Calc II at community college?

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tyrtuga

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I already took Calc 1 at my home institution as a first semester freshman. Didn't do too hot, got a C. I also just found out that I have to complete another semester of Calc for a B.S in Bio, but I'm already taking Orgo and several other difficult courses next semester that I don't want to interfere with. Will taking it at a CC over the summer be looked down upon?
 
Agreed. Getting a C in Calc I will only mean bad news for Calc II unless the main problem is identified and resolved.

That C was because I was lazy and didn't do my work. I got a ~2.7 last semester but my current grades are around a 3.8.
 
That C was because I was lazy and didn't do my work. I got a ~2.7 last semester but my current grades are around a 3.8.

That may be the case, but the C looks worse than taking a course at a CC ever would.
 
That may be the case, but the C looks worse than taking a course at a CC ever would.

I know it looks bad. It was my first semester, and I was adjusting from a severely under challenged high school experience. I'm hoping it will be overlooked with my new study habits and grades.
 
Lol he can't do anything about that C now so move on past that. As long as you don't have too many blips I can still imagine you having an adequate GPA.

The only problem is that people don't usually go from getting a C in Calc I to an A/A- in Calc II. For most people, Calc II is harder. If you take the class and see the roadblocks in front of you due to your deficient Calc I knowledge you might get discouraged, study less than you need to, and get another C. Seen it happen many times. Maybe you should even spend the summer studying calculus on your own and come back in the fall to your home institution and nail it. You'll have much higher motivation if you can start the class from a solid basis (or better yet, ahead).
 
Calc II is rough, imo - and I loved Calc I and III. It might be better for you actually to take it at a CC - if it's the only course, you can focus on it more and sometimes CCs have really good tutoring options. Make sure you're going to office hours as needed, asking questions, and exploring every avenue for success. The downside is that it will be over the summer, so accelerated. As long as you do fine in it, having taken a course at a CC won't be a negative on your record.
 
I don't think taking Calc II in the Summer would be bad. You can focus on it more and spend more time to do practice problems. But it will be super accelerated so don't take any core classes with it.
I personally think Calc II is easier than Calc I and III since it all problems based instead of proofs. Do and understand ALL (odd and even) problems in the book for practice. And you can easily find more practice worksheet online and keep on practicing. The concept is not bad at all.
 
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