High School, Math, and Nursing

[flojo11]

So it's my second day of my senior year and I'v gotten a small feel for all my classes:

AP BIOLOGY

AP GOVERNMENT

AP IB ENGLISH LITERATURE

IB SPANISH

math...not sure

The fact that I've signed myself up for four ap/ib classes, is stressful enough. But I plan to stick it through, however I really don't want to add any additional stress in taking calculus because I struggle in math. I took precal last year, my junior year. So I'm wondering, if I take math 40 is it so bad that I'll be looked down upon while I apply to universities (maybe even rejected)? Can I not take a math at all? I'm planning on attending Cal State Fullerton. PLEASE HELP!

[Nonyvole, BSN, RN]

What is math 40? Trigonometry? Statistics? Course numbers vary from one school to another, so just using it doesn't help with giving advice.

A good resource to ask about taking math or not would be a guidance counselor, but - and mind, I'm speaking from having graduated from high school and starting college over a decade ago - but colleges like to see continuity. You don't have to take four years of math, but the college reps that I remember speaking to all recommended it. (Four of math, four of English, four of science for sure. Several years of a language is also recommended.)

And one other question for you. Will you be able to change classes since school has already started? Like I said, it's been years since I was in high school, and while I did have to change some of my classes, it was more along the lines of "you already know this. You'll be bored, so I'm kicking you out to find something harder."

[flojo11]

yes, math 40 is just another name for trigonometry...whoops, sorry I didn't specify. But thanks for the info. Up to what math level did you take, if you don't mind my asking?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The last time I checked, the Cal State University system requires that you have a minimum of three years of college preparatory math courses in high school to qualify for admission. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Nonyvole, BSN, RN]

Okay, thanks. Like I said before, you'll want to confirm with your guidance counselor, or whoever is the go-to person at your school for college information, but you should be just fine with taking trigonometry instead of calculus. I have two different bachelors degrees, and at both schools taking trigonometry was a pre-requisite for taking calculus because there were no classes called "precalculus." It was algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, in that order.

Taking that class can also give you a better grounding in the basics that pre-calculus classes may not provide. There will definitely be some challenging moments if you're not comfortable with math, but it's a lot easier than going into a calculus class and being miserable. Also, take a look at your intended major in college and their math requirements. Even if you're planning on being a math major, you can always go back to the beginning and get a firm grounding in the basics again.

I did take math every year of my public schooling career, and then whatever math classes were required for my major. So for my nursing degree, that was Statistics and basic algebra (which I was able to pass over since this was a second degree), and my first bachelors I took a semester of intermediate calculus. My senior year I had four AP classes out of six required classes: Physics, US History, French, and Calculus AB, which is the equivalent to the first level of calculus. The other two classes were an art class and gym and were required by my school. However, I happen to like math and am comfortable with many of the concepts and fine details. Had I not liked math, or wasn't confident of my ability to take an AP-level class, then yes, I would have done the same as you and stopped the cycle of precalculus --> calculus and taken an alternative. Simply because it would have made me a more competitive applicant for college. And that's the goal here, right? To get into college and not get terrible grades during your senior year of high school?

[flojo11]

thanks so much for the advice. I really do appreciate it. :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

don't know how much you will use trig, but algebra and calculus would be helpful in nursing, and of course statistics, if offered.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Three years of math is all that is usually required. I had Algebra I, II, Geometry. Then my senior year I decided to do Algebra III/Trig. I did horrible in it. I barely passed. Fast forward 20 years, I could not remember algebra for the life of me so I took 2 remedial classes in it. College Algebra was a prerq for my program so I took it this summer. It was a repeat of Algebra III/Trig I took in high school except I fared better this time. I recently got my med math book which is basically proportions so nothing harder than high school algebra.

[wanderlust99]

Definitely talk to your guidance counselor. I never took advanced math classes in high school, just the bare minimum. My senior year my counselor told me I had to take calculus to get into certain colleges so I remember I was added into the class my last semester. So they should know.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

You're going to be fine. Make sure you get the most out of your AP classes and get those high scores on those exams and get your free units done! It is so nice to not have to take those classes and just move on to the next steps right off the bat. As far as math goes, you'll be fine. CSUF is a great school and you look like you're set up incredibly well to get in with little or no trouble at all. Good luck! Enjoy your last year in high school!