I’m a freshman right now in Pre-AP Algebra 2. I made a 94 for the first semester w/out the five quality points. It would’ve been higher, but I didn’t turn in all of my homework assignments. I-) The highest math class my school offers is AP Calc BC and Statistics, but I could also go to the local community college for senior year. I got my PSAT scores back and made a 67 in the math section. If I went through with it what would I have to self-study? Also does it look bad to colleges if you just have a test grade on your transcript instead of the actual class? Taking the test wouldn’t affect my GPA and/or rank at all.
How will skipping pre-calculus allow you to get further ahead than you would have gotten otherwise? It sounds like you’re already as far ahead as you’ll be able to get. You could take pre-calculus in tenth grade, AP Calculus BC in eleventh grade, and community college math courses in twelfth grade.
I agree… what’s the rush? What will it accomplish?
Do you like math? Are you bored on the current track? Will you be able to handle the work if you go the accelerated route? What are your college aspirations? What is driving your thoughts about this?
There is no one size fits all answer; either “track” is fine - depending upon your unique circumstances.
Anecdotally, both my kids went straight from algebra to Calc. Their school’s track was the same as yours. Both did great - but both were great in math, bored on the regular track, and handled the workload (in Calc and the other classes). S did not pursue further math once he completed Calc BC in 11th grade; D took Calc.3 at the local UC. D is an engineering major, S was not. The advanced math definitely helped D in her classes (though she started in college by “repeating” Calc 3).
For both kids, the GC noted their rapid math progress in his letter to colleges - so their status helped them stand out. But they aced the class; if they hadn’t done so well. . . . .
Never stop taking math.
Until sometime in college when someone tells you you’re done.
Oh, I should’ve elaborated on the reason I wanted to skip pre-calc. I’m in the STEM program at my high school. It takes up one of my electives. I’m also in two music classes (Orchestra and Choir). My schedule will never free up for anything else. I really wanted to double up on AP Physics C and Chem senior year because I love science. I can only do this if I’ve taken all the math classes my school offers including statistics. Also, for some wierd reason students not in STEM get to take a science AP junior year, but we aren’t. I guess it’s because we start out with Physics ninth grade, biology, then chemistry. I skipped Geometry last year and didn’t struggle. I heard pre-calc was pretty much a review of Algebra 2 for the first semester and thought it would be a good idea. I’m not allowed to take core classes online. I have another question that is unrelated. What is the difference between a national merit scholar and national achievement? I’m first generation Nigerian-American and female. Are they both equally looked at by colleges?
Bump
They are both academic awards given out by the NMSC, but National Merit Scholar is given to people of all races and National Achievement is specifically given out to African Amrricans.