<p>JHS said:
<a href=“2”>quote</a> You probably do NOT want to insist on taking a higher level class than they think you are ready for.
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<p>On the other hand, if you think you have the ability to handle a higher level math course based on the background you bring from HS, go talk to the prof or your advisor. S1 scored at one level on the calc placement exam, but knew that other aspects of his background would enable him to do well at a different level. He talked to the math department advisors, who encouraged him to sit in on a couple of different sections and levels, and he wound up with a very good fit. (Caveat: he is a math major. If you are just trying to get Math Core out of the way, you may want to contemplate a bit more sanity.)</p>
<p>S1 advises that if you take Honors Calc (160s), having some Linear Algebra background is very helpful (Chicago does not teach lin alg separately, so if you haven’t had it previously, this is where you learn it, along with calc.) The 160s are a fairly fast-paced sequence, and if you haven’t had Lin Alg, it can get intense. S wound up helping a number of folks with both lin alg and the inquiry-based style since he had exposure to both in HS.</p>
<p>The math and calc placement exams are given on the day after you move into the dorms. There won’t be time to study – you’ll be up half the night talking to your new housemates. The powers that be are at least thoughtful enough to wait til a decent hour on Sunday afternoon to administer the exams.</p>