Should I take Algebra 2 HN in the upcoming summer?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

Hello everyone! How are you all today? Hope everyone is well.

I know it is too early to be thinking about this right now, but I would like to ask this question. Sorry if I offend anyone, or make anyone think this is a stupid question.

I am a freshmen at my high school, Westfield High School. I am currently in Geometry Honors for my math course. If you would like to see my full schedule, here it is: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/1909930-would-you-please-rate-my-scheudle-p1.html

Some kids, and surprisingly many, are leveling up in Math by taking a course online to jump ahead. I am aware Geometry Honors is 10th grade Math, but many kids are trying to learn Math two years later. I realized that AP Statistics will benefit me a lot in my career and besides algebra, statistics is my favorite type of Math. However, even if my desired major is not STEM related, I think I will have to take AP Calculus AB or BC in my junior or senior year.

If I keep going the way I am going, I know:
10th Grade: Algebra 2 HN
11th: Pre-Calculus HN
12th: AP Calculus AB or BC

My high school is planning on offering Algebra 2 HN over the summer at the school, and FCPS, my county, is already and will offer Algebra 2 HN courses online in the school year or over the summer. I feel as if I take it in the summer, I can catch up to the kids who leveled up and be able to take AP Statistics in my senior year. Such as:
10th: Pre-Calculus HN
11th: AP Calculus AB or BC
12th: AP Statistics

I am aware that some of you may ask why I can’t take AP Statistics and AP Calculus in the same year or take AP Statistics online in the summer, or some other time. The reason is because I want to stock up on other courses, (social studies) because I want to double major in political science and film study. Although, both benefit from AP Stats, I would like to take courses directly for it such as AP social studies courses, regular social studies electives, and film study classes. My high school does offer Film Study. These are reasons why I can not take AP Statistics concurrently with other grades.

I was very good at Algebra 1 Honors in 8th grade, and I think I can handle Algebra 2 Honors over the summer. What do you guys believe and do you guys think I should do this? I am aware that I am asking this question very early, and if it is too early or this is a bad question, I will either make sure to ask it again later on in the year or not ask it again. Sorry.

Thank you for answering and have a good day!

2

It really depends on how busy your summer is. I’ve known someone that studied abroad for two weeks directly after school, went to a prestigious visual and performing arts sleepaway camp for 8 weeks, and went to Italy to visit family, but then coming back just in time to start school. If your summer is real busy, I DO NOT suggest doing it (although I think that’s fairly obvious…)

Taking only one class in the summer will be manageable, try to give yourself at least a 6 week period with at least 3-4 hours a day to do the class.

No, it’s not a bad question. I think you are a very polite person (judging from your previous posts :smiley: and this one)

I do believe you should do this.

3

Why do you think you will need Calculus if you are not interested in a STEM major? I’m not sure what the different requirements are for your school, by at my school, you can just go straight from Algebra II Junior year to Stats Senior year. Can you maybe just do the same thing?

4

@raventhemage Thank you very for your answer. It was helpful. I will make sure to keep it mind.

@Dax123 I would like to thank you for your answer and the questions you have asked me. The reason why I would like to take AP Calculus AB or BC is because many students take it, and I would like to apply to many selective schools. I am aware that even many people not majoring in STEM related majors still take AP Calculus. Maybe not in the BC form, but at least AB. This makes me want to take it either AP Calculus AB or BC so that I am on-tier with other students. I also like math a lot, especially algebra and statistics. But I am not able to take Algebra 2 in Junior year because I have to take it either in my sophomore year or over the summer. I took Algebra 1 HN in 8th grade, and I am taking Geometry HN right now. I apologize, but it would not be logical of me to take Algebra 2 HN in Junior year. I am also aware that in my high school, you may go straight from Algebra 2/Algebra 2 HN to AP Stats. However, I hope my reasons from above help you understand why I wish not to do so.

Have a good day!

5

@anthonytheboy Sorry, I thought you were a Sophomore for whatever reason.

Anyway, taking and AP class just because other people are doing it isn’t necessarily a good idea. Colleges have said that after so many AP/Honors/DE classes, they just won’t add to your resume anymore. Basically, as long as you take all your History/Visual Arts advanced classes, you don’t need to kill yourself by taking too many more APs. However, colleges always love good, strong ECs. It would make more sense to try to find other things to do over the summer besides take classes, like possibly get involved in a local political organization or try to see if there are any film camps or something available. Plus, finishing math in 11th will allow for either an extra class related to your major in 12th or more time for an in-school EC. Maybe Model UN or something like that?

It’s up to you, but just know that not taking Calculus doesn’t really mean you’re getting left behind (if you aren’t STEM :wink: ). Good luck!

6

@Dax123 Thank you very much for your help. I’m also aware that colleges do not want students to take APs just for the sake of it. However, I still like Math, and I want to improve it. But thank you for advice, and I will keep it in mind!

Have a good day!

7

There’s no reason to accelerate like this. You already are ahead, and you will have room in your schedule for AP Calculus. Algebra II provides an extremely important foundation for Calculus, and by accelerating over the summer, you may be at a disadvantage compared to other students.

There is NO reason to accelerate your math courses just to take AP Stats. AP Stats is an “AP Light” and there’s no reason for it, especially if you aren’t interested in math in the future. If you want to take statistics, take it in college, but there is no reason to try to jump ahead just to take it in high school.

8

@h08vs20 Thank you for your opinion on this. I will also take this into mind. However, counselors, other people, etc. tell me that I should take AP Stats based on what I would like to major in. I am not exactly sure why, however.

Have a good day!

9

I’m set to take AP Calculus BC my junior year, but that’s only because I want to take MVC senior year. Unless you want to go farther than AP Calc, there’s no reason to accelerate. You might feel behind or rushed by taking Alg2 over the summer. At my school, AP Statistics is taken by the students who just need an extra math credit and don’t want to accelerate past Alg2.

10

Alright then. Thanks for your input!

Have a good day!

11

I’m not sure who is telling you that AP stats is important for a poli sci or film major, because it isn’t. You seem very interested in doing what other students are doing.

12

@CheddarcheeseMN My counselor, other CC members, newspaper article writers, and other students told me so. Also, College Board recommends it for both of those majors.

I hope I don’t offend you when I say this, and I am sorry if I do. However, I am not looking for being like everyone else. I would just like to have the best experience possible before going to college to succeed in the future, and gain experience before either becoming a film director/screenwriter or politician. I am aware that AP Stats is apparently helpful because film and political workers need to know how to interpret polls and graphs. However, I am not aware of the exact reason.

Have a good day!

13

Sorry for doing this, but bump.

Have a good day!

14

If you are not majoring in STEM, I would not worry about leveling up. Getting to Calc AB or BC by senior year is great.

15

@bopper Thank you for your answer! I will take that into my head.

Have a good day!

16

Hey Anthony, I’m in the same situation as you were. I’m currently taking algebra 2 over the summer and it’s been going great. Are you continuing through with your plan and doing the same as me?

17

Hello, Nick. @nick3162 In the end, I decided not to take Alg. 2 over the summer, however I am taking a prep class for it. Good luck on your course right now! How is it going for you?

Have a good day!

18

@anthonytheboy
That’s interesting. My course is going quite well. I managed to learn most of the content in ~ 30 days, and will leave myself the last 30 for review.

19

Congrats! Glad things are going well for you. @nick3162

Have a good day!

20

Thanks @anthonytheboy :slight_smile: