What are the best options for taking PreCalc over the summer without a license?

  • Thread starter Thread starter capitol
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Precalc Summer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around options for high school students seeking to take PreCalculus over the summer without a driver's license. Participants explore various course formats, including residential and online classes, and share personal experiences and recommendations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a strong foundation in intermediate algebra is crucial before attempting PreCalculus and questions whether a 3-4 week course is sufficient.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in online courses, noting that they often lack the structure of traditional classes.
  • A participant mentions a specific online course (Math 418 Analysis and Application of Functions at UNH) and seeks feedback on its suitability.
  • Some participants recommend exploring community colleges or large universities for affordable options, highlighting that many offer summer courses.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of successfully taking PreCalculus at a community college and suggests that additional practice outside of class can be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility of completing PreCalculus in a short time frame, with some advocating for intensive study while others caution against it. There is no consensus on the best course option, as multiple recommendations and experiences are shared.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for strong algebra skills and the potential challenges of online learning, but these points are not universally agreed upon. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and suggestions without resolving the best approach.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering summer PreCalculus courses, educators advising students on course selection, and parents seeking options for their children.

capitol
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I am currently a sophomore in high school and am interested in taking precalc this summer. I would prefer a concentrated 3 -4 week residential course at a college or a university or on-line course, because I do not have a license. Any recommendations?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


You have two more years of high school yet to complete. What have you studied so far? Make sure that at least your intermediate algebra is very strong before trying PreCalculus. Four weeks is not long enough for a PreCalculus course. If you are studying intermediate algebra right now, then you could study PreCalculus on your own during the summer. Prepare to spend at least 3 hours everyday for the WHOLE summer 3 months.
 


capitol said:
I am currently a sophomore in high school and am interested in taking precalc this summer. I would prefer a concentrated 3 -4 week residential course at a college or a university or on-line course, because I do not have a license. Any recommendations?

Yes, this can be done, but it takes some determination. Your first suggestion is probably the easiest, as a teacher will be there to guide you along. But by far, residential courses cost more than the online classes.

Online courses require a lot of dedication, as no one will be pushing you. Most professors don't care if you submit assignments on time, or if you wait until the last minute...this is the major difference from High school.

How are your Algebra skills?

As most sophomores don't even think about doing this, and if you understand what you're getting yourself into, I'm inclined to suggest you go for it. The more you get done during high school, the less you have to do in college.
 


Thanks for your thoughts. I am a highly motivated math student and have excelled at Algebra. My teacher recommended I take Math 418 Analysis and Application of Functions at UNH this summer. It is a plug-in on-line class three nights a week for 6 weeks. Has anyone taken this class? Does anyone have another recommendation for an on-line or on-site class this summer?
 


capitol said:
Thanks for your thoughts. I am a highly motivated math student and have excelled at Algebra. My teacher recommended I take Math 418 Analysis and Application of Functions at UNH this summer. It is a plug-in on-line class three nights a week for 6 weeks. Has anyone taken this class? Does anyone have another recommendation for an on-line or on-site class this summer?

I have not taken this class, but it looks like it would work. Definitely better than the high school equivalent. There are a lot of schools that offer online classes. In fact, any big university, has 'independent learning' or Continuing Education' departments. Some, like Stanford have special programs during the summer (http://epgy.stanford.edu/index.html" ). It all depends on how much you want to spend.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Thank you for your recommendations. I checked out EPYG and think it might be a good fit.
 


Go to a nearby JuCo and enroll. I did that myself [ for free, mind you ].

I think I was a soph [ 10th grade ] back then, and then took the Precalculus class at a nearby comm college during the Fall semester.

I guess if you actually spend some extra time outside of that doing extra problems there wouldn't be any problems.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
25K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
19K