So I'm heading into my senior year and trying to figure out what math class I should take. What math classes do seniors usually take, especially those planning on STEM majors?
The math class that a senior should take often depends on the progression they've taken in their school so far, and the availability of courses at their school. That said, for students aiming to pursue STEM majors, taking the highest level of math available would be ideal, since it signifies a strong embrace of challenging coursework.
If you have already completed Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II - the usual sequence of math courses - by junior year, the common choices for math in senior year include Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or Statistics, depending on your school.
If your school offers AP classes and you are prepared for the challenge, AP Calculus AB or BC or AP Statistics might be a good fit. AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a first semester college calculus course while AP Calculus BC is equivalent to a first year college calculus course, and this could be very beneficial especially if you're going into engineering or the hard sciences.
On the other hand, AP Statistics gives a great foundation for fields that involve data analysis, like economics, psychology, and biology. If you have an idea of what you wish to study in college, you might want to choose a math course that aligns with that. For instance, if you're planning on majoring in Physics or Engineering, the calculus route might be more beneficial. On the other hand, if you're looking into Computer Science or Biology, Statistics might be handy.
Lastly, you might want to consider reaching out to your guidance counselor or math teacher, as they would have a better understanding of your academic history and could provide advice tailored specifically to you.
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