<p>Right now, I'm taking Precalculus/Trig as a Freshman. I took this many years ago already but am retaking it because I wanted to "play it safe" to get good grades this semester. I'm getting a low A in that class (the teacher will curve it b/c it's supposedly much harder than the other Precalc/Trig class), but this is due to silly errors and rounding on the last test, which was 20% of my grade. Despite this fact, I'm planning to take the AP Calc BC test anyways. I know I can get a 5 if I brush up my skills on the infinite series, so the test itself is not a problem. Recently, however, I've been contemplating switching (this is completely and totally possible at our school lol) over to the AP Calc BC class for the second semester (we're graded on semesters), the thought being that colleges will look upon the test grade more if I take the test with the class. The material isn't a problem; I know everything the Calc class knows from 1st semester, so that's no problem at all. I can work it out with the teacher.</p>
<p>Is this a good idea or not?</p>
<p>I know many people will be like "you're already taking precalc/trig as a freshman, so it's unnecessary," but the problem is that advanced math is a major extracurricular for me. I don't do any sports or play any instruments sufficiently well to be notable. Taking the AP Calc test as a Sophomore will back up my plans. I've already decided on taking the AP Calc BC test anyways, so you can't sway me on that point.</p>
<p>What’s the rush? It feels too risky and would look inconsistent on your transcript, whereas a full year in BC would look better next year.</p>
<p>Switching to AP Calc BC is fine, but are you completely sure that you can handle it? I was quite naive when I was a freshmen, thinking that AP classes weren’t as hard as I thought they were.
If you’re really sure that you can do well, then go for it. I can’t see any cons.</p>
<p>Also, make sure you do have ECs outside of class, even if it’s joining a math-related club at your school.</p>
<p>Would it be disadvantageous or look bad if I didn’t switch over and just continued to take Trig Honors/Precalc?</p>
<p>I know that some APs are really hard, but this one I know for a fact isn’t that difficult because math is my strong suit and I’ve done quite a few problems from the Barron’s book.</p>
<p>If math is your strong suit, do it. I did something similar to what you did, and Calc BC is definitely easy. I tested out of algebra 2 and pre-calc in the eighth grade, and it was worth it. I handled it fine last year; you can easily get perfect scores on the tests of you just check all your work.</p>
<p>You should do it, especially since you know you can handle it! Freshman year is usually the easiest year, and I wish I had taken some harder classes when I had the time. </p>
<p>Not trying to doubt you or anything, but maybe you could ask the teacher what they’ve already covered in the class and review a bit. I’m in Calc AB this semester and BC next semester as a sophomore, and I can tell you it’s a lot different from Pre-Calc and everything else I’ve learned. </p>
<p>Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!</p>
<p>Would it hurt for me to continue with Precalculus and not take AP Calc next year?</p>
<p>No, it wouldn’t hurt to continue with precalc. In fact it would help to a) not have a lot of churn in your transcript and b) fill in holes in your preparation, which you have at least one or two of, because you’re human.</p>
<p>If that means this year is a breeze for you, let it be a breeze. Then you have time to do interesting math things. Do math team. Practice competition problems. Self-study with Dover or AOPS books. Get How to Prove It and practice writing proofs of your trig homework. Start getting your apps ready for Ross, HCSSIM and other summer programs. Or something much more interesting I didn’t list yet.</p>
<p>But what would you take instead of AP Calc next year?</p>
<p>It seems like if you can get a 5 on the exam now, you can get a 5 on the exam next year too.</p>