<p>hey everyone.. here's the deal.. I AM FREAKING OUT! my school sux!! I am a junior and we are in frigin' Algebra 2, beginning of it!!! do i have the chance of a snowball in hell to self study ap calc and PASS! i have the SAT on my mind now too! but by Jan, (plz GOD PLEEEAAAASE!), I wish i'll get the SAT I out of my system... ugghh... so can i study for AP then and get... well .. ehem... a 5? what about bio? am i in la la land here or wat?! plz tell me i won't go to uni as a complete idiot cuz of a dumbass school! I really am willing to push myself to the limit.. any extraordinary stories that would make my day?! </p>
<p>p.s. how different are ap's and the british AL's??! (not that i took AL's.. -_-.. I wouldn't dare after the "education" am getting over here...).. i swear.. nthn worse than feeling ignorant.. it's just depressing... X( I feel double crossed.. My principal convinced me into taking SAT's instead of IG's and failed to mention that little detail about the school SUCKING at the American system.. it really doesn't offer it the way it should... we take nothing.. and am trying to catch up on my one now... just hope it ain't too late.. :(</p>
<p>The thing about self-studying is that you need to be motivated enough. If you have a solid algebra/trig/pre-calculus background, and the motivation, you can easily score a 5 on AP Calculus. If you’re just starting algebra II, and haven’t learned a lot of pre-calculus yet (esp. trig, logarithms, etc.), might be better to wait until senior year.</p>
<p>If you do wish to self-study, there are plenty of textbooks/online resources out there. In particular, AoPS’s “Calculus” textbook is a good resource. So is MIT’s OpenCourseWare (OCW). And there are lots of test preparation books for when you want to prepare for the AP exam.</p>
<p>What if I REALLY wanna finish it by this year? Do I have a shot?! I mean can I self study all that I missed? AP wouldn’t count as much in college admission in senior year, so that’s why! </p>
<p>Other than college admission, I feel waaay behind… I have no idea how I may survive college with that week basis…</p>
<p>Sorry I haven’t been able to respond lately (finals, and other stuff).</p>
<p>If you really want to learn up to Calculus BC by May, first you should make sure if you’re ready. If you’re having significant gaps in algebra, and don’t know trig, you should learn those first. If you feel that you’re pretty solid with algebra and pre-calc topics, it should be safe.</p>
<p>Uh, that sounds tough, but it’s doable I guess. You’ll have to learn a few pre-calculus topics first. What are you currently learning/have learned in algebra II so far?</p>
<p>ohhkay… here’s when you tell me there’s no hope…</p>
<p>Ehem ehem ehem…
We are still in step functions and just started with intro to matrices…</p>
<p>I know! Now u think me stupid! It’s wishful thinking isn’t it?! I am not that bad in Math… I REALLY want to do this… But if you tell me I can’t, I won’t… What do you think?! Will I be just wasting my time?! :(</p>
<p>I think it would be ridiculously hard for you to pass the AP exam this year. You are only in Algebra 2. AP Calculus requires a strong base in math, which you still have yet to build. If you are able to learn the Algebra 2 and Precalc topics this year, you might have a chance of learning the AP Calc topics next year and be able to take the exam next year. I would not suggest you take the AP Calc exam this year. Wait for next year. Finish Algebra 2 and Precalc first before diving into Calc.</p>
<p>well then… that’s just depressing… since it wasn’t my fault, but a stupid school’s… Then no impressing colleges then i suppose… no hope…
thanks anyway…</p>
<p>I started basically self-studying AP calc AB as a sophomore just about 2 weeks ago. If you’re that exceptional kid at math, then go ahead. Otherwise, don’t. </p>
<p>Also, it’s hard to read what you write when it looks like it’s been typed on facebook… haha.</p>
<p>oh lol… used to it what to do…
Anyway… “exceptional kid” what had you taken by the time u (ehem you) started studying? in math at school I mean… plus how can this give me hope…
you’re a sophomore… you have plenty of time
u started 2 weeks ago… doesn’t mean you’ll finish… (not being a pessimist or anythin’ but u know…)
3)How’s it going so far though?!</p>
<p>You don’t need to have taken all the AP courses in the world to look impressive to colleges. I know a lot of freshmen here at MIT who never took calculus in high school.</p>
<p>Still, I don’t think you’re quite ready to take the AP Calculus exam in four months. You need a solid algebra/pre-calculus background. I actually tutored a college student in calculus, but he didn’t have the necessary algebra skills, and he ended up dropping out of the course.</p>
<p>Well…not every school offers AP’s (or IB’s), and there are other ways. Take other rigorous courses (even if they’re not AP’s). Participate in whichever math/science/arts competitions you like. Start a club. Get an internship or job. Whatever you enjoy and you’re passionate about, basically.</p>
:(</p>