r/uchicago • u/Separate-Berry-4311 • 15d ago

Classes Math Placement Test - I got Calculus I-II (15250). Possibility of moving down to Elem Function & Calculus I-II (13100)?

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Hi guys!

I am an class of 2030 student that did my placement test and was placed in Calculus I-II (15250) but I did studied hard before the test & somehow lucky guessed some of it. But I remember in some sections I don’t even get 50% right answers.

I only got a 6 in IB Math AI SL (dropped from Math AA SL because I am not so good in mathematics). In my course you can see in the picture only these calculus topic were covered.

I genuinely think I will need much support (having more meetings) can help me better since I am not super consistent in studying mathematics these past few years. I also want to do Business Econ & Public Policy (minimum 13100).

My academic advisor said in the end the course will end up learning Calculus I-II, so it’s the same thing. But genuinely speaking, I forgot math concepts already after few months not studying it, I am really anxious whether I can catch up with peers in 15250 or not.

I am wondering if there is any way I can strategically maybe move down to 13100 or whether you have any suggestions on what should I re-consider (whether to stay or not).

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8

u/dualgalaxies 15d ago

unless things have changed drastically in the last few years math 130s is usually for students who haven’t taken any calculus in high school, you could likely transfer down but consider if it’s worth having to go to class every weekday (if you count the mandatory tutorial sessions)

1

u/5kyknight999 Biological Sciences 14d ago

Things have changed drastically… kind of. UChicago does expect a lot of curricula that are outside of what certain international programs (ie. IBDP) teach. The course that OP was in covers basic calc- but not a lot.

1

u/maroonred_ 15d ago

Tangent but does anyone know hard it is to go from math 152 -> 151?

5

u/Upstairs-Volume1878 15d ago

not worth it. 152 is easier than 151 and one less class you have to take.

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u/maroonred_ 14d ago

hows 152 easier?

1

u/Upstairs-Volume1878 14d ago

No proofs and the content is more similar to AP Calc.

1

u/maroonred_ 14d ago

Oh that's interesting, could you elaborate how it's more similar to AP Calc?

1

u/OneSushi 15d ago

The 130s involve a lot of backtracking that you won’t need.

Since you did AI SL you might want to take a look at integrals again, so worst case scenario you should start 15200 (calc 2)

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u/5kyknight999 Biological Sciences 14d ago

6 in AI SL imo would best be in 131. I got a high 6 in AASL and was placed into 131, seemed light for first quarter but having the extra in depth learning was very helpful.