Pre-Calculus

upennvetgirl727 · 10-22-2012, 09:20 PM

Hi,

I'm a junior in high school and I'm in Algebra 2 (I have a B). Next year, when I go into my senior year, I want to take AP Calculus AB. However, pre-calculus is a pre-requisite for that, so I need to figure out a way to take it some point before my senior year. I've been mostly a B student when it comes to math (high A's in everything else, though.) Math is the only regular course that I take. Everything else is either AP or Honors.
The problem is, the guidance counselor at my current school is very difficult to negotiate with. He doesn't let anyone double-up on math (except for Geometry - that is, if you're in honors), nor does he allow anyone to test-out or take summer courses or anything like that. It's very frustrating because I have a strong curiosity for learning Calculus.
Fortunately, I'm going to a public school next year (maybe even in December.) Is there anything I can do to take pre-calculus as an independent course from my school? I mean, is there a class that I can take that will give me credit and won't require approval from my guidance counselor?

I already contacted my local community college, and since my school doesn't have dual enrollment, I can't take pre-calculus there. Also, if Florida Virtual School requires approval from one's guidance counselor, then that's out of the question too.

Does anyone have any advice regarding this, or tips, or know of anything that I can do? Thank you so much!

- Brooke

halcyonheather · 10-22-2012, 09:20 PM

Why can't you test out?
My school has a policy mentioned in the student handbook that explains all the different ways you can get credit besides taking the class. Whether or not we're allowed to test out of stuff isn't completely up to the guidance counselor.

upennvetgirl727 · 10-22-2012, 09:20 PM

I'm not a math person at all...I'm so much stronger in science and other subjects. But thanks. And Niquii77, what's that supposed to mean?

MutaRiSC · 10-23-2012, 10:11 AM

At my school you can just take precalc over the summer online or at a school, prepare a portfolio, and then take a test.

Why can't you do that?

upennvetgirl727 · 10-23-2012, 05:20 PM

Because my guidance counselor is a jerk...that's why...

any ideas, guys?!?! Bump!!!

Niquii77 · 10-23-2012, 05:31 PM

Um...my only advice is to go to a local university and see if you can take calculus there. Maybe second semester while taking precal (next year). You might have to pay.

Adderall · 10-23-2012, 07:36 PM

Algebra II jr year yet your username indicates you want to go to UPenn. Let's get real.

upennvetgirl727 · 10-23-2012, 08:00 PM

Adderall, if you're trying to offend me, nice try, but it's hard to get insulted by someone who's weak enough to hide behind a computer and attempt to insult someone that he/she doesn't even know. I don't want to go to Penn anymore, anyway. So it doesn't matter to me.

upennvetgirl727 · 10-23-2012, 08:01 PM

OH and btw, I know someone that got accepted to Penn with pre-calc senior year.

aomame · 10-23-2012, 09:07 PM

Just saying, if you have a B in non-honors Algebra II, taking AP Calc AB and squeezing Pre-Calc in between is pretty unrealistic.

Your guidance counselor is absolutely right to deny you IMO since even a person with a stronger record wouldn't be allowed to do it like you said. But any kind of independent study likely needs to go through your guidance department. I'd imagine if you don't get credit for the independent study, it wouldn't mean anything and qualify you for AP Calc.

Just understand that, from an adult's point of view, you haven't really shown (based off of your grades alone, which is a huge deciding factor) that you can handle studying pre-calc by yourself to take an AP math class when you're not getting an A in a non-honors algebra course. At least, that's how i'd see it if I didn't know you at all.

I'd save myself from the misery that is pre-calculus and math in general (since you don't sound like a math person tbh) and deal with algebra II then pre-calc. After all, if your pal got into UPenn with pre-calc senior year, why can't you?

Sincerely, a person who got a B in Algebra II and is absolutely floundering in Pre-Calc.

MutaRiSC · 10-23-2012, 09:08 PM

@vetgirl

That is possible. If you apply for CAS, I don't think you need calc.

Niquii77 · 10-23-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Just saying, if you have a B in non-honors Algebra II, taking AP Calc AB and squeezing Pre-Calc in between is pretty unrealistic.

Your guidance counselor is absolutely right to deny you IMO since even a person with a stronger record wouldn't be allowed to do it like you said. But any kind of independent study likely needs to go through your guidance department. I'd imagine if you don't get credit for the independent study, it wouldn't mean anything and qualify you for AP Calc.

Just understand that, from an adult's point of view, you haven't really shown (based off of your grades alone, which is a huge deciding factor) that you can handle studying pre-calc by yourself to take an AP math class when you're not getting an A in a non-honors algebra course. At least, that's how i'd see it if I didn't know you at all.

This is what I was thinking. I wouldn't be been able to put it so delicately.