I am much better at statistics than calc. I got nearly a 100% in my stat unit and usually only get b’s in my pre-calc class. I really want to take stat instead of ab but will I have to take calculus in college? THAT’S MY MAIN CONCERN. I’m deciding between csu’s and will be a education major so I don’t think I’ll need a lot of math classes…but if I do need to take calc at some point do you think it would be better to take ab now or calc in college? Thanks in advance!!!
Obviously, if you want to teach high school math or physics, you will need calculus as part of your math or physics major as a pre-credential student.
Otherwise, check the degree requirements for each campus and its pre-credential preparation programs.
Would you be elementary education? IF secondary, what subject?
I recommend taking calc in high school where it is taught at a slower pace. Then retake it in college for an easy A! In College calc tends to be a weed out course for medical and engineering programs.
If you are targeting top schools, Calc is a much better choice than Stats. Regardless of whether you are interested in STEM field or not, most stronger applicants will have taken Calc in high school. D took Calc BC and Stats last year which was a bit excessive for an intended Poly Sci major but if you’re going to take one Calc is the better choice
If you are going to take calc in college I’d recommend taking it in HS. My S made the mistake of not taking calc in HS and he had a real struggle with college calc mainly because virtually everyone in the class had the material already and he did not. If you won’t need calc in college, then AP Stat should be fine. You should look up the requirements for your intended major at schools you are interested in online to get an idea of what you will need to take in college.
This student is looking at CSU’s. S/he’s NOT targeting top schools at all. Further, OP wants to become a teacher. Calculus would only be necessary for science, math, technology, and business secondary certifications, but wouldn’t be for all social sciences, humanities, arts, and elementary education. For these, statistics would however be very important. This is why we need to know what type of major s//he’s thinking of when s/he says “education”.
Thank you for all you responses! I am planning on becoming an elementary teacher (sorry I didn’t clarify that).
Then, definitely take ap stats. It’ll prepare you well for the math you’ll need in college AND for data analysis once you’re a professional.
Btw Sonoma has a very pretty, very residential campus, with such curriculum rigor you’d have a good shot at honors, and is excellent for elementary education. Have you visited?
Stat sounds like the right plan.
Also, I agree wholeheartedly about Sonoma - very pretty and very residential. They offer an accelerated program that will get you a BA and in the classroom with a credential in just 4 years Teachers from there are well respected through out the state. I didn’t know they had an honors program - though it has been 2 years since I asked.
Chico is a little more selective but also very residential, has a solid teacher ed program and has a good honors curriculum. It is also more integrated with the surrounding community and LOTS more brick.
It took me a long while but I found what I meant… it’s not called “honors” and it’s hard to find!
http://www.sonoma.edu/aa/flc/nonresidential/hutchins.html
Students complete ALL gen eds through 4 integrated courses; sections are smaller than typical classes (12-15 students) and conducted seminar-style; rather than tests with scantrons, students are evaluated through team projects, service learning portfolios, and participation based on extensive reading/writing. Students also get to go on field trips and meet with special speakers.
But when checking, I found this, which I’d forgotten:
"
Due to twelve units per semester program structure, Hutchins students interested in an optional Residential Life Freshman Living Learning Community may only elect the Education ACE (Hutchins students requiring remedial math cannot choose this option).
In addition, Hutchins offers an optional accelerated Blended Program (Track 3) which allows first semester freshmen to complete both a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subjects Elementary Teaching Credential in four, rather than the typical five, years."
And the campus almost feels like a private college… but at CSU price. 
Found this too:
http://www.sonoma.edu/scholarships/
http://www.sonoma.edu/aa/us/transition/
http://www.sonoma.edu/education/programs/index.html