AVOID TAKING THIS CLASS AT ALL COSTS!

Precalculus: Avoid it at all costs. There is no distinct branch of mathematics called Precalculus—it's merely a collection of miscellaneous math topics, such as the rational root theorem, that, contrary to the course name, aren't necessary for understanding calculus. These topics are essentially leftover concepts that teachers don't have time to cover in Algebra II.

Precalculus can be utterly ruinous for an applicant wanting to attend an elite college, no matter what they want to major in, because it literally puts them a year behind in math compared to applicants who know better. The majority of Algebra II classes cover sufficient algebra and trigonometry to adequately prepare students for AP Calculus BC (a year-long Calculus I and II course) the following year.

Course rigor is one of the major factors colleges use to evaluate applicants. Taking Precalculus, which delays mathematical progression by a year, can significantly impact how admission officers evaluate academic rigor, placing students behind peers who proceed directly to calculus. Given the surge in college applications since the COVID-19 pandemic, even students pursuing humanities should seek every possible advantage in the admission process, which necessitates taking the most rigorous courses they can excel in. As noted, students are typically capable of handling a full-year Calculus BC class after completing Algebra II.

If your school has a policy requiring everyone to take precalculus, that is a signal for parents to step in and complain. Parents should contact the head of the math department, or even the principal if necessary, if they find that their child has to take precalculus after Algebra II instead of going straight to calculus. No parent should ever fear having to fight their child's school tooth and nail to ensure their child gets the best education possible

If the school utterly refuses even after your impassioned plea to let your child take the most advanced math class they are capable of acing, it is crucial to enroll your child in an accredited calculus class at a local community college while they are forced to take precalculus at their high school, so that they don't fall behind other applicants in terms of course rigor.

If you want to make sure your child is taking the right classes to get into their dream college, or if you have questions about how to work with administrators at your child's school to help them thrive academically instead of needlessly delaying their progression, schedule a free consultation with an admissions expert below.