My son is taking Algebra 1 in 9th grade. Is he doomed?

[Anonymous]

SAT includes precalc and most kids take that in11th grade. Your DS won’t have precalc until senior year so you’ll probably want to think about extra SAT math prep.

[Anonymous]

My daughter took Algebra 1 in 9th grade. She took geometry her summer after her first year, to get back on track, and AP Calc as a senior. The key is for your son to take summer geometry after 9th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:he's not doomed but he is probably out of the running for admission to an engineering or computer science program.

Only the top ones. And honestly, if he's interested in STEM he could take geometry during the summer and still take calc in HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

[Anonymous]

A high SAT/ACT math score will supercede all. High school schedule won't matter. GPA will matter, but his schedule won't matter. A 700+ and it won't matter what math he's taken in high school. But the material has to be learned somewhere, and in time for the test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

Like the first PP, just wanted to let others know that it isn't always the case that calculus is required in HS, even for engineering. My DS only took pre-calc in 12th grade and he got into every engineering program he applied to this year, including VT and Pitt. He may be a unique example since he scored close to perfect on his SAT, had straight A's in all his math and science classes, and had strong science ECs. He came to MCPS from a different state where Algebra 1 in 9th was the only option at his school so he was "behind" in math compared to most other students here. So while it is probably a good idea to take more advanced math if you're ready for it and it is available, it isn't always the case that Calc is absolutely required or else you are "doomed".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine? She got into colleges that are top 100 rated by Times Magazine, and she is going for pre med. And funny, she did have to take a test to see which math she can take as a Freshman and got into the highest math they offer, when her friends who did trig didn't get in it. But, you must be right about every single thing you know? Are you actually talking about Virginia Tech?! Maybe it is awesome in engineering, but not great overall. Nor would I ever have DD go to college in Virginia! I am talking about a whole different standard of colleges, and I have no idea what is Juanita? I am talking top CA colleges too, and top British ones. Helps that she is has two passports. Is it insecurity that makes you try to rip people and kids you know nothing about apart? I bet you are a VA pp, so much insecurity, and rightfully so, always behind in human rights to MD, and in education, and so much bigger than MD, yet so backwards. Blacksburg for my DD for college?! Just the sheer thought gives me the creeps. Never.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/when-the-klan-came-to-blacksburg/article_38fc985c-ed72-11e7-b444-bb4b6ea93bb4.html

[Anonymous]

My daughter never got above Algebra II. She was a national merit scholar finalist and received a full academic scholarship to University of Florida. Pre-med.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A high SAT/ACT math score will supercede all. High school schedule won't matter. GPA will matter, but his schedule won't matter. A 700+ and it won't matter what math he's taken in high school. But the material has to be learned somewhere, and in time for the test.

Okay. My kid is immersed in super selective engineering / CS and this is just false. The Math SAT is super easy with pre-Calc. Even the Math 2 subject test is easy for a strong math student with pre-Calc. The high scores are nice to have, but high SAT math scores (and a 700 in math isn’t that high for a CS/ engineering kid) DO NOT replace a rigorous math curriculum. The only SAT test that *might* prove something to admissions is the SAT 2 Physics (not a test for the faint of heart, BTW).

And of course course schedule matters. Many selective schools lost a rigorous course schedule as more important than GPA or SATs. It’s why kid take honors and APs rather than rocking the easy As through GE. Come on PP!

[Anonymous]

OP again. Ironically, my DS scored high on the quantitative section of the CogAT in 6th or 7th grade. I remember it said something about him being good at problem solving and professions like computer science would suit him. That was the only year he took that test. He scored in the 93rd percentile on the HSPT although his verbal score was higher than math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine? She got into colleges that are top 100 rated by Times Magazine, and she is going for pre med. And funny, she did have to take a test to see which math she can take as a Freshman and got into the highest math they offer, when her friends who did trig didn't get in it. But, you must be right about every single thing you know? Are you actually talking about Virginia Tech?! Maybe it is awesome in engineering, but not great overall. Nor would I ever have DD go to college in Virginia! I am talking about a whole different standard of colleges, and I have no idea what is Juanita? I am talking top CA colleges too, and top British ones. Helps that she is has two passports. Is it insecurity that makes you try to rip people and kids you know nothing about apart? I bet you are a VA pp, so much insecurity, and rightfully so, always behind in human rights to MD, and in education, and so much bigger than MD, yet so backwards. Blacksburg for my DD for college?! Just the sheer thought gives me the creeps. Never.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/when-the-klan-came-to-blacksburg/article_38fc985c-ed72-11e7-b444-bb4b6ea93bb4.html

Take your meds

Read the post before acting like a crazy person. Read carefully before you freak the f—k out. It specifically discusses math pre-recs for engineering and CS at VT. And says that Pre-Calc would probably be fine for most other things. Did you read that part?

I wouldn’t brag about top 100 colleges. And I was not aware “Times” Magazine had a college ranking anyone took seriously. Especially colleges ranked 50 and above.

I’m not sure why you think your kid thinks they are took good for * gasp* Blacksburg. But they are too good for her. VT is currently 13 in undergrad engineering, which is what I was discussing.. Your DC would never be accepted at VT engineering.

And I absolutely positively do not believe your kid was accepted to UC Berkeley or UCLA (or Oxbridge FFS) with $35,000 a year in merit money. Did not happen. Full stop. And I have no idea what 2 passports has to do with anything.


Next time you decide to be an obnoxious snot, raped the post you are responding too. Which is limited to engineering and CS admissions.

And take some Xanax. You. Sound. Crazy. And like a raging b—-h with an amazing superiority complex.

Your DD’s premed admission has nothing to do with OP asking about math tracking for engineering and CS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine? She got into colleges that are top 100 rated by Times Magazine, and she is going for pre med. And funny, she did have to take a test to see which math she can take as a Freshman and got into the highest math they offer, when her friends who did trig didn't get in it. But, you must be right about every single thing you know? Are you actually talking about Virginia Tech?! Maybe it is awesome in engineering, but not great overall. Nor would I ever have DD go to college in Virginia! I am talking about a whole different standard of colleges, and I have no idea what is Juanita? I am talking top CA colleges too, and top British ones. Helps that she is has two passports. Is it insecurity that makes you try to rip people and kids you know nothing about apart? I bet you are a VA pp, so much insecurity, and rightfully so, always behind in human rights to MD, and in education, and so much bigger than MD, yet so backwards. Blacksburg for my DD for college?! Just the sheer thought gives me the creeps. Never.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/when-the-klan-came-to-blacksburg/article_38fc985c-ed72-11e7-b444-bb4b6ea93bb4.html

Take your meds

Read the post before acting like a crazy person. Read carefully before you freak the f—k out. It specifically discusses math pre-recs for engineering and CS at VT. And says that Pre-Calc would probably be fine for most other things. Did you read that part?

I wouldn’t brag about top 100 colleges. And I was not aware “Times” Magazine had a college ranking anyone took seriously. Especially colleges ranked 50 and above.

I’m not sure why you think your kid thinks they are took good for * gasp* Blacksburg. But they are too good for her. VT is currently 13 in undergrad engineering, which is what I was discussing.. Your DC would never be accepted at VT engineering.

And I absolutely positively do not believe your kid was accepted to UC Berkeley or UCLA (or Oxbridge FFS) with $35,000 a year in merit money. Did not happen. Full stop. And I have no idea what 2 passports has to do with anything.


Next time you decide to be an obnoxious snot, raped the post you are responding too. Which is limited to engineering and CS admissions.

And take some Xanax. You. Sound. Crazy. And like a raging b—-h with an amazing superiority complex.

Your DD’s premed admission has nothing to do with OP asking about math tracking for engineering and CS.

Hm...Ok. Yes, you are totally sane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, OP that is not true. DD just took pre calculus in 12 grade and got into great college, not Ivy, in fact she got over 35K in scholarships to most colleges she applied to. They are just trying to get you to freak out, spend money on tutoring and tell other clients(paying customers) that all of the kids in their school are in Algebra II. In fact, my DS who was ahead in math, didn't get in as many top rated school as DD who was. BTW, I am the Lucifer pp. Just a joke, catholic school and all.

Cool story. But if she got $35k in merit aid, these were not top colleges. $35,000 from Juanita is fine for many things, but not engineering. And if she only had pre-Calc, they were not decent engineering or CS programs.

Very top engineering and CS want maxed out on CS/ AP Physics and BC Calc done by end of junior year. Solid engineering programs— like VT— will take BC Calc as a senior— but the want BC Calc in HS. And 2-3 years of AP CS and/or physics. UW 4.0 or very close in math.

Now, of your kid is pre-law, or pre-med or business or college of arts and sciences, being behind in math is not as big a deal. But make no mistake, your kid is behind in math.

OP— if your kid really wants CS or engineering, he probably needs to find a way to get a year ahead in math. Tutor and retake the placement test. Take geometry over next summer. Take Geometry and A2 at the same time next year.

Also, for engineering and CS, he is probably better coming out of a strong DMV public than a Catholic.

Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine? She got into colleges that are top 100 rated by Times Magazine, and she is going for pre med. And funny, she did have to take a test to see which math she can take as a Freshman and got into the highest math they offer, when her friends who did trig didn't get in it. But, you must be right about every single thing you know? Are you actually talking about Virginia Tech?! Maybe it is awesome in engineering, but not great overall. Nor would I ever have DD go to college in Virginia! I am talking about a whole different standard of colleges, and I have no idea what is Juanita? I am talking top CA colleges too, and top British ones. Helps that she is has two passports. Is it insecurity that makes you try to rip people and kids you know nothing about apart? I bet you are a VA pp, so much insecurity, and rightfully so, always behind in human rights to MD, and in education, and so much bigger than MD, yet so backwards. Blacksburg for my DD for college?! Just the sheer thought gives me the creeps. Never.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/when-the-klan-came-to-blacksburg/article_38fc985c-ed72-11e7-b444-bb4b6ea93bb4.html

Take your meds

Read the post before acting like a crazy person. Read carefully before you freak the f—k out. It specifically discusses math pre-recs for engineering and CS at VT. And says that Pre-Calc would probably be fine for most other things. Did you read that part?

I wouldn’t brag about top 100 colleges. And I was not aware “Times” Magazine had a college ranking anyone took seriously. Especially colleges ranked 50 and above.

I’m not sure why you think your kid thinks they are took good for * gasp* Blacksburg. But they are too good for her. VT is currently 13 in undergrad engineering, which is what I was discussing.. Your DC would never be accepted at VT engineering.

And I absolutely positively do not believe your kid was accepted to UC Berkeley or UCLA (or Oxbridge FFS) with $35,000 a year in merit money. Did not happen. Full stop. And I have no idea what 2 passports has to do with anything.


Next time you decide to be an obnoxious snot, raped the post you are responding too. Which is limited to engineering and CS admissions.

And take some Xanax. You. Sound. Crazy. And like a raging b—-h with an amazing superiority complex.

Your DD’s premed admission has nothing to do with OP asking about math tracking for engineering and CS.

20:11 here. I'm not getting involved in the fight between you 2 but just want to restate that my DS did get into VT engineering this year with only Pre-Calculus.

[Anonymous]

OP, you don’t have to go to a top engineering school to become an engineer. Too much obsession on DCUM with the top schools, as if your child is shut out of the field otherwise. The majority of engineers do not graduate from the top ten, but they still solve major problems and create new products.

[Anonymous]

PP, you are correct. I know someone who has an engineering degree from a school that is not even in the top 100. Yet he is making a SEVEN figure salary in the IT industry!