Real talk: How difficult is high school Calculus?

Hi everyone, I'm currently in junior year and considering my options for math next year. Can anyone who's already taken Calculus share their experiences? Is it really hard, or is it more about understanding concepts and diligent practice? Please share your thoughts and experiences, I'm a bit stressed out about the decision.

Hey there! It's normal to feel stress when considering taking a class like high school Calculus, particularly because it's often portrayed as a challenging subject. In my experience, the difficulty of Calculus definitely depends on your foundation in Algebra and how comfortable you are with concepts from Pre-calculus.

Calculus is primarily built upon the principles you've learned in Algebra and Geometry, with the main new concepts being about rates of change (derivatives) and accumulation (integrals), which can seem unfamiliar at first. So, if you've been doing well in your previous math classes, and you're comfortable with Algebra, chances are calculus won't be insurmountable for you.

Many students say the first part of Calculus (differential calculus) is easier while integral calculus (the second part) is trickier, mainly because the ideas and calculations are a bit more complex.

It is definitely a class that requires diligent practice, as you've mentioned. Regularly completing homework assignments and seeking help when you're unsure of a concept are key. Calculus is not a subject where you can easily catch up if you fall behind, because each new topic builds on the one before it.

And of course, your teacher plays a significant role in how well you grasp the material. If you get along with the teacher who will be teaching your section, or have heard good things about them, that's another strong point in favor of taking the class.

All this being said, the decision really falls on your comfort level with mathematics. If you like math, enjoy problem-solving, and are up for the challenge, then Calculus could be a rewarding experience for you. But if you're not particularly keen on math, and Calculus isn't necessary for your anticipated college major, then it might be more stress than it's worth. Good luck with your decision!