<p>First, I am taking math 118 next year (I am a incoming freshman at USC); does anyone know which textbook is going to be used? I know the official list hasn’t come out yet, but what books have been used in previous years?</p>
<p>And second, I already passed out of calc because I got a 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. However, I chose to take math 118, a calculus course, anyway, because it will probably be a relatively easy A, and a boost to my GPA. If I choose to skip over math 118, I would have to take statistics, which I didn’t take in high school, meaning it would be harder to get an A. I heard that rarely anyone takes math 118 if they passed out of it. Does anyone agree with my thinking, or am I doing the wrong thing? Should I take math 118 even though I passed out of it just for an easy A, or should I just take stats? Also, is there any way I can skip math 118 but still take stats second semester, meaning I have a whole 4 units of space first semester that I can use for any class??</p>
<p>Well… you could have decided to attend community college to get “easy As,” but you were qualified for USC and chose to attend the more challenging university. Why did you make that decision???</p>
<p>It often turns out that when freshman choose what they believe will be “an easy A,” they assume the class will be a breeze and tend to skip class, not complete all the homework… and the “easy A” turns into a “B.” A LOT of you high-achievers do your best when you are challenged, so this lame mom thinks you should take the tougher class. (And a “B” in a course you actually need is far more useful that an “A” in a course for which you already have credit.)</p>
<p>If you end up with 4 units of space in your schedule, try to find a lower-division requirement for your major or a possible minor, or a GE requirement rather than just taking “any class.” If you spend all your time re-taking your high school courses and taking “any” classes you are not likely to graduate on time.</p>
<p>If you got a 5 in AP Calculus BC you will be more than qualified to take Statistics. Try to find a teacher you have heard good things about. When you take Stats go meet with the teacher during office hours. I cannot stress how important this is. Many students are afraid to go in and ask for help. Often these teachers sit alone in their office hours with no students coming in. They will be happy to see you. My son went to his calculus teacher last year and he said no one has ever come to his office hours and he really helped my son. He ended up with a solid A. You may see this teacher later on in classes and this connection could be so valuable. Go ahead and take Stats.</p>
<p>college math is difficult, regardless of wheter or not you took the class in high school. you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage by taking the class again. it’ll free up room later in your schedule that you’ll be glad you have to double major/minor. are you a business major?
honestly, college isnt all about grades like high school was (unless you’re premed). don’t get me wrong, it’s important to do well, but not getting an A in a class isn’t going to kill you. yes, statistics is difficult but you’re gonna have to take it eventually so just get it out of the way. if you’re so concerned about getting an A, take an easy GE class instead of 118. that way you can get a requirement out of the way and still get a good grade. SOCI150 is a really easy Category 6</p>
<p>and yes you can take stats second semester if you want to, but i would reccomend taking it earlier. there is a little bit of calculus in the statistics and it’s helpful if you take it first semester and have it fresh in your mind. i took stats 2nd semester and no math 1st semester and it was a little difficult getting back into the math mindset and then recalling even some basic calc stuff</p>