Need urgent advice: Grade 12 vs repeating Grade 11, university prerequisites, and choosing courses

Need urgent advice: Grade 12 vs repeating Grade 11, university prerequisites, and choosing courses

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Hey everyone,

I really need some advice right now because I have to make a big decision by Monday. I’m in Ontario, and I just passed my placement test to get into Grade 12 after returning from Eritrea — but here’s my situation:

Background

I was in Eritrea for a year, so I didn’t take Grade 11 math at all.

I just passed my placement test, so I’m allowed into Grade 12, but the guidance counselor gave me two options:

1. Go straight into Grade 12

2. Repeat Grade 11 first to be more prepared

Option 1: Go Straight into Grade 12

Pros:

I stay with my friends and graduate on time.

I start university applications right away.

Cons:

I’ll be taking Grade 11 Math in the first semester and Advanced Functions + Calculus in the second semester.

I’ve never done Grade 11 math before, so I’d be learning a lot in a short time.

I’m not the strongest in math and I’m worried about my GPA for university.

Option 2: Repeat Grade 11

Pros:

I get a full year to catch up on math and improve my study habits.

I’ll likely get better marks, which could boost my overall average for university.

I get more time to figure out what program I want in university and plan my prerequisites properly.

Cons:

I’ll be a year behind my friends.

I’ll technically be a “super senior,” and I’m worried about what people will think.

My Main Questions

1. University prerequisites:

If I go straight into Grade 12 and take Advanced Functions + Calculus, plus three other electives, will that give me enough prerequisites to apply to most programs except:

Medicine / nursing

Business

Chemistry-related programs

I want to keep my options open but don’t know what I want to study yet.

2. Course selection:

I technically have five elective spots, but one of them is supposed to be religion since I’m in a Catholic school.

I might be able to talk my way out of religion, but I’m not sure yet.

I’m already planning to take Calculus.

What four other Grade 12 courses should I pick that will keep the most university doors open?

3. Math workload:

Realistically, is it possible to take Advanced Functions + Calculus in one semester if I didn’t do Grade 11 math?

Or would I be setting myself up to struggle?

What I Need Advice On

Should I go straight to Grade 12 and try to make it work?

Or should I repeat Grade 11 to build a stronger foundation?

Which path would help me most for university if I don’t know my exact career yet?

I’ve been stressing a lot over this, and I really want to make the best decision for my future. Any advice from people who’ve been in a similar situation — especially Ontario students — would help me a lot.

Thank you 🙏