What are the risks of taking a math course in the summer?

In summary: If it's a good professor and you're taking the course for the right reasons (math, not just for the grade), there shouldn't be any major problems. If it's a bad professor or you're taking the course for the wrong reasons, there's a good chance you won't do well.
  • #1
Vivee=)
15
0
I hear from advisors that it's better to take less rigorous classes in the summer because the course tends to go quite fast. I'm planning on taking Pre-Calculus in the summer so I can take Calculus in the regular school year next year. What are the risks? Any feedback or advice from those who've already taken Pre-Calculus... particularly in the summer? I have a friend that took Pre-Calculus in the summer but got a D in it. He passed the Calculus entrance exam though and went straight to Calculus his next year, despite his failing grade.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well the biggest risk would be that your teacher decides not to cover some material he thinks is not that important but later on you find out you can't do some problem since you didn't learn it in Pre-Calc.

You can do it though, the biggest draw back is that during the fall/spring you usually get a day or 2 +weekends between classes so you can go over problems and talk to professors. But over the summer since most classes are every day you have to go study, if you don't get something be ready by the next day talk to your professor.

Bad thing is sometimes you might learn new material on say thursday but you have a test that will cover the new material friday >.>.

Even though it does go by faster, I think taking some classes over the summer can be good (with the right professor) because you can devote more time to that material, instead of splitting your time between all the classes+extracurricular activities you might be doing.
 
  • #3
Pre-calc and trig are great math courses to take during the summer. They're not as heavy as algebra or calc so the summer session is a perfect length for them. I took trig in the first 5.5 week session and pre-cal in the second and had no issues whatsoever. The course load felt like a normal semester or ~3-4 hours of study a day. I doubt I'd have the cajones to take calc I-III or DifEQ in a 5.5 week course though.
 
  • #4
I'd say take the summer course.
 

FAQ: What are the risks of taking a math course in the summer?

What are the potential risks of taking a math course in the summer?

There are a few potential risks to consider when taking a math course in the summer. These include a more condensed schedule, potential burnout due to increased workload, and less availability of resources or support from classmates and instructors.

Will taking a math course in the summer affect my grade?

It is possible that taking a math course in the summer could affect your grade, as the condensed schedule and increased workload may make it more challenging to keep up with the material. However, this can also depend on the individual's study habits and ability to manage their time effectively.

Can taking a math course in the summer impact my summer plans?

Depending on the intensity of the course and your personal study habits, taking a math course in the summer may require you to dedicate a significant amount of time to studying and completing assignments. This could potentially impact your summer plans, so it is important to carefully consider your schedule before enrolling in a summer math course.

Are there any benefits to taking a math course in the summer?

Yes, there can be benefits to taking a math course in the summer. It allows you to focus solely on one subject, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of the material. It can also free up your schedule during the regular school year for other courses or extracurricular activities.

How can I minimize the risks of taking a math course in the summer?

To minimize the risks of taking a math course in the summer, it is important to plan ahead and stay organized. Make a schedule for studying and completing assignments, and seek help from the instructor or tutoring services if needed. It is also important to take breaks and avoid burnout, so be sure to incorporate leisure time into your schedule as well.

Similar threads

Schools Can I get some guidance for math courses to take? (high school freshman)
Replies
9
Views
2K
Courses Should I take a physics course over summer or is it cramming
Replies
8
Views
17K
Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Courses Calculus 2 Online Course Required
Replies
3
Views
1K
Which Science Courses Should I Take? Physics Major, Last Year.
Replies
4
Views
1K
Courses Deciding What Math Courses to Take Next
Replies
21
Views
2K
Courses Should I take Calculus 2 my freshman year of college?
Replies
22
Views
5K
Studying Might need to take 5 courses one semester in second year physics/math
Replies
9
Views
2K
Should i take trigonometry during the summer?
Replies
5
Views
7K
Courses What kind of class is differential geometry?
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top