<pre><code>I didn’t go to Orientation, which leads me here: I’m struggling to register for classes online. I know I should ask an advisor for this( which I’ll do it later). But right now, what do you guys think about the Pre-Cal or Calculus class in college? I took Pre-Cal at my high school and got B+. I also passed my math placement tes(i’m going to UC Davis btw) and allowed me to take Calculus class. However, I heard that Calculus class in college is way more challenging than it is in high school.Shoud I retake the Pre-Cal in college and try to get better grade? Then Calculus class?
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<p>I don’t really get how the U.S. college system is…If I get more classes, then I gotta pay more? Or everyone pays the same tuttion but the specific number of credit? I am so confused.</p>
<p>It may be a good idea to take Pre Calc in the US since you may not have covered exactly the same curriculum and it’ll get you used to math in English, which can be confusing.
At UCDavis, you would likely take 16 quarter units. Taking more is not adviser for your first quarter. After that, you can take (I think) 18-19 without being charged more. Check with the university, as it can change each year (per unit vs. flat fee as well as extra units costs.)</p>
<p>Agree with MYOS1634’s view on not taking a heavy course load for your first quarter in the US. To my knowledge, the Chinese math curriculum usually covers more in depth than the American math curriculum before college level. I do not know the rigor of your high school curriculum. Since you passed the placement test, it should be OK for you to take the Calculus course. There are different levels of Calculus courses, depending on your major. Calculus for business students may be “easier” than Calculus for engineering students. Many universities have differentiated Calculus courses for different types of students. I don’t know about UC Davis. You can check with your adviser. I would suggest you review your Pre-Cal before school starts. There are many courses and resources available online and many are free. It only takes your self-discipline to make the best use of it. American college tuition is expensive. Make it worth it. One math professor who teaches Pre-Cal and Calculus in a private university often laments for the parents of his students who need to take Pre-Cal. It is a course they could have learned well at high school at no cost (if they go to a public one) but they have to take this remedial course that costs over $2,000 at his university (in summer session tuition is usually charged by credits). Why not use the tuition to learn something you cannot learn in high school? I am sure the online courses will help you get familiar with the math terms in English. My general advice for learning in college is that a student has to take the initiative to learn. Preview, review, and ask questions. Do not passively wait to be fed by the teachers.</p>