Any experience with self studying AP calc AB?
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Anonymous
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At our school they require calc AB as a prerequisite before students can take BC. Even though our child took Algebra 1 in sixth, this would mean they couldn't take BC until junior year. Since they are already fluent with basic calculus, this would be a shame and also a very inefficient use of their mandatory time in school.
We're thinking of simply letting them "test out" by taking the AP Calc AB exam in 9th so that the school then couldn't refuse enrollment in the Calc BC course in 10th. We're thinking of doing this, if necessary, over any objections the school may have and, if necessary going to an external testing center. Does anyone have any experience with this - the college board site seems to indicate they support self study/home school takers, but they also say test centers may impose restrictions. |
Anonymous
| Get a tutor. |
Anonymous
+1. Calculus is a different set of thinking from Algebra though it's not harder. I think Geometry is harder. The concept change stops a lot of kids doing Calc in class. Then they suddenly become a "man of letters". |
Anonymous
Sorry, I'm not asking for advice about calculus. I'm asking if anyone has experience with enrolling in an AP exam either as an external student at a different school or center or possibly enrolling at the home school but over its objections. |
Anonymous
| Does your school offer AP Pre-calculus BC? If not, can your child that that class online instead of AP Pre-calculus BC? |
Anonymous
***should have said instead of AP Pre-calculus AB. |
Anonymous
| This makes no sense. They take precal then calc bc. |
Anonymous
Not at OP's school, apparently. |
Anonymous
talk directly to the AP coordinator, preferably in person. |
Anonymous
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You could send your kid to community college for math and ask the high school to put the credits on the transcript.
It sounds like your DC will need to get to dual enrollment someday anyway. I believe your high school's set up is pretty unusual nationally. I'm more familiar with an either AB or BC setup. |
Anonymous
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There are two issues.
The first issue is that finding a testing center isn't easy. You will need to find a neighboring school or maybe a far away school that will allow it. The timeframe for testing is the same everywhere so it will be in May. The second issue is that once you accomplish this goal, the school won't like you and the relationship could be strained. Who knows what will come of that. The same counselor you are bugging about math placement will write a letter to colleges. I can see 3 solutions. 1- Take math at the community college at the correct pace for your child while simultaneously taking easy math at the school. An easy A won't hurt. 2- Homeschool your kid so he receives the appropriate level of academics in all subjects. 3- Move to a school district that would allow calculus sooner. |
Anonymous
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Anyone can take any AP exam. If your home school doesn’t offer the one you want or won’t let you take it there, you will need to hunt for one that has space. You can choose to register at your home school. No idea if they can deny you. But it may cost you politically.
If you choose to self-study and then take the test, I would advise taking it at a different school. No idea if your school will recognize the test score as fulfilling the prerequisite for BC. You need to talk to the school again to see what your options are. |
Anonymous
Yes, at OP’s school. OP doesn’t like the “taking precalc before taking calc bc” requirement. |
Anonymous
If you are in FCPS, your child can take AP Pre-calc BC online through FCPS. |
Anonymous
Then change schools. |