Should I take AP Calculus AB?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I’m currently a senior in high school and I plan on taking 5 AP classes:

AP Studio Art
AP Art History
AP Language & Composition
AP Computer Science A
AP Calculus

I’ve taken 5 AP classes in a single year before, but a lot of those classes were on the easy side (AP Computer Science Principles, APUSH, and AP Research). This year, I really hope to get at least a 4 in studio art, art history, and Computer Science A because I am really interested in the course material. I’m not really worried about managing AP Lang because I did pretty decent in AP Lit last year.

However, I’m worried taking AP Calculus will leave me struggling to handle all my other classes. I’m not bad at math; I had an average of 95 for my honors precal class in junior year. However, I’m still undecided about what I want to study for college and I’m not even positive if AP Calculus will help me in the future.

Has anyone with average math skills taken it before? How did you manage and how much time would you say you spent outside of school on it? Do you guys think it is even worth me taking?

2

Calculus AB is slower paced than calculus in college, like many AP courses are compared to college courses covering similar material. Why do you feel concerned about calculus AB in particular versus other courses?

3

I would say I am mediocre when it comes to math. I don’t hate or love it. I’m kinda just neutral about it. I can do well, but it usually takes extra study time. I just don’t think I can spend 2 or 3 hours every night on, especially with my other classes.

4

What is your other math option if you don’t take Calculus AB?

You said that you are undecided about a college major, but I’m guessing from the two art classes and absence of a science class that you are not planning a STEM major. Is that correct? If so, you’d be okay with another math class, although as long as don’t suffer through it, Calculus AB would be an excellent prep for the math you will have to take in college.

5

However, taking both AP CS courses suggests the possibility of majoring in CS in college. CS majors typically need to take calculus, linear algebra, discrete math, and math-like CS theory courses.

6

FWIW, my kid had way more work in AP Lang than AP calc. She felt like calc was just an extension of what she had already learned in H precalc/trig. Definitely no more homework and at her school, the calc a step below way way more homework. Maybe check with the teachers and other students at your school to better gauge workload.

7

You could take Honors Calc or something if you don’t want Calc AB and don’t have a STEM major in mind.
If you do, I would not take two Art classes.

8

I think you’ll probably be fine, but what are your other choices for math if you don’t take AP calc?

9

If you can handle the workload, I would definitely recommend taking AP Calc. Unless you’re in an Art major, you will most likely have to take at least Calc 1 in college. And in my experience, and those of my friends, taking AP Calc in high school made Calc 1 in college much easier, and allowed them to get a better grade in it.