<p>For the languages question, you will take a placement test during orientation to put you at a level of a language. It is possible to place out, or place in the 2nd or 3rd level of the class, depending on your competency.</p>
<p>^^If you score a 4 or 5 on an AP language exam , that will satisfy the USC Language requirement. A placement test will not be required in that case.
“Test scores of 4 or 5 on certain tests can fulfill General Education requirements, and scores of 4 or 5 on modern language or literature exams taken in spring 2007 or later will satisfy the third-semester foreign language requirement, which applies to many USC undergraduate majors.”
[USC</a> ARR : Articulation : Advanced Placement Exams](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/articulation/apexams.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/articulation/apexams.html)</p>
<p>[USC</a> ARR : Articulation : Advanced Placement Exams](<a href=“http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/articulation/apexams.html]USC”>http://www.usc.edu/dept/ARR/articulation/apexams.html)</p>
<p>How difficult is Math 126 (Calculus II)? Would it be a big jump from Calculus AB in high school (I got a 4)?</p>
<p>Last year I was in position of choosing between Math 125 and Math 126 as well. Really, it’s a personal decision to move up or down. I got a 5 on the AP Calc AB test and chose to stick with Math 125.</p>
<p>I will admit at the beginning Math 125 was very easy–we defined functions, domains and ranges on the first day of class. The first midterm doesn’t even cover derivatives. However, by the end of the class we finished with U substitution and L’Hospital.</p>
<p>Now I’m in Math 126 and I think I would’ve been fine starting with this class if I had been diligent and brushed up on basic integrals on my own. However, this is easier said than done 
I don’t regret taking Math 125 one bit though because it was an good GPA booster, a nice high school to college transition class, and I became very comfortable with Calc.</p>
<p>I will say though, I am a very strong Math student and I know some of my peers who got 4’s on the AB test struggled with the class.</p>
<p>My advice, evaluate yourself honestly. If you’re strong in math and have the discipline to review the Calc I concepts if necessary, then Math 126 could be an option. If math wasn’t your best subject and you’re unlikely to review on your own, it might be a good idea to do Math 125.</p>
<p>Your USC advisor will tell you which class to take. I also want to mention that a lot also depends upon how well the professor and TA teaches you. Don’t go over your head in Math. Consider taking community college courses this summer to satisfy General Ed. requirements and save tuition money that way (get USC to pre-approve the courses) rather than taking the highest level possible Math and possibly be struggling.</p>
<p>My S got a 5 on his AP Calc AB test & did not waive (said his engineering advisor didn’t allow it without a lot of persuasion). He was fine with repeating it as did many of his friends who also got 5s on their AP exams, so he could focus his energy into settling socially & otherwise into engineering & finding his niche at USC. I have a friend whose S did waive out of several courses & was fine where he ended up, so it depends on the student.</p>
<p>There is a lot to be said to having a strong foundation in math & science for engineering anyway, which is why USC is reluctant to allow many to waive out of courses in those areas.</p>