AP Calc AB BC AP Stats, and IB Math Studies which is best?

Applying to College
1

<p>I am currently taking precal honors as a sophomore. I received a B so I have the option to go to AP Stats, AB Calc, and IB Math Studies. I am wondering what the best option is if I want to major in business. If I AP Calc AB next year then I do AP Calc BC, AP Stats or IB Math Studies senior year. Is two years of Calc necessary? Is AP Calc AB next year then AP Stats senior year than AP Calc AB next year and BC senior year.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>For AP calculus, AB is like the first semester of college calculus, and BC is like the first and second semesters. AP statistics is like a low level semester long introductory statistics course in college. IB math studies is a survey of math (including a lightweight introduction to statistics and differential calculus) intended for students who have no need to take additional math in college.</p>

<p>Different college majors will have different math requirements:

  • any science, any engineering, economics, business: calculus, and may require more advanced math; statistics is often required, but a course more advanced/mathematical than AP statistics may be required
  • any social studies (including economics and business): statistics or a major-specific quantitative methods course
  • humanities and arts: none, though college may require some level of math as a general education requirement, and philosophy majors will need to think logically, similar to math majors</p>
3

<p>I would add to the above the grad level work in econ and business, particularly finance, will often require calc and differential equations and some undergrad schools (e.g. Chicago and MIT) will require it too, if I recall correctly. I know my MBA program at a not particularly distinguished school saw lots of people flame out in the finance section when calc and diff eq showed up hardcore when discussing option pricing models. You could probably fake it through some programs, but I wouldn’t advise it.</p>

4

<p>Business majors usually require both Calculus and Statistics. Between AP Stats, Calc AB and Calc BC I would saying finishing BC would prepare you the best for university, especially if it waives Calc 1 or 2 requirement after admission. </p>

5

<p>If you have a B in precalc honors, I would go with Calc AB and see if you then take Math Studies or Stats. Talk with your teacher though.</p>