Currently, my school allows sophomores to take both algebra 2 and pre-calc in the same year. However, this policy is changing next year, only allowing sophomores to take algebra 2. My question is, Will this put me at a disadvantage in the college admissions process?
No. The policies of an individual high school will have no impact on an application. BTW, the school is doing the right thing, IMO.
Yeah. You can’t do like anything that is in Pre Calc without understanding all of Algebra II topics. So your school is doing the right thing. It might put you at a slight disadvantage, but nothing that can’t be overcome by good grades, scores and EC’s.
Let me clarify: current sophomores do NOT simultaneously take algebra and pre-calc.
Our school uses a block schedule, with sophomores taking algebra 2 the first semester, and pre-calc the next semester, if that makes a difference
As long as you end up taking Calculus in high school (Senior Year) it shouldn’t be an issue.
Yeah, you should have mentioned that; it does make a difference.
Again, if that’s the school’s policy, colleges will not hold it against you. You still get to take calculus as a senior.
No, especially if it doesn’t prevent you from taking anything. If your school offers AP Calculus BC, you’ll be able to take it in your senior year either way. If they offer higher math classes, who will be taking them after the rule change?
Why do schools even let students take both at the same time? Looking at some Pre-Calc stuff, I woul have no idea how to start it without leaning Algebra 2…
@Anish14 This student isn’t talking about taking them at the same time- most high schools will not let students do so. In block scheduling like the one OP has, you can take Algebra 2 first semester and then Pre-Calc second semester, since you take 4 classes the first semester and then 4 the next (each equivalent to a full year course). I don’t know for sure, but I would assume that at most schools with this type of block scheduling, students would be allowed to “double up”, as long as the courses aren’t in the same semester.
@guineagirl96 Ohhh, block scheduling makes a bit more sense than taking the classes concurrently. Thanks for the clarification!