Calc 3 problems

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Can anyone give advice about having a D in Calc 3?
DS skipped Calc1, took Calc 2 first semester and did ok. Calc 3 has been a constant struggle. Any thoughts as to what happens if he can't pull it up? Does he retake the class?
Thank you!
 
Can anyone give advice about having a D in Calc 3?
DS skipped Calc1, took Calc 2 first semester and did ok. Calc 3 has been a constant struggle. Any thoughts as to what happens if he can't pull it up? Does he retake the class?
Thank you!

This is a discussion he really should be having with his academic advisor. He should have an option to retake the class or he could switch to a major which does not require calc 3.
 
Can anyone give advice about having a D in Calc 3?
DS skipped Calc1, took Calc 2 first semester and did ok. Calc 3 has been a constant struggle. Any thoughts as to what happens if he can't pull it up? Does he retake the class?
Thank you!

AFrpaso is +1 on your DS having this conversation with his adviser. Calc III is a rough class at most universities anyway. EI (Extra Instruction) is always an option. However, late April is a bit late to make large gains in any class. If there is a failure, your DS will have to retake the class. If he earns a 'D', he may want to consider retaking it during the summer session. Again, that is a conversation he needs to have with his adviser. I hope it all works out for him.
 
Can anyone give advice about having a D in Calc 3?
DS skipped Calc1, took Calc 2 first semester and did ok. Calc 3 has been a constant struggle. Any thoughts as to what happens if he can't pull it up? Does he retake the class?
Thank you!

DS shadowed a Cadet last Monday. Her only advice in 3 hours was to avoid at all cost, Calc3
 
Calc 3 is tough, but it's hardly unmanageable. Go into it knowing that it will take hard work, be willing to seek EI early on before you get into trouble, and study study study. I struggled in Calc 3, but I got help and worked with classmates.
 
From the 2013-14 USAFA Catalog:
Math 243. Calculus III. 3(1). Multivariate calculus. Topics include solid analytical geometry to include lines, planes, and surfaces in 3-space; vector functions, partial differentiation, and directional derivatives; maxima and minima in multiple dimensions and the method of Lagrange Multipliers; multiple integration and line integrals culminating in Green’s Theorem. Designed for cadets who indicate an interest in a technical major. Cadets cannot take and receive credit for both Math 243 and Math 253. During their first attempt at Math 243, cadets will have grade protection. Cadets may drop the course anytime during the semester through lesson 30 and receive a “W”. Cadets previously enrolled in Math 253 are not eligible for grade protection. A cadet will not be considered deficient in academics solely based on a failing grade at prog in Math 243. Final exam. Prereq: C or better in Math 142 (or Math 152). Waiver authority is Deputy Head for Academics. Sem hrs: 3 fall or spring.

Even USAFA recognizes that Calc III is "not like the others". The bold is mine.

EDIT: Hornetguy is spot on about EI and working w/ classmates...and Hornetguy has an advanced degree (PhD from RAND, I think). RAND - look it up. Impressive.
 
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Just to echo, it is possible to re-take a class if failed. However know that then adds an extra course that must be taken somewhere during the remaining years at USAFA or possibly have a course taken over the summer (often in lieu of leave). As hornet said, get EI and work with classmates, or look into a non-techy major that doesn't require calc three
 
For lurkers --

Calc 3 is tough, and it definitely gets a bad rep here at USAFA. A few words of advice --

1) For the few of you who will qualify for Calc 3 first semester, DO IT. There were only about 3 sections of Calc 3 freshmen. You are put in your own class & because it's been shown that you're pretty good at math, they're trying to get you to be math majors! So some of the best teachers teach freshman fall Calc 3. (Also, you get to skip the hot mess that is Calc 2.)(And the curve is based off everyone in Calc 3, so you get to compare to the sophomores--GOOD. DEAL.)
2) Regardless of how good you are at math, be prepared to work your tail off for a good grade. You should absolutely plan to do all the homework, get really good at Mathematica, and get a lot of extra instruction. You are allowed to go to a different teacher for math help, too, if you just don't "click" with your instructor. If group study works for you, then great, do it.
3) Find some recent GRs (tests). Work through them. The more recent, the better; the problems change, but they ask the same kinds of things.
4) Sit near the front of the class, smile, and STAY AWAKE. The more your instructor can see your face (and tell when you are not understanding), the better you will do. Seriously. I make faces at my teachers all the time.
5) Always try to start the homework within 24 hours of the class. Doing it the night before it's due, or after a weekend? NOT fun. Doing it after Thanksgiving or Spring break? SUPER not fun. Try to avoid having to reteach yourself!
6) Take good notes. I referred to my notes FAR more than the textbook.
7) On that note, the textbook can be pretty helpful, so do the reading before class and refer to it after class.

Bottom line: if you can get in to USAFA, you can get a decent grade in Calc III. I have lots of friends who are doing FAR better than they expected at Calc 3 because they are getting help, doing their homework, and not procrastinating. Whatever you do, don't let Calc III deter you in major's selection--if you really want to do aero, for instance, don't choose systems instead because you don't have to take Calc III.
 
For lurkers --

Calc 3 is tough, and it definitely gets a bad rep here at USAFA. A few words of advice --

1) For the few of you who will qualify for Calc 3 first semester, DO IT. There were only about 3 sections of Calc 3 freshmen. You are put in your own class & because it's been shown that you're pretty good at math, they're trying to get you to be math majors! So some of the best teachers teach freshman fall Calc 3. (Also, you get to skip the hot mess that is Calc 2.)(And the curve is based off everyone in Calc 3, so you get to compare to the sophomores--GOOD. DEAL.)
2) Regardless of how good you are at math, be prepared to work your tail off for a good grade. You should absolutely plan to do all the homework, get really good at Mathematica, and get a lot of extra instruction. You are allowed to go to a different teacher for math help, too, if you just don't "click" with your instructor. If group study works for you, then great, do it.
3) Find some recent GRs (tests). Work through them. The more recent, the better; the problems change, but they ask the same kinds of things.
4) Sit near the front of the class, smile, and STAY AWAKE. The more your instructor can see your face (and tell when you are not understanding), the better you will do. Seriously. I make faces at my teachers all the time.
5) Always try to start the homework within 24 hours of the class. Doing it the night before it's due, or after a weekend? NOT fun. Doing it after Thanksgiving or Spring break? SUPER not fun. Try to avoid having to reteach yourself!
6) Take good notes. I referred to my notes FAR more than the textbook.
7) On that note, the textbook can be pretty helpful, so do the reading before class and refer to it after class.

Bottom line: if you can get in to USAFA, you can get a decent grade in Calc III. I have lots of friends who are doing FAR better than they expected at Calc 3 because they are getting help, doing their homework, and not procrastinating. Whatever you do, don't let Calc III deter you in major's selection--if you really want to do aero, for instance, don't choose systems instead because you don't have to take Calc III.

Incredible insight, advice & encouragement.
 
I failed calc3 the first time. Took it again, got an A. Life goes on
 
To get into calc 3 do you have to take calc BC in high school?


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To get into calc 3 do you have to take calc BC in high school?


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app

You will take math placement exams during BCT. The Calc 2 placement exam (when I was there) was optional.

Do sufficiently well on the placement exams and you can take Calc 3 as a 4 dig (I took Calc 3 my first semester 4 dig year).

Of course, having a Calc 2 course (either AP BC or college level course) is probably going to be necessary to pass that placement test.
 
This is actually something I'm confused on for my situation. My school system has an interesting math track and a governors school program that teaches some high level math classes. The math I took last semester was the equivalent of calc 3 and this semester a course that (by looking at USAFA's course description) looks to be the same as math 344 or 360, I can't tell which (The code is MTH 285 in some sort of Virginia state-wide system for standardizing course numbers and content for community colleges, or so that's what I think it is).

I'm did am doing fine in these classes, if I review some I'm sure I can test out of calc 1 or 2 but is there anything I can do to not take either of these classes again? The language on the general questionnaire for appointees was (sorta?) vague, I did it awhile ago without thinking to much about it, thinking it didn't have to much weight anyway.

I can get a transcript from the community college this program is based in and send it to USAFA, part of my application was an "unofficial" transcript directly from the governors school that had my last years classes on it anyway. Should I contact the Math department? The registrar? Would it be better to just take the classes for the familiarity -> easier grade or just to learn it the USAFA way?

Some crazy 5% of me is thinking about double majoring and possibly validating 4 math courses would be an invaluable opportunity to say the least.
 
This is actually something I'm confused on for my situation. My school system has an interesting math track and a governors school program that teaches some high level math classes. The math I took last semester was the equivalent of calc 3 and this semester a course that (by looking at USAFA's course description) looks to be the same as math 344 or 360, I can't tell which (The code is MTH 285 in some sort of Virginia state-wide system for standardizing course numbers and content for community colleges, or so that's what I think it is).

I'm did am doing fine in these classes, if I review some I'm sure I can test out of calc 1 or 2 but is there anything I can do to not take either of these classes again? The language on the general questionnaire for appointees was (sorta?) vague, I did it awhile ago without thinking to much about it, thinking it didn't have to much weight anyway.

I can get a transcript from the community college this program is based in and send it to USAFA, part of my application was an "unofficial" transcript directly from the governors school that had my last years classes on it anyway. Should I contact the Math department? The registrar? Would it be better to just take the classes for the familiarity -> easier grade or just to learn it the USAFA way?

Some crazy 5% of me is thinking about double majoring and possibly validating 4 math courses would be an invaluable opportunity to say the least.

You won't be able to test or validate out of anything higher than Calc 2.
 
This is actually something I'm confused on for my situation. My school system has an interesting math track and a governors school program that teaches some high level math classes. The math I took last semester was the equivalent of calc 3 and this semester a course that (by looking at USAFA's course description) looks to be the same as math 344 or 360, I can't tell which (The code is MTH 285 in some sort of Virginia state-wide system for standardizing course numbers and content for community colleges, or so that's what I think it is).

I'm did am doing fine in these classes, if I review some I'm sure I can test out of calc 1 or 2 but is there anything I can do to not take either of these classes again? The language on the general questionnaire for appointees was (sorta?) vague, I did it awhile ago without thinking to much about it, thinking it didn't have to much weight anyway.

I can get a transcript from the community college this program is based in and send it to USAFA, part of my application was an "unofficial" transcript directly from the governors school that had my last years classes on it anyway. Should I contact the Math department? The registrar? Would it be better to just take the classes for the familiarity -> easier grade or just to learn it the USAFA way?

Some crazy 5% of me is thinking about double majoring and possibly validating 4 math courses would be an invaluable opportunity to say the least.


Once you start academics:

Get official unopened transcripts and take them to the registrar. They'll open, file and copy them. Take the copies to the math department along with a course description (and preferably a syllabus) of each course your took. Most departments have someone who is in charge of transfer credit, but they made need to consult the course director for a particular class before granting your credit. Do all these things as soon as possible! Generally there is only a two week window to change your schedule!

Keep in mind that for the most part this seemed to be an "opt in" system. The registrar will register you for the normal freshman courses even if they received a transcript ahead of time. It is up to you to visit the different departments for which you may have taken classes. Also, some classes cannot be validated because the Academy focus on some specific topics in their core curriculum. I was able to transfer credit for Behavioral Science (Psych 101) and Economics core classes, but some reason the AFA wouldn't accept my Philosophy of Ethics class. It never hurts to ask.
 
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And one of my classmates validated DiffEq, though not Calc 3. It's possible. Be proactive and ask around ASAP. There isn't a BCT validation exam or anything, but if you are determined you can make it happen.
 
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