(As opposed to higher grades in *slightly* lower classes.)
Next year I'm going to be a sophomore, and I'm still unsure about whether to take AP Calculus. I took a combined Algebra 2/Trigonometry/PreCalc course last year and got an A- (I've pretty much always been an A student). While I really want straight As, everyone I've talked to (including my math teacher) says that C's are common in AP Calc, even from smart kids, while B's are realllllly good. And A's are almost unheard of.
In my Alg2/Trig/Precalc course, I'm not sure if I really understood all of it. So my choices are:
1. to retake PreCalc. This way I might be able to get a better understanding of the materials. But will it really help me in calculus? There's always the problem of me getting bored (I have a short attention span) halfway through the year, which I would HATE.
2. I can take AP Calc, and risk getting a lower grade.
So my deciding factor is pretty much what colleges look for on an application, and I need help.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
K, this is one of the most common questions ever and i wondered this for soo long. AP's and Honor's classes impact alot on your resume. Here are some hypotheticals:
Regular Calc you would get a A, AP Calc you get B+, colleges want the B+ in AP becuase it shows you pushed yourself and challenged yourself rather than getting by easy with a regular class. another hypothetical: B- in AP and A- in reg, colleges want the AP. most of the time, unless your grade is two grade letters less, colleges want AP's and Honors, unless its like a Comunity College.
Um, if you have time this summer go over the ALG2/Trig/Precalc stuff as much as you can, and i would take Calc AP and if it doesnt work for the first few weeks, switch to ALG2/Trig/Precalc again. it does not, i repeat DOES NOT, look good on a application if you repeat a course.
It's hard to say if AP scores are really crucial in college admissions because they're self-reported first and then the final grades are sent in to the college you plan to attend for credit.
I took AP Calculus AB as a sophomore as well and went onto take AP Calculus C (there's no AP Calc C AP, so we just took the BC exam). My teacher was extremely difficult and I often felt lucky with semester grades between B to A-. However, I recieved 5's on both AB and BC exams.
This helped me alot in college because I basically relearned the math I took in highschool (college math was alot easier).
I think you should take the harder course... although it may seem intimidating, there are always resources for you to use incase you need help. In addition, it will definitely help you in the near future.
From my experience, it was better to take AP Calc. I received a low B in the class, but had one of the highest grades in the class.
The schools will see that you are willing to take on a challenge.
Also, I was also able take the AP Test at the end of the semester and received the best grade possible. With my high score, the university that I attended gave me credit for three math courses (9 credit hours) and only had to take one more math course. This not only saved me time and money, but helped be to graduate early. In the state I live in, the state pays students extra money for graduating early.
If you are still unsure on the material covered on those past classes. Take Honors Calculus, the first few weeks of the class is review of past knowledge needed. After passing Honors Calculus, then decided if you want to take AP Calc. You still have well enough time to take AP Calculus, you should also take AP Statistics.
It is generally better to get an B in an AP course than an A in a regular course. Taking an AP course(even with a lower grade than you would get in a regular course) shows colleges you have potential. And an AP course in your sophomore year? Even better! I say go for it and take the AP.