AP Precalculus and Your Options
Are you a high school student mapping out your math journey? Your school likely offers you options, including AP Precalculus, standard precalculus, honors precalculus, or a college prep precalculus course. While all these choices aim to prepare you for calculus and advanced math topics, they differ in challenge levels and long-term benefits. To help you decide what’s right for you, let’s break down what each course offers.
Things to Know About AP Precalculus
- Research shows that students who take precalculus in high school are 155% more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree—a bigger boost in degree completion than for students taking Algebra 2, trigonometry, or calculus.
- By taking even one AP course, you can substantially improve your first-year college GPA and will be more likely to graduate on time.
- 1 out of 3 college students waste time and money on remedial math courses not needed for their degrees because they lack sufficient math skills.
Why Choose AP Precalculus?
AP Precalculus aims to help you lay a strong foundation in the math concepts essential for college-level STEM courses. Here’s how AP Precalculus stands out from your other options:
- College credit potential: Depending on your score on the AP Precalculus Exam and your college choice, you may be able to skip taking a similar course in college by substituting your AP Exam credit. This can save you time and money as you get closer to earning your degree. If you don’t plan to pursue a degree in a STEM-related subject, earning college math credit based on the AP Precalculus Exam opens space in your schedule for college courses in subjects of greater interest to you.
- Deeper learning: AP Precalculus emphasizes real-world problem solving, mathematical modeling and reasoning—key skills in fields like engineering, computer science, or business.
- Stronger college prep: AP courses often carry more weight in the college admissions process. Taking AP Precalculus signals to colleges that you’re ready for challenging coursework.
- Anyone can take it: AP Precalculus is open to any student. If you’re on track to take a standard precalculus course, you’re also ready to take AP Precalculus.
How Does AP Precalculus Compare to Other Courses?
If you’re deciding between AP Precalculus and other options like standard, honors, or college prep precalculus, here are some things to consider:
- College credit: Unlike AP Precalculus, standard, college prep, and honors precalculus courses typically don’t offer you the chance to earn college credit or skip a similar course in college.
- Challenge level: AP Precalculus can be the right choice for preparing to take Calculus if you put in the effort and see it through.
- Course availability: Options like standard, honors, or college prep precalculus are great to consider if you want to take a course like AP Precalculus but it’s not offered at your school.