As a high school student, choosing which math class to take is one of the tricky parts of planning your schedule and future. There are numerous options to choose from, which can be overwhelming.
Here is a simple guide to help you with all possible math courses, ranging from AP and IB math, which you can take to prepare for your college applications.
Offered High School Math Classes
The curriculum may be different in each and every school. The school, teachers, textbooks, and level of difficulty are factors that affect how the curriculum is constructed. In math classes, the same topics are usually covered no matter what curriculum you follow.
1) Algebra 1 — This class is usually taken during freshman year. This topic focuses on real numbers, solving, writing, and graphing linear equations. Polynomials, quadratic equations, and functions are covered as well.
2) Geometry — Students who don’t like math usually enjoy geometry, which covers plane and solid geometry. You’ll most likely take this class after Algebra 1.
3) Algebra 2 — This class is taken to deepen the learning of everything taught in Algebra 1. This might also include Trigonometry if it wasn’t its own course.
4) Trigonometry — This is usually learned during junior year. This involved both algebra and geometry.
5) Pre-Calculus — For students who wish to take advanced classes, this class is considered an elective course. It is all about series and sequences, probability, statistics, and derivatives.
6) Calculus — There are only a few students who finish Calculus, and they’re usually people who wish to study in a math-related field in college. Every concept taught in Pre-Calc is also taught here but in a more advanced manner.
Canada’s Standard High School Math Curriculum
For Mathematics Grades 10 to 12 in Canada, the Common Curriculum Framework is used and followed. The math courses may include Algebra, Geometry, Logical Reasoning, Probability, Statistics, and more! Most importantly, this curriculum aims to teach students about the importance of mathematics, which includes solving problems, mathematical communication and reasoning, applying mathematics in real-life situations, and becoming mathematically literate.
Most colleges and universities expect students to take math classes in high school. This is the reason why a lot of high schools require students to take math lessons, for at least three to four years, in order to graduate.
Math Courses Colleges Expect You to Finish
Some colleges have specific academic requirements and qualifications for you to get accepted. However, most of the time, the math classes you should take depend on your planned major in college. If you’re planning to be in the humanities or social sciences, you don’t need to focus on math classes. However, you still need to maintain a good GPA.
If you’re going for a STEM-related major, it’s best to finish all math classes and take advanced ones, such as pre-calculus and calculus. They’ll look more at your math-related grades, so it’s best to maintain good grades in these subjects.
Summary
Choosing the right math classes can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure of what is beneficial for you and your future. Nevertheless, it’s good to choose classes that can set you up for your college major. Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus are the subjects you must consider.
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