Math in HS for MIT

[oatlyoatmilk]

@fretfulmother

Without knowing the whole story of the non-honors recommendation, let me insert that maybe OP meant that “only one kid” was recommended from REGULAR to move UP to honors math.

That would not be unusual during the transition into the much harder Algebra II or Precalculus courses. Most of the honors class would be filled with kids who also had honors the year before.

Let me also say, as a teacher, that it’s not just your grade in regular classes that matters for honors. For instance, in my school, the grade in regular classes is based less on tests and more on in-class activities, and the homeworks are easier - which means that a kid could earn an A in a regular class and still not be a good candidate for the honors course the following year.

In my county, there is Algebra I, Geometry, and then honors maths. There was no geometry/algebra I honors.

@Groundwork2022

In our HS, grades and teacher recommendations are only two of three factors. Standardized testing is the third. If your math grades on the standardized tests weren’t in the top 5% -10%, you would not have been moved up without a parent making a pest of him/herself (not saying this is right, but it CAN make a difference).

OP, I am curious to hear whether your parents advocated for you in this decision or were they not involved? It seems the outcome might be different if they had input.

I think your path forward is a little clearer. Math matters at MIT, and Calc BC in your senior year will be seen as par for the course.

My parents are relatively laid back and don’t want me to be overly stressed out, but they see I love to work hard. My parents don’t completely understand how HS classes/schedules work. They told me to do what was recommended for me. I don’t have parents that demand all A+'s from me (although I do demand all A’s from myself so far). Very thankful for their views because it’s helped me have a good relationship with them (especially during moody teenage years).