I have taken geometry, algebra 2, and precalculus honors with year averages of about 85. I am interested in schools such as BU and Holy Cross with a Bio/ Biochem major so I feel like a should take AP Calc AB due to the fact that I am applying to competitive schools for a science major. I am concerned that even if I put in a lot of work I could still end up with a C+ average. If anyone has any feedback as to if taking AP Calc will help or hurt me in my college application process next year I would really appreciate it. (I am also planning on also taking AP Gov and AP Lit next year)
Thank you!!
Calculus AB in high school will be a gentler introduction to calculus than calculus in college, which will cover the AB material is half or a little more than half of the academic year.
It will also be considered more rigorous for college admission purposes than not taking math after completing precalculus.
…Don’t you have to take AB next year anyway? Does your school allow you to not take a math all 4 years?
My schools offers both Calculus Honors and AP Calculus, I am definetly taking one of them next year I’m just trying to make a decision on which one
You are correct that if you apply for a science major colleges will be looking for Calculus on your transcript. I don’t know how much it would affect your acceptances if you took Statistics instead. But if you are going to be required to take Calculus in your college curriculum, then, as stated above, it is best to have it in high school so you will be able to handle it better when it is taught at a faster pace in college. The advantage of having it senior year is that your grade won’t be seen until later.
When S1 was going to start Calculus, he studied the summer before using the Princeton Review AP Calculus study book. He said it helped him a lot.
Sorry, just saw that you were trying to choose between Honors Calculus and AP Calculus AB. Don’t know what advice to give you on that.
I would ask for and follow the advice of your current math teacher and your guidance counselor. You don’t want to get in to a bad situation and Honors Calc could be a good alternative.
I agree with the above posters in recommending you make sure the requirements and recommendations for the major program you hope to go into are satisfied.
As for AB as a class, I can agree that it would allow for a smoother transition to college calculus. I know you didn’t ask about BC, but BC is in many ways a review of AB with a few new concepts mixed in.
If the program you hope to go into does not require or even recommend calculus, it should come down to your personal preference. Do you enjoy math as a study area? You seem to hold your own in those classes, but the question is whether you’d enjoy learning a complex topic like calculus. I took AB last year. It will be a lot easier if you enjoy the material. That’s a good rule of thumb for any class, at least I’ve learned. If you love math, take it! If not, look into the requirements and see whether you actually need the class.
I love math and enjoyed AB. I’m sure if you enjoy math and have had fun in your previous math classes, you will be successful in AB. Good luck!