<p>is college algebra also referred to as precalculus mathematics considered a difficult class, or is it more of a “easy joke” class? i earned an “A” in it, but only because i am really good in math. several people i know failed it and struggled majorly with it. do schools such as USC,Tulane,Pepperdine,Emory look down on students who are trying to transfer and have only completed college algebra? or is this pretty good to complete with an “A” ? thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>I’d imagine it depends what you’re majoring in.</p>
<p>An English major applying to USC who has only completed precalculus would probably be admitted if their writing stats were good. Math is somewhat irrelevant at that point.</p>
<p>A math or science major applying to USC would likely not be accepted if they’ve only completed precalculus. Think of all the other applicants who’ve taken Calculus BC or beyond.</p>
<p>I just used USC as an example because it’s the most selective of the colleges you’ve listed. IMO the other colleges won’t care that you’ve only taken precalculus . . . unless, of course, you want to be a math major. Then it might be a problem.</p>
<p>And in my opinion, any math class above Geometry isn’t consider an easy class. You begin to handle complicated concepts that actually require studying and work.</p>
<p>thanks for the reply taryn! i am majoring in athletic training, so i am guessing that it won’t matter and that it will look good?</p>
<p>That would be my guess! :)</p>
<p>thanks :-)</p>
<p>anyone else?</p>
<p>any more input would be appreciated!</p>
<p>At a local CC near me, college algebra is below precalculus. I tutored a friend that was taking the class and it was basically Alg 2.</p>
<p>so is it not considered a very difficult class when admissions committe look at it on your transcript?</p>
<p>At my 4 year institution, it is considered an entrance class for Freshmen. I wouldn’t say it’s considered a difficult class, but I wouldn’t say it’s easy.</p>
<p>Pre-Calc is not considered a very difficult class I guess. Isn’t it more or less the standard math preparation for students going to attend selective colleges?
Basically, it will be nothing that stands out, neither in a positive nor in a negative way.</p>
<p>In NYS it is considered to be the 4th class in the normal Math sequence. To obtain a Regents diploma in NYS a student only has to have a 3 year Math concentration, therefore some Kids decide not to take it at all or will take a lower level course. My daughter is taking Pre Calc this year at the Regents level, as a math minor myself I don’t think it is an easy course. I believe most colleges look upon it very favorably. I talked to one admissions person who told me that me daughters Pre Calc/Physics combo along with English, History ect in the senior year gave her a plus for a difficult Senior schedule.</p>
<p>The schools that you listed are very selective; their typical freshman applicant will usually have taken Pre-Calc in their junior year of high school. It’s not considered easy, since it’s part of the typical rigorous, college-prep track, but it’s also a junior-year high school course, so I think that taking it in college would be considered remedial at the types of schools you mentioned.</p>
<p>I think you should go to each school’s website and look for their course sequences in your desired major. I feel that the math won’t be a big deal because youre a transfer and you more than likely have enough credits to knock out some of those other basic classes. In other words, you will be able to catch up on the math with no problem. </p>
<p>Marathonman88 mentioned that juniors in high school take precalculus, but I feel that is irrelevant because most colleges use your testing scores (ACT/SAT/AP) or a department placement test to determine what math you will take. I know for a fact that plenty of people got into selective schools with precalculus as their highest level of math.</p>
<p>College algebra is different from Precalculus.</p>
<p>College algebra is not any more advanced than high school Algebra 2. Compare textbooks and you’ll see.</p>
<p>Precalculus is not any more advanced than high school Trigonometry. Again, compare textbooks and you’ll see.</p>
<p>At most, a college professor may be more mathematically demanding (i.e. won’t tolerate sloppy answers / focus on proofs). Otherwise, neither college algebra nor precalculus is a “true” college math course.</p>
<p>Like taryn said, it depends on your major. Only the sciences (including math and engineering) require Calculus and beyond. Business majors may have to take a survey course of Calculus, but they do not need to study single-variable calculus beyond definite integration.</p>
<p>check the college’s websites. For example, it appears that precalc is required for some majors at USC (the ‘ologies’), including kineisiology, a typical sports training major. But you could probably take it on campus if accepted. However, since precalc is really a HS-level course, a transfer applicant without it would probably not have the strength of schedule that selective colleges want to see.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>