Should I Take Pre-Calculus Over the Summer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to take pre-calculus over the summer, with participants sharing their experiences and concerns regarding the differences in course rigor and structure across different schools. The conversation touches on the implications of taking a summer course on future calculus studies and the importance of guidance from counselors and teachers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about taking pre-calculus over the summer due to concerns about the course not aligning with an honors path and its potential impact on future calculus studies.
  • Another participant shares their experience of differing pre-calculus courses at two schools, highlighting that one was a prerequisite for calculus while the other was an alternative for seniors who struggled with calculus.
  • A participant requests clarification on the differences between the pre-calculus courses mentioned, indicating confusion about the comparison.
  • One participant advises against taking both trigonometry and pre-calculus simultaneously, suggesting that a solid understanding of trigonometry is essential before tackling pre-calculus.
  • Another participant warns that summer courses may not provide in-depth instruction, which could hinder learning, and suggests considering a College Algebra course instead.
  • A participant mentions their counselor's unavailability, indicating a need for alternative sources of advice.
  • One participant notes that in their area, calculus is offered as a university-level class in high school, and pre-calculus is not a standard course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the appropriateness of taking pre-calculus over the summer, with some cautioning against it due to potential challenges, while others emphasize the importance of individual readiness and school-specific course structures. No consensus is reached regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in pre-calculus course content and expectations across different schools, which may affect the decision-making process for students considering summer courses.

Euphoriet
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Has anyone here taken pre cal or calculus over the summer?

I am planning on taking pre cal over the summer so I can go into cal next year...

I don't need to do this... and the problem with doing it.. is that since the summer course would not really follow the "honors" path.. I don't know if that may affect me in the future... (next year) when I take caculus .

If I take the class at the city college... it will be like a year worth of worked all in 2 months... but when I go back to school will I be able to handle calculus...

Thanks

EDIT:

I am also wondering what classes some of you are taking.. or took when you were school. I knwo they will probably be over my head but I am still curious to know. :rolleyes:
 
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I think this is more of a school specific thing. I moved a year ago and had to change schools. The difference between the two pre-calc courses couldn't have been any more differen't. At my old school the course was a stepping stone to calc, but in my new school it was an alternative for seniors to calc. Your best bet is to talk to your guidence counselor about it.
 
Sorry I didnt quite get your comparison between the two classes.. can you explain it to me in a different way, thanks.

I get that they were very different... thanks.
 
I was just trying to show that there can be a big difference between what a pre-calc class is in one area and what it is in another. At my old school the pre-calc class was the class you took before you took calc. In my new school the class is for seniors who can't handle calc. So it can very drastically from school to school.
 
I am also wondering what classes some of you are taking.. or took when you were school. I knwo they will probably be over my head but I am still curious to know.

And I am thinking about taking TRIG right along with pre calc
 
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well...since I was uninformed about my new school's pre-calc class I took that. In hindsight it was a bad decision since I am bored out of my mind in that class. I'm still a junior so I can't give you any age old advice. I'd say take the trig class first, not with the pre-calc class. There is just too much trig you need to know to take pre-calc. Thats my advice, but like I said, talk to your guidence counselor. His/her entire job is to help you make these kinds of decisions. Hope I was of some help
 
One of the reason I am posting here is because my counselor is not really available right now =-/
 
Go talk to the pre-calc math teacher then.
 
I suggest you not take p-cal/trig during the summer unless you are a math wiz. Summer courses only give a brief account of whatever book they are using. The teachers don't explain as much and you will not absorb most of the stuff learned during this short period of 5 weeks?. If you think you are up to taking Calculus next year (in high school?), then take it. If you are really planning to take p-cal during the summer, consider College Algebra (it is the basics of trig). Good lUcK!
 
  • #10
here, Calc is a university class offered in high school, there is no such thing as pre-calc
 

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