<p>I've never been good at math. I mean, I'd get As in math all throughout my educational career, but until I started Pre-AP Pre-Calculus, things went downhill. I'm already making Cs in that class, and that's really bothered me since. My teacher even suggested that I drop down to a regular Pre-Calculus class, but part of me wants to put up with what I chose to do. </p>
<p>I've always wanted to go to Stanford, but now, I'm probably thinking that I should look somewhere else. Even though my grades in my other classes are good, this math grade is a stain on my transcript, it seems.</p>
<p>How badly would I hurt my chances of college admission if I don't take Calculus next year? They don't offer it at the regular level. It's only AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC. Do you know of any books or other resources which could possibly help me?</p>
<p>Maybe a tutor would help? I can't give you an answer about how it will affect your chances because I'm no expert in that area. It probably depends on the college though.</p>
<p>i really think you should try as hard as possible to take it. it'll be quite hard to get into stanford if you don't, and if you're passionate enough about the school you should find some way to get better at math.</p>
<p>I'm sort of in the same boat. I took Pre-Cal Dual Enrollment last year and started getting B's...I should be taking Calculus this year but I'm taking medical math instead. I'm terrified of Calculus...people that got 90s in Pre-Cal are failing Calculus, and I certainly didn't get a lot of 90s...:|</p>
<p>I'll probably take it next year as a senior though.</p>
<p>I think (but may be wrong) that colleges may prefer you to totally work hard for a honors C than a regular-level A. So stick with the pre-ap and maybe try getting a tutor.</p>
<p>If you think that Calculus will be a necessity for you in college, it is probably wise to at least try it out now in High School.</p>
<p>I was in the same boat as you last year. I was always pretty good at math, and then Pre-Calc was suddenly a slap in the face. Someone told me that you just had to wait for it to click. This sounded ridiculous at the time, but after continuously practicing and reading over the material, it all suddenly made sense. I'm in Calculus right now and will be taking AP Calc AB next year, and I can't say that it still isn't a bit of a struggle. If you're really set on getting into Stanford or any other top school with a major that requires a good math background, don't give up on math. Making the effort to learn the material and getting through the course with passing grades show more than someone that just gave up after getting a non-perfect grade.</p>
<p>If it is the material that you are struggling with, try a different textbook or source of material. Sometimes when I encounter a concept that is difficult, I'll look in another textbook or for some references on the Internet that may be able to explain it a little differently.</p>
<p>I think (but may be wrong) that colleges may prefer you to totally work hard for a honors C than a regular-level A. So stick with the pre-ap and maybe try getting a tutor.</p>