So after reading on some threads,I figured out that the ssat has algebra.Though this isn’t a big factor in considering this I was already considering switching to accelerated out of my average math class after thinking about it.Im worried that staying in my regular math class will hurt my chances of getting into schools and possibly potentially hurt my ssat score.Im hesitant to make the switch though because I’m worried that the class will give me a hard time and lower my gpa…Since most of the applicants take Algebra I’m sure the ao’'s won’t be merciful If they see a low grade on my transcript.I currently have a A- in my math class probably because I don’t pay attention,and I feel that I could handle a challenge in school for once but still should I really switch to algebra?I have only a month to study for the entrance exam so I may not even get in.Also anyone taking algebra,is it super hard?Eh this is so long…
Eh the descrip. is so long…
Algebra isn’t that hard. It just builds upon what you learned the year before. For me the hardest part was quadrilaterals but that’s at the very end of the algebra I curriculum…
@Nico.campbell I didn’t take pre-algebra at all,I’m in normal math class.
So do you understand variables and all of that? Your school’s math system must be behind… most schools here have 7th and 8th graders in algebra and 9th graders in geometry.
Yeah we did variables,I should of phrased it differently,In 8th we do whatever comes before algebra. l thought I could qualify the math covered in normal math in 8 as pre-algebra but I guess not.What’s covered I assume in normal math 8 I think is Irrational numbers,Integer Exponents,and More complicated Equations. @Nico.campbell
Ok, I’m assuming that in 8th you will learn systems of equations, polynomials, exponents, quadrilaterals, etc. This means that you are right on track to take geometry in 9th. So are you asking if you should switch to algebra for next year? Because from what you’ve said, you will be in algebra next year. Maybe you don’t know the difference between algebra I and II? Algebra I is typically taken in 8th, and Algebra II in sophomore year.
I’m so embarrassed 
,I just asked my sister what her accelerated math is and she said she’s in algebra 2. So that means I have to study for algebra 2. I should of made sure the info I had was correct,I feel so dumb. It’s my math teachers fault sort of,for labeling it algebra not algebra 2 giving me the impression that algebra wasn’t supposed to be covered until 9th.
Oh my,I just realized this thread is pointless.
Don’t feel dumb, it was a mistake! And you shouldn’t feel urged to take algebra II, because it’s not on the SSAT. You really won’t need it until the SAT + ACT come around. The only thing that may be considered part of algebra II on the SSAT is simplifying radicals, but those problems are pretty straight forward. You’re fine, don’t stress.
@Nico.campbell Thanks for all the feedback,I appreciate it. 
:)>-
Many threads here seem pointless to someone 
You’re not wasting anyone’s time, don’t feel bad about posting.
“Your school’s math system must be behind… most schools here have 7th and 8th graders in algebra and 9th graders in geometry.”
Not true everywhere. In my state, algebra is normal for 9th grade and accelerated students will take geometry.
Recently, there has been more and more talk of not pushing kids forward on math too rapidly. Many articles about it but here is one: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865577774/New-research-says-the-push-to-have-students-take-algebra-by-8th-grade-has-hurt-not-help-students.html
Bottom line, take the level of math that is right for you and recommended by your teachers. Boarding schools offer a range of math levels for entering students including Algebra 1.
“Most” schools do not have this. As @doschicos says, “most” schools teach algebra in 9th grade and geometry in 10th. Accelerated students may take algebra in MS.
As I’ve said many times, do not assume that the users who post here are a representative subset of HS students - they are not.
Many California school districts don’t officially offer Algebra 1 until 9th grade. But if you look deeper into the 8th grade Math curriculum in those districts and schools, there is definitely some Algebra in there.
Oh my I was right the first time,algebra 1 is for accelerated math at my school for 8th grade
I want to say that most public schools in the country have standard math through 8th grade and begin Algebra in 9th grade. Many, and my town included, has one class for accelerated students that covers the topics of Algebra I in 8th grade. These students begin Geometry in 9th grade. The SSAT test does cover topics on Algebra I and it would be good to have that class in 8th grade. But plan your test dates accordingly as you might not have covered topics before your test. During test prep (not classes or anything like that, just books), my DD asked her teacher for help when a topic was beyond what the class have covered.
Quite a spread then, nationally. In our school, the regular track is Algebra 1 in 8th, Geometry in 9th. The accelerated track is Algebra 1 in 7th, Geometry in 8th, Algebra 2 in 9th. A super-accelerated track allows individual students to take Algebra 1 in 6th, Geometry in 7th, and Algebra 2 in 8th.
Know I’m a bit late, but it’s interesting to see how all the states’ curriculums vary. I know in my state the majority of students take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, Geometry in 9th grade, Algebra 2 in 10th grade, Pre-Calc in 11th, and Calc in 12th. The “gifted” track would be just taking everything one year earlier (ex.// Algebra 1 in 7th grade).