Why You Should Consider Skipping Precalculus: A Personal Account

As a rising junior, I've been grappling with the decision to take Precalculus or Calculus BC next school year. With my already packed schedule of AP courses, including APUSH, AP Spanish, AP English, and AP Chemistry, the thought of adding another challenging class to my plate is daunting. In this article, I'll share my personal experience and thoughts on why skipping Precalculus might be the best decision for me.

Precalculus, as many know, is a crucial stepping stone to Calculus classes. It's designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts that lay the groundwork for more complex ideas in Calculus. However, with the fast-paced nature of many Calculus courses, I worry that Precalculus will not provide the solid foundation it promises.

My experience taking Integrated Math 3 Honors last year has left me feeling confident in my understanding of basic calculus concepts. Moreover, my teacher's recommendation to take Precalculus due to our limited coverage of topics in depth seems more like a knee-jerk reaction than a thoughtful consideration of individual student needs.

As someone who struggles with STEM-heavy courses, the thought of adding another math class to my schedule is overwhelming. I'm already committed to AP Art History/CP Visual Arts/AP Studio Art (pending final decision), and I fear that taking Precalculus will only lead to burnout and decreased focus on my artistic pursuits.

While colleges may appreciate a student's ability to tackle challenging courses, I believe it's essential to prioritize one's own academic and creative well-being. Taking Calculus BC over Precalculus might allow me to demonstrate my proficiency in math while still leaving room for my passion projects.

In conclusion, as someone who has struggled with STEM-heavy coursework, I'm considering skipping Precalculus to focus on more artistic pursuits. With a solid grasp of basic calculus concepts and a mediocre Pre-Calculus course at my school, I believe it's feasible to jump straight into Calculus BC. Ultimately, the decision to take Precalculus or skip it depends on individual circumstances and priorities.

What are your thoughts on this dilemma? Have you faced similar struggles in your academic journey? Share your experiences and insights below!

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