mom2three

Getting REALLY solid in trig is a great advantage in calculus. Getting a solid GPA is a great advantage in keeping the good old bright futures. There's really no rush. She won't "be behind" by taking the recommended course.

Lots of kids hit a wall in college math classes, where the entire grade is based on 3 or 4 tests (no credit for homework, etc.)

Ease in.

seiclan

Good advice, plus, she just told me that she felt very shaky during the Trig section of the placement test so she feels she needs to take trig.

jagman0730

I would stick with what the placement test said. As much as I feel she doesn't need it, it might be a good review for her. She does still have the option to get an override to go straight in Calc 1.

PWGuerrilla

Does the placement test recommend anything higher than Calculus 1?

jagman0730

if you are a genius, then yes. But you are not likely to get into Calc 2 unless you pass your AP Calc A exam...

mom2three

Every kid I know of has struggled to some extent with college calculus, post AP-Calc. My son is VERY strong in math, 5 on the AP Calc BC exam, and went straight into Calc 3 and had a very hard time.

Son 3 may do just as well on the AP exam. He'll take no higher than Calc 2 in college.

Be careful of depending on AP Calc to actually replace the content of the lower calculus classes. I have a feeling it depends on the school and the professor. Err on the side of caution.