I’m currently a ninth grader, and I’m considering taking precalculus over the summer, so I can take AP Calc BC in 10th grade. I’ve always been very passionate about math and computer science, and I really want to learn as much as possible during my high school years. This year I took Honors Algebra II, and I felt that it was way too slow. I felt that the teacher spent so much time over things I already know, and it just feels like a waste of time. Next year, I hope to avoid doing so, which is why I want to take precalculus over the summer, and take AP Calc in 10th grade. However, I’m afraid that AP calc will be too much for me in 10th grade. Plus, my math teacher says that it’s not worth it, and my parents don’t like the idea either. But I’m really passionate about math, and looking over the topics in precalculus, they don’t look too hard. Should I take the course? Additionally, how do colleges look at skipping a course?
Honestly, your not in any rush right now. You just started high school. If you were a junior, and you wanted to take Pre-calc over the summer I would support the idea. However, right now your in such a great position! Usually, 9th graders are expected to take Algebra 1, when they first enter high school, but your way way ahead of the game. So by the time, when you enter 10th grade you would have taken Precalculus, and Junior year you can take AP Calculus! Just in time when your applying for colleges senior year! In conclusion, enjoy life right now, and make sure to start preparing for precalculus over the summer before Sophomore year. So you can get a head start. As for how colleges look at skipping a course, I am not sure, you might have to ask your counselor about it. What Course do you want to skip?
My daughter took precalc online during the summer through the Center for Talent Development (it is at NU and you can google it), but she did so after her sophomore year. It helped her move two years ahead in math and she is now studying engineering at a top school. To finish out high school math she was able to take AP Calculus as a junior and differential equations as a senior in the form of a dual enrollment class offered at her high school with college credit at a local college. She had already taken AP Statistics as a sophomore. Make sure your school offers a math class you can take your senior year if you pursue this path since you will be required to take at least one math class each year. AP Stat could probably serve as could a math class at a local college. You might be better served studying for SAT, ACT or SAT subject tests rather than getting 3 years ahead in math, but some high school have kids 4 years ahead and taking math at local colleges so who am I to say? If you are going to 3x accelerate you math, only do so if you are confident of your ability to get an A.
If you choose the CTD path, start applying quickly as you will need transcripts and recommendations etc and those things take time to gather.