<p>^^ kodama, you're taking the Larsen class on the southwest deserts?? I've heard tons of great things about it. Enjoy it!</p>
<p>How difficult are the placement tests for math and science? Are they AP-level or something university-specific?</p>
<p>This is not the best question for me to answer, as I didn't take the science placement and I know more theoretical math than actual math math. For example, I got a 4 on the BC Calc, which only gave me credit for one of two calc classes that I needed for core (it gives 151, but not 152, while a 5 on the BC gives you credit for both). On the placement test, I skipped lots of questions with integrals and went straight for the end of the test, where I hammered out the delta-epsilon definition of a limit. That gave me credit for both 151 and 152.</p>
<p>If you have done AP-level work or anything comparable, you should not be afraid of the placement tests. Even if you haven't done AP-level work or are not super-into math and science anyway, the core options for math and science are not particularly difficult. I found Phy Sci and Core Bio to be pretty much on par with what I would expect in a higher level high school class-- somewhat challenging, but not overwhelming.</p>