What more do I need to do to prepare for Aerospace Engineering?

<p>Ok so I only have a few minutes to type this so my grammar is going to be off while a type fast. I understand you need to be good at Physics and Calculus to be a engineer. The problem is, i'm a junior only taking Algebra 2 honors. I have a A in that class and that's the problem,I'm not be challenged! That class is really easy and I don't feel like we are learning enough. I'm taking physics/honors and my teacher sucks. I have a 91 in that class only because he curves every test and quiz we take. I feel like I have to teach myself, which isn't a problem, but the book I have doesn't even give me enough information. It very generalized! It only gives me one math problem example and three practice problems without answers for me to check. I have such bad luck! I try to go online to learn but I don't have the time with all my other AP classes. I was hoping someone can give me tips or advise on what I should do. Should I take Physics 101 and Calculus in a community college before I go to a four year university? I was looking up summer programs for me to improve on my mathematics skills. So far haven't found any offering. I was think about taking pre-cal over the summer, but I fear that cramming for a full year course over the summer can deprive me of the information I need to succeed in calculus. what should I do?! A lot of my friends are in pre-cal their junior year and will be taking calculus their senior year. In my mind, i'm not prepared and it's very discouraging. I'm in the math honors society and math and science club and every meeting we take math practice test from algebra-calculus. Everyone else is so far ahead of me in that club, but I think it's because they are all Asians who took algebra 2 in 8 grade. Anyway, I feel as if I will be coming out of high school unprepared for the mathematical challenges awaiting me in the future. What should I do!? I been looking into biomedical engineering and i'm also quiet interested.</p>

<p>To take a Physics or Calculus class at community college you will have to test in to be accepted to the college. Unless, depending on where you live your community college may offer discounted tuition fees to high school students if you qualify under a high school scholars program and can get your guidance counselors recommendation. Ask your counselor. But even with that you will still have to take a math placement test to see if you are qualified to take Physics or Calculus at a college level especially since you have not taken Pre-Calc. Your best bet may be to take AP Physics & AP Calculus on your own after you teach yourself the material or can find a tutor to assist you. Shouldn’t be much of a stretch if you’re already teaching yourself Algebra 2 and have an A average. But sounds like you have a heavy work load. I would suggest you sit down with your counselor to discuss your options. Youe definitely need Physics & Calculus for a admission to a good engineering program. Glad to see you questioning the status quo and taking charge of your future. Good Luck!</p>

<p>A junior in algebra 2 will complete precalculus and trigonometry by high school graduation. Assuming your high school teaches math well, you will be ready for calculus as a freshman in college (colleges generally have advisory or mandatory math placement tests like [this](<a href=“http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam]this[/url]”>http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam)</a>). Most* colleges structure their engineering degree programs with the assumption that freshmen take calculus in college. Having taken calculus in high school and being able to start in a more advanced math course is a bonus in that it can give a little more breathing room in your schedule, but is not generally required.</p>

<p>As far as physics goes, high school physics is often recommended as a prerequisite for college physics, although if you do not have high school physics, you may still be able to handle college physics by working harder at it. The same goes for high school chemistry as a recommended prerequisite for college chemistry.</p>

<p>*The few exceptions are Caltech, Harvey Mudd, WUStL, maybe Penn or Columbia. But the big state universities, many of which are among the top engineering schools, generally assume that freshmen start in freshman calculus.</p>