Students who take the path toward a more advanced math class find complex, stimulating content, but this path is also a productive way to enhance their applications or further pursue their interest in math.
Getting ahead in math can mean adjusting their schedule to take two math classes at once, or “doubling up,” or testing out of a math course over the summer.
When sophomore David Li was in sixth grade, he tested out of sixth grade math. Last summer, he tested out of Accelerated Pre-Calculus/Calculus A to push even further ahead. David said the reason was that he did not feel challenged by his previous math courses.
“I enjoy doing math and learning about challenging topics in math,” David said, “so that definitely went into my decision to test out and take more advanced math classes.”
Another factor for David was considering how accelerated course work could help enhance his college applications.
“Especially because I want to go into a field in STEM, in some type of math or science, I am hoping that my coursework will make me more competitive,” David said.
Math department head Joseph Scroll recognizes students’ varying motivations and sees benefits to testing out or doubling up.
“One of the benefits is that it allows people to take calculus before the end of high school, which is something that people believe helps in their college application process,” Mr. Scroll said.
Senior Allison Li tested out of APC as a junior, placing her in AP Calculus BC last year and Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus this year. This change meant she could complete calculus while in high school, which she hopes places her at an advantage in college admissions.
“When considering what colleges are looking at, even though we have this special curriculum, colleges might have a very specific benchmark,” Allison said.
Doubling up for sophomore Sinziana Lazar means being able to grow in an area of passion, along with reaching Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus in two years. Sinziana is currently taking both Discrete Mathematics and Statistics as well as APC.
“I was always really interested in math and the sciences, so I really wanted to challenge myself by taking another math class,” Sinziana said, “especially since I wanted to take linear algebra senior year, which I couldn’t do unless I doubled up.”
Mr. Scroll supports students doubling up and testing out but feels that motivation is an important factor in a student’s success.
“If students want to do it, just make sure that the reason you’re doing it is because you want to do it,” Mr. Scroll said. “Don’t feel like you have to do it because of some external pressure or peer pressure or parental pressure.”
