<p>So, I took Calculus BC last year and I got a 5 on the AP exam, but I've forgotten everything. :-(
On top of that, I haven't taken any Calculus classes this year. I'm kind of worried about using my AP credits at a place like Stanford.</p>
<p>Should I use my Calc BC credit or should I just retake basic calculus?</p>
<p>Do not retake basic calculus at Stanford. Basic calc, the 40 series (from what I’ve heard, I didn’t bother with it), is graded rather strictly, so even if you know the material inside and out you may still get a B or low A. Chances are, if you got a 5 on BC (even a year ago), you are just rusty-you couldn’t have forgotten everything, believe me. Jump into the 50 series.</p>
<p>^Damn, I have a similar worry. I’m taking BC this year, and I’m actually struggling (despite getting As in the class) which is weird because it’s math… but its too abstract for me. Anyway, I was planning on taking it again in college and just not waste my time on the AP test… but if I managed to get a 4 or 5 on the test in May, would you suggest that I use the credit despite my lack of confidence in the material? I plan on majoring in Computer Science or something similar, if that helps.</p>
<p>You scared me with that stricter grading blurb. :o</p>
<p>Use the credit!</p>
<p>If you think Calc BC is abstract, try Linear Algebra. It’s pretty much vectors and matrices (sounds easy) but it is oh so annoying. Anyways, I’m struggling somewhat with linear algebra (still have a good grade, but I’m just not sharp at it). What do people in my situation do? Do I have to take a placement test (that would suck), do I have to redo the course, do I just skip ahead to differential equations or whatever else is next (already took MV), or would I do none of the above? If anyone was in my situation, that would be great. If not, this issue won’t affect my decision to attend, but I’m kind of just curious.</p>
<p>^I actually like Linear Algebra - I’m taking it also. Well, it’s more of an introduction to linear algebra really. But it makes much more sense than Calc BC. Maybe abstract wasn’t the right word…</p>