What to Do?

[GallbLad]

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1. I took AP Calc in high school and scored a 5. I know the material very well, so if I were to take Calc I next year it would be an easy 4.0. Is this a smart thing to do or is it best to just get the AP credit?

2. Should I do calc-based physics or non-calc? I'm pretty confident with my calculus skills, but is it worth the risk?

3. Is one semester of math fine or is two semesters best? (Calculus I + Stats, not taking Calc II) Because I've never dealt with any statistic classes yet, and I'm not sure if this would be an easy 4.0 or a lot of work; but I don't want to close any doors on myself, so should I stick with two semesters?

 

[Ismet]

1. I took AP Calc in high school and scored a 5. I know the material very well, so if I were to take Calc I next year it would be an easy class. Is this a smart thing to do or is it best to get the credit and just not apply to those colleges that do not accept the AP credit?

2. Should I do calc-based physics or non-calc? I'm pretty confident with my calculus skills, but is it worth the risk?

3. Is one semester of math fine or is two semesters best? (Calculus I + Stats)

1. Some medical schools actually do not accept testing out with AP credits for pre-req classes. IMO, I would just go ahead and take calc in college. If anything it will be a nice boost to your science GPA and you won't be excluding yourself from any schools.

2. That depends on you. I took calc-based physics and did well, but it is a pretty hard class. Averages on our exams were around 50%, so if you rocked a 70%, that was curved to a solid A. Every school is different, I'm sure it's easier at some schools and harder at others.

3. I believe a few med schools still want to see two semesters of math, so to cover all your bases, Calc I + Stat or Calc I + Calc II will be good.

 

[Josh7]

1. I took AP Calc in high school and scored a 5. I know the material very well, so if I were to take Calc I next year it would be an easy class. Is this a smart thing to do or is it best to get the credit and just not apply to those colleges that do not accept the AP credit?

2. Should I do calc-based physics or non-calc? I'm pretty confident with my calculus skills, but is it worth the risk?

3. Is one semester of math fine or is two semesters best? (Calculus I + Stats)

1. This is up to you. I know a lot of people who have found Calc I much more difficult than AP Calc in HS (including people who got 5s). Personally, I'd skip to calc II or III and take that math class instead.

2. Honestly Calc-Based physics doesn't involve a ton of calculus. I'd recommend taking the calculus version because it teaches you the derivation of formulas making it a more rewarding course. If you just want the easy A don't take calc-based.

3. Two semesters just to make sure you've got your bases covered.

 

[GallbLad]

What I'm getting from your answers is for the best GPA possible I should:

- Retake Calc I
- Do intro to stats
- Stick with non-calc physics

 

[Josh7]

What I'm getting from your answers is for the best GPA possible I should:

- Retake Calc I
- Do intro to stats
- Stick with non-calc physics

Yes if your goals are 100% GPA based. The calculus series can be useful for research though depending on the field.

 

[amazing tekkers]

It may depend on the person, but calc is relatively easy the second time around as you'll know the material and what to expect.

I'm having the same problem as well with physics. I took IB physics/algebra based and IB physics/calc based in high school. I did well in both classes, but i'm not too sure if calc based physics college level will provide the 4.00 I desire.

I recommend you speak with a physics instructor or any students at your institution on what to expect in calc based physics.