2006-09-01 16:54:14 · 10 answers · asked by chris m 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
It’s hard to say because I don't know what was covered in your Algebra/Trig course. Does your school offer a pre-calc? If so I would look at your grade in previous math courses and talk to the math teachers at your school. If not then I would assume you are ready for AP Calculus and you should take it.
There is a real advantage to taking Calculus in high school. Odds are in college you calculus course will be a huge lecture with 100+ students. You might have a recitation where you discuss the homework but a majority of the teaching will be in the lecture. A lot times in large lectures there is no attendance. If homework is graded it will be done by TAs who have to grade huge amounts of HW in short amount of times. No one will make do the homework and no one will make you go to class. My main point that is in addition to trying to learn a difficult subject you will also be struggling to learn how to learn in this new environment.
Where as if you take AP Calculus you will be interacting with teacher frequently and if you manage to pass you could get out of 1 or 2 semesters of college calculus. I did this and was put into a 3rd semester calc class for freshman with 20 students all freshmen and it helped a lot. And if you don't do well in AP Calc you shouldn't hurt you. If you’re worried about colleges rejecting you because you did poorly in Calculus, they won't. Professors realize that calc is hard to learn and I think they will be more impressed by you trying and not doing so hot then you not trying at all. Also you can submit your college applications before you get fall semester grades.
2006-09-01 18:09:05 · answer #1 · answered by sparrowhawk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to apply to college, you might be helped by taking AP calculus, but only if you get a good grade in it and do well on the AP exam. Look over the textbook, and decide whether you are prepared for it. Calculus can be difficult, and a poor grade will hurt you with college admissions and scholarships.
2006-09-01 16:59:03 · answer #2 · answered by Jim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I ended up taking Analysis and Functions in the summer to get ready for AP Calculus. And then they changed the Calculus to reflect the fact that most of us were coming out of UniAlg and Trig
I think you could do it, but be prepared to ask for help immediately if you get stuck. Don't let yourself fall behind.
2006-09-01 17:33:22 · answer #3 · answered by TychaBrahe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As opposed to some sort of detour?
Most of us who studied physical sciences and engineering disciplines took the Algebra and Trig in high school and took two years of rigorous calculus during freshman and sophmore years.
In any case, if you don't have that level of algebra and trig knowlege, calculus is nearly if not completely impossible (well, it used to be 40 to 50 years ago).
2006-09-01 16:58:36 · answer #4 · answered by birchardvilleobservatory 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At my school, Calculus is the class that comes right after Trigonometry in the sequence. That's what you're supposed to do.
2006-09-01 17:11:43 · answer #5 · answered by dunearcher212 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how well you grasp the concepts of Algebra and Trig. If you know it like the back of your hand, I say 'go for it'. I took AP Calc after Algebra II and Trig and I did fine - I recommend it, especially if you plan on going into a mathematical or engineering field.
2006-09-01 16:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If u know the math, then go for it. Since I'm not mathematically gifted, I took Honors Pre-cal first, and this year I'm choosing AP Statistics instead. But I have friends who have skipped pre-cal and went straight into AP Cal. So if ur a good math student and know the material, then go for it! Good blessings!
2006-09-01 16:57:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for it
Calculas is so different from those things that there is really no way to predict how you would do. Calculas requires alot of thinking though, there are very few plug and chug problems, so if you are not comfortable with theoretical math, it might be a bit hard to understand.
2006-09-01 17:20:39 · answer #8 · answered by abcdefghijk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some people do quite well making sucha move.
The question you need to consider is whether you have the capability (probably do) and are willing to "do the work" requireed for success ...
only you can answer the latter question
2006-09-01 16:59:11 · answer #9 · answered by atheistforthebirthofjesus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be ok
2006-09-01 16:57:04 · answer #10 · answered by doc2be 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋