes in breakfasts, and all the summer Algebra II courses at my local community college are in the morning.
BTW- My school has 8 periods that are always the same everyday
Then you cannot take both Algebra2 and Precalculus together. These are sequential. You need to complete one before you take the other - some subjects, like history or science, aren’t, so you can take Chemistry and Physics the same year, or US History and European History the same year. But some subjects (like math and foreign languages, as well as some science sequences like Chemistry Honors-AP Chem.)
If you want to show more math rigor, take AP Stats alongside Algebra2, then Precalculus Honors junior year, and Calculus senior year. If you really really want to accelerate, use Dual Enrollment to take Calculus 1&2 (one course per semester) senior year.
What else would you be taking?
It can be common to double up on some classes, but Algebra 2 and PreCalc (assuming you meant Precalc/Trig vs Calc/Trig) can’t be common. Unless they do double periods like I mentioned and you are really taking all Alg 2 for half a year and all PreCalc for the 2nd half. Doubling up on geometry and Algebra 2 maybe is common. My d doubled up on math and took PreCalc and Stats last year. Doubling up on sciences can work, mine is in AP Chem and Physics now.