DC is in 8th taking Algebra 1. Enrolled for summer geometry. I have been hearing many bad reviews about summer geometry. DC Is very much into STEM and wants to take AP physics.
What will be DC’s math track if DC withdraws from summer geometry? This is my knowledge about high school math track- 9- geometry/Algebra 2 10-algebra 2/ pre calculus 11 - pre calculus/ap calculus and AP physics 12- AP calculus/ AP stats Can DC still get GPA beyond 4 if DC skips geometry in 9th grade. |
There is no need to take summer geometry for AP Physics. Plenty of people took AP Physics in my high school where the smartest kids took algebra 1 in 8th grade. |
AP Physics is a sxience xlass. There are two versions: Physics 1 without calculus, available to everyone who passed algebra (per school discretion), and Physics C which requires AP calculus BC as *co*-requisite. AP Physics BC is the advanced/"honors-style" Calculus option for the year after precalculus. None of this affects whether your child can get GPA>4.0 |
Which year Precalculus is taken? What's before Pre calculus?
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The available high school options are introductory physics, AP Physics 1 & 2 (still introductory), AP Physics C calculus based. I would add to these dual enrollment calculus based general Physics which in my view is the most complete and thorough option for a student interested in this subject. It requires finishing calculus BC earlier than most students and it goes aver three semesters so not everyone can pull it off. |
Usually it goes algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, precalculus, calculus. So precalculus is usually taken 10th-12 grade. |
Can you tell us which highschool he'll be going to? Also, you should specify that he's looking to take AP Physics C: mechanics and Physics C: E&M (which transfers for college credit) so that no one is confused and thinks you're talking about AP Physics 1 or 2 (which only requires algebra 1 and doesn't usually transfer). At some schools, AP Physics C: mechanics can only be taken the year after calculus, in which case he would need to accelerate whereas at others it can be taken alongside calculus, in which case geometry in 9th puts him on track to take calculus and AP Physics C: mechanics in 12th. AP Physics C: E&M is taken after mechanics so if he wants to take that, then unless the school does both mechanics and EM in the same year (unlikely) he would need to accelerate. IMO, geometry is the best math subject to take over the summer if you had to take one. The only thing you need from it for physics is a good understanding of right angle trigonometry (sohcahtoa). Lastly, if he's really into physics to the point where he wants to work on it on his own (and it's fine if he isn't), read this: https://knzhou.github.io/writing/Advice.pdf |