I want to get ahead of the game and (eventually) take math classes at my local community college to challenge myself. I’m a freshman, am I too young? I don’t know where else to post this
I am a freshman, and this semester I took English comp 1 at a local community college. Next semester, I am taking English Comp II as an intensive three week course, and then Business Law and Macroecon as regular spring semester courses. This summer, I am planning to take accelerated pre Calc and taking calculus the next year.
I think that you’d be fine as long as you are strong in math and really committed to doing well. In all honesty, it really depends on the person.
Why do you want to get ahead in math? I want to get ahead so I can take advanced physics, engineering, and chem courses sooner because I’m very interested in the topics.
If you want to do it just for the sake of getting ahead, I wouldn’t recommend doing it because there are lots of things you can do during the summer that are oppurtunities that are limited to high school.
In the end, I don’t think you are too young, but you may be better suited to do something else with your time.
Look at or ask guidance about your particular school policies. Each school has its own rules/regulations etc.
At my daughter’s high school only juniors and seniors can take the community colleges courses and receive high school credit plus the classes are free. There is no credit given if a student takes classes prior (and it is full price).
In order to get ahead in math before junior year the only school approved way would be to ask about the school specific virtual high school (no idea how that works or if they even offer honors math) or take a summer class and meet its requirements for credit.
Talk to your guidance counselor about a plan.
Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Getting ahead in math is a good one…but make sure you are prepared for any courses you take…e.g., don’t skip any of the math classes.
I want to take classes at my community college to open up classes in my schedule. I want to take AP CompSci by Junior year, but at the same time, I want to take 4 years of band (not for college, the class is just lots of fun). Also, it would be nice to be able to fit more math classes into my schedule. (Is BC too hard without AB? Can you take BC without AB?)
Would it be more worthwhile to drop band and fit other classes in its place? Thanks
You need to find out requirements for your school. Some schools require AP Calculus AB for a year followed by a year of AB Calculus BC and some schools combine AB and BC so you can go from precalculus to BC. Your best bet is to look at your school program of studies which may say how your school does math and if not talk to school guidance counselor.
–First off don’t drop band if you enjoy it – it can be a great release from the stress of the day and it is is a nice EC activity.
–Second, don’t just jump in and take classes at a CC. Speak to your guidance counselor and develop a plan.
–In general as long as you take the most rigorous curriculum at your HS you are fine in terms of college admissions.
–And instead of taking extra classes consider if your time might be better spent getting involved in EC activities in your school and/or community.