Is it better to take an easy algebra class and get an A or a trig class and get a C?

Arguments for taking the harder class:

• Challenge yourself. What you learn will be more important than how high you score. You shouldn't have to lower your bar.
  
• Colleges and universities will look at your level of achievement. A trigonometry class with a C will have more chances of getting you into a good college/university than an Algebra class with an A. Also, if you are looking to get into college, it will definitely help if you already know how to do trigonometry.
  
• Always go for as high as you can and still get a pass (C). It will show that you are a person who challenges yourself.
  
• You want a challenge, but not be overwhelmed. My advice is take the Trig and aim for an A! You can do it if you work hard enough, its just a matter of how badly you want it and how hard you are willing to work.
  
• Most schools will tell you that a C in Trig might equal something like an A+ in Algebra. So if you end up getting higher than a C, it's an unheard of grade in Algebra.
  
• It would be better to take Trig and then just aim for an A.
  
• Take as many courses as you can, and learn how to learn along the way.
  
• You will do well at any math if you try! Even if you fail and try your best, then try again; you will pass. Although trig is not difficult math. Trig is quite easy: there are a few basic identities to remember. But for the rest, just draw a triangle in your mind and you'll easily see where sin, cos, tan come from for various angles.
  
• What a college counselor would say is: "If you have the choice of getting an A in algebra or C in Trig, then the best option is to get an A in Trig!" Instead of thinking that you're automatically going to get a C, work hard, ask questions, do your homework, and you will get there.
  
• I think that if you feel you won't be pushing yourself in the easier class i think you should rethink for a different class. Learning is about pushing yourself to create a better person so to do this you should join the harder group so you can push yourself to be the best you can be. So what if you get a c that means you have pushed yourself to try harder than you normally would!

• If you have an option that means you have already had an algebra class. My reasoning is such that in every school setting I have been privy to, algebra was a prerequisite for taking trigonometry.
  
  I hear your question and you have already stated that if you take Algebra, you will get an A, and if you take Trig you will get a C. I'm not sure how you know this, but let's take it as truth. If you will get an A in algebra, it sounds as if you already understand it (see first paragraph).
  
  From a purely philosophical stand point, I believe there is no nobler task than to educate one's mind. If I were making the decision myself, I would take the Trigonometry class, and make it a point to study and get the best grade possible. I say this not because of the GPA I would receive, but for the task of understanding something.
  
  If you are going to venture into anything, do your best in that venture. Anything less is cheating yourself.

 

Arguments for taking the easier class:

• It would be better to take Algebra, get a good understanding and a solid base, and make an A. Then, go ahead and take Trig as well. With a good grasp on Algebra, you'll have a better chance of doing better then a C in Trig.
  
• If you just want the grade than take the easy class if you want to challenge yourself a bit then take the harder one.
  
• Also remember though that Trigonometry is Algebra 2 so it would be better to learn what you can in Algebra 1 because it will come back in Trig.
  
• Would it be possible to take geometry? It sounds your level. If not, do trig. It sounds like you are used to easy math.