When should I take AP statistics?Answered
I am currently a sophomore in Algebra 2/Trig and have a pretty good average (96% for the first semester). I would like to be able to take both statistics and calculus but I would need to take precalc as a junior. This leaves me with only one year left in high school and two desired math classes. My Trig teacher suggested I take two math classes either junior or senior year because I am pretty good at math and mildly enjoy it. My question is if my guidance department gives the option do I take AP stats in junior year with precalc, or senior year with AP calculus?
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2 answers
Hi! As a sophomore in pre-calculus/math analysis this year who is around a lot of juniors, I can tell you that most juniors in my school on a math path similar to you take AP stats and pre-calc junior year, and AP calc senior year. Those juniors I've talked too seem pretty happy with their plan, but even if you can't fit AP stats in junior year still try and fit it in senior year! It also depends on what you plan to do in college. If you want to go into STEM then AP calc is a must, but if not then AP stats will be more beneficial. Either way you've got this!!
If you like math/are good at it I would just say to take precalc junior year and calculus senior year (which it sounds like you're already doing) and then take AP statistics either year, whichever fits in your schedule more. I took AP Stats and AP calc AB my senior year, and it worked out well for me since my junior year was half online however I feel like a lot of things I am learning in statistics are not related to precalc, so learning that junior year than going to AP stats is not really beneficial.
Really it's just personal preference! If you plan on taking physics or another STEM/math-related course I would just recommend spreading them out (unless you really love those classes) because I am in a lot of STEM math-based classes now and I'm just not used to it and although I love the subject it gets boring after a while.
I know this answer was incredibly vague, and really didn't give you an answer, regardless I hoped this helped and if you have any other questions please let me know!
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Thanks for the insight!