FortunateFiasco

I am speaking with teachers about future classes of mine and was encouraged by a guidance counselor and a former math teacher to jump from precalculus to calculus BC if I "have even the slightest thought of becoming an engineer". (I am still undecided). They described Calculus AB as a "soft and fuzzy" version of calculus, saying it's probably more suited for medical students or something similar.

Is this a possible jump to make, precalculus straight to calculus BC ? My school's typical math program goes precalc to Calc AB to Calc BC. I'd end up taking Calc AB my senior year. I know it's too early to decide (I'm currently a sophomore in trigonometry), but if I'm successful in precalculus do you think it's a feasible feat? Has anyone else ever done this ? Thanks in advance.

Darthpwner

It's possible if you like math and really put the work in. I didn't go straight to BC (went from Math Analysis to AB to BC this year), but I have a lot of friends who did and it's definitely possible to get a 5 and an A in the class.

FutureDocSauve

I went from percale to AB and now in in BC. I got a 5 on the AB test. I think calc is so easy. I really wanted to take the BC test last year since there is a lt of overlap. Both this year in BC and last year in AB, I have not done any of the homework, except the reviews before a test. I think you can manage BC easily. I know I would have, but then again some people struggle with calc AB...

FutureDocSauve

To put it in comparison, calc BC first semester is review of a full year calc AB. Then second semester you learn new things.

FortunateFiasco

@Darthpwner Thanks, that's good to hear that others have done this successfully. Although I wouldn't say I "like" math, I'm certainly willing to invest the time and effort for this class to get a good grade & score on the ap test. Maybe I can self-study some Calc AB over the summer before going into BC also.

FortunateFiasco

@FutureDocSauve Thanks for that information. I thought about that too(taking the AB and BC exam), but I know CC prevents students from taking the Calc AB and BC ap exams during the same year due to the overlap. I guess I'll see how things go for me and take it from there.

mathrom

Many people in my school go from Precalculus to AP Calc BC. It depends on how good you are at math whether you should go to AB or BC, but it's definitely possible.

FortunateFiasco

Thanks mathrom, I guess when the time is nearer I'll ask my math teacher and decide for myself depending on how successful I am in precalc.. but it's good to know that it's something that can be done.

FutureDocSauve

Pre calc success doesn't mean calc success. Calc is a whole new thing, in fact, many of the problems are hard because of the difficult algebra needed. If u suck at precalc u may do amazing in calc.