hye345

I was all set to start as an EE major in the fall, but due to what I got on a math placement test, I will be placed in precalc. The math itself isn't really the problem, since after the fall quarter, I will be placed in calculus, but I will have to put off starting physics until sophomore year.

How much of a burden will this really be (in general)? I can retake the test in September, but I'm worried that the calculus/physics classes will be full by then. I am prepared to take extra classes this year (and maybe next) to make up the difference.

i586

I stated off in pre-calc. actually at my first school, they forced all freshman to take intermediate algebra and Pre-calc and then go into calc.

Its not uncommon at all. and it wont hold ya back to much, as you can take your english, Chemistry, math, history

go at your own pace and don't compare yourself to others.

peck191

It's not a big deal at all. LOTS of people start college with pre-cal.

hinmanCEO

take a summer class if you wanna catch up

racnna

yeah take a summer class next summer.

i586

calc 1 in the summer is a bad idea. I tried it when I first started, we did all of limits in 1x 3 hr class and all of derivatives in 2x 3 hrs classes. To fast for me.

hye345

I don't need to take calculus next summer, because I will take it this year after completing one quarter of pre-calc.

My problem isn't with the math itself, its just that the intro-to-physics series at my school is offered once a year (lasts 3 quarters/one year total), and I can't take it freshman year if I don't take calculus at the same time. So I might have to wait until sophomore year to start physics. Since physics is a prerequisite to circuits, I would have to wait until junior year to take that.

i586

There are loopholes to everything. you should be fine, if you wanted you could see if any colleges in your area have a late session 3 summer class that runs from late july to late august, This way you start off in calc 1.

dr_reynolds

Lots of students start in pre-cal. I think it's probably a good thing that they do - it will make you better when you start Calculus. I know when I was a student I wanted to get into more advanced classes as fast as possible but now I realize that it's best to just take it slowly and really know what you are doing.

kwtortoise

I'd look at your degree's class schedule; for my school not taking Calc the first semester would push you back a semester for graduation because of all the prereqs. Other than that, it is probably better for you to understand the math very well before just moving forward.

UriA702

Pre-calc is great to take in college. Why? You will get a good understanding of how the mathematics department in the school works before any math classes that will be weighted in your GPA - Trust me this can be very beneficial. A better understanding of algebra along with graphing will really come in hand when it comes time to take calculus, differential equations and especially Linear Algebra.

It's not that big of a deal to be set back 2 classes. Keep in mind that if you are able to grasp mathematical concepts and formulas rather quickly that you can always take any of your calculus classes over the summer session, It'll require some work but I've found that most students who will take a mathematics course in the summer and concentrate on that solely will end up knowing the material better than a student taking calculus along with 5 other classes.

chuy

You might be able to juggle classes and stay right on track, taking a required elective or something now and physics in its place later.