Can I Skip Pre-Calculus and Challenge a College Calculus Class?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of skipping a Pre-Calculus class to directly enroll in a Calculus I course at a junior college. Participants explore the implications of this decision, including personal motivations, institutional policies, and preparation strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (Randy) expresses a desire to challenge himself by taking Calculus I directly, citing a background in economics and a technical career.
  • Some participants inquire about Randy's motivations, questioning whether he aims to pursue a new major or simply seeks personal growth.
  • One participant suggests that different schools have varying policies regarding waiving prerequisites, advising Randy to consult with the course instructor or department head.
  • Another participant expresses confidence in Randy's ability to succeed in Calculus I, noting that the calculus series is typically not considered advanced and that he seems serious about his studies.
  • Several participants recommend checking if the school offers a math placement exam as a potential way to bypass Pre-Calculus.
  • One participant advises that if time constraints necessitate skipping Pre-Calculus, challenging the course could be justified, but also suggests that taking it could solidify knowledge and provide new insights.
  • Randy acknowledges the existence of a math placement exam and plans to inquire about the process to take it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible for Randy to challenge the Pre-Calculus requirement, but there are differing opinions on whether this is the best approach. Some emphasize the importance of solidifying foundational knowledge, while others support the idea of challenging the course based on Randy's confidence in his abilities.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability in institutional policies regarding prerequisites and the lack of consensus on the best approach for Randy's situation. The discussion does not resolve whether skipping Pre-Calculus is advisable.

datafiend
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Hi all,
I have read this forum on and off for a couple years' now and have finally started the road to calculus.

I have a BA in Econ already (2001) and took the "Business Calc" class way back (that's what the minimum was). I find myself in a technical career (not Econ related), but have always wondered to myself, "Can I take the full Calculus series?".

As most of you know, most colleges (reputable ones) are impacted right now (especially in California). I have been reviewing the Precalculus book by Stewart, Redlin, and Watson and am pretty comfortable with it. Do you think it's worth a challenge to my local junior college? What I'm trying to say is I would like to go directly to Calculus I this fall, but skip the Pre-Calc class.

Any downside to this approach?

Thx

Randy
 
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What do you hope to get out of this? Are you going back to school to pursue another major, or are you just challenging yourself (As it seems)?
 
DBZ,
It's more of challenging myself. However, to be perfectly candid, I'd think this would be a good bullet point on my resume. I think that getting into more rigorous occupations that pay better and challenge your analytical thinking is what the calculus would help out with.

I'm a decent student, I've always been a lifelong learner and not taking the Calculus series was a regret I've not completely gotten over.

Thx
 
Different schools probably have different policies on waiving prerequisites for a course. Where I teach, the course's instructor can do it. At some schools, you might have to go to the department head, or maybe even higher up the administrative ladder.

So, if you know who the instructor is going to be, start by asking him/her. Otherwise, ask the department head.
 
To the OP, if you're really interested in taking the calculus series and you already feel comfortable with precalculus then I don't see why you wouldn't success. You seem serious about your studies. I think the calculus series is usually thought in the first 3 semesters in most universities so it's not considered as an "advanced course". There's no reason you'll do poorly, IMO.
 
Do you know if your school has a math placement exam? Maybe you could take it and bypass precalc.
 
I would get the book for the class you want to take and start reading it and trying some of the problems. There is no point in trying to take a more challenging class until you're sure you can handle the material.
 
If you really need to skip the class, like due to time constraints, then you should try to challenge it. However, if you're just challenging because you're fairly sure you know everything in the course, you may as well take it. Obviously you're not going to be constantly learning new stuff, but it will allow you to completely solidify everything you already know, pick up some new ideas/perspectives on the material, and be in a very strong position heading into Calc 1.
 
HeLiXe said:
Do you know if your school has a math placement exam? Maybe you could take it and bypass precalc.

As a matter of fact, they do. I'll drop by and see what process to follow next.

Many thx.
 

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