Should I not take math during my senior year?

Pre-Med & Medical School High School Student Topics
1

Currently I am a junior in high school and I take Pre-Calc. Math has always been difficult for me and it’s starting to reflect in my grade. Last semester I got an 88% in pre calc. I know it’s not a bad grade but I studied relentlessly to maintain that grade. Also, I have already taken 5 math courses throughout my high school career.

Freshman- Algebra 1, Intro-Comp Science, Geometry(summer school)
Sophomore- Algebra 2
Junior- Pre Calc
Senior- none?

University of California schools recommend 4 years of math and as you can see, I will have completed my 5th year this semester. If I do continue to take math I will have to choose from AP Calc or AP Stats. Math is my greatest weakness and after seeing my older sister struggle to pass AP Calc last year, I have a bad feeling about it. To compensate for not taking math next year I will take mostly AP classes. What do you think? Will this decision jeopardize my chances to get into schools like UCLA, UCI, UCSD, UCSB, UCD, etc.?

2

Please let me know. I will choose my classes soon.

3

I would definitely reconsider. MOST schools (especially the more competitive UC schools) will not consider you a competitive applicant unless you have taken at least the equivalent of Calculus I. You can try without, but I would recommend that you take Calc, especially if you want to go into any sort of science/engineering-related discipline.

4

You have to take a math course to be competitive for top schools. If you’re afraid of math, take AP Statistics.