Should I take PreCalculus Over the Summer?

Question

So next year, I want to take the ACT by september or october and ill be a junior taking honors precalculus. However, I noticed that there was some trig and geo artimetic sequences on the act and i knew most of the trig stuff such as graphs of trig identities. I dont want to take ap calc next year because i heard it was hard and i'm already taking 3 other ap's. So my question is should i take precalc over the summer and then ap calc junior year? Is it worth it, or can I self-teach myself some of the trig because we did some in algebra 2. also, is there a LOT of trig on the act?

Answer 1

If you're good at math, AP Calculus won't be THAT hard. I took it this year as a junior with 3 other AP classes (Psychology ,Chemistry, and English Language) and I had to study, of course, but i didn't need to beat my brains out for the class. I think you should try to get ahead as much as you possibly can. It will only make you a better and more knowledgeable individual in the long run. I took the ACT just yesterday and I remember some questions on Trig. but it was very few. I think you will be fine taking Pre-Cal over the summer and AP Calc next year.

Hope this helps and good luck :)

Answer 2

I think it's a good idea, as long as colleges will recognize and give credit to you for taking it in the summer. There are very few trig. questions on the ACT; actually, there are only four trig. questions on the exam. I took pre-calc this year, and I'm taking AP calc next year, but pre-calc is basically all algebra II, and a lot of trig. I thought the trig was the easiest part of the course (a lot of calculator stuff). There are 8 coordinate geometry questions on the test, and 14 plane geometry questions. The rest is basically pre and intermediate algebra. If you want to self-teach, then go for it. You can also just buy some ACT prep books to help you focus on the type of trig. that will be expected on the test. Good luck!