<p>So I'm having this dilemma about what Math class I need to take for my senior year, and I figure I'll ask on here before I go ask an admissions person that I know. </p>
<p>I'm in Honors precalc/Trig right now, and I'm struggling to maintain a B ~85. A lot of the class is struggling, and the teacher and most of the class don't really click on a lot of subjects, especially the more advanced ones we're getting to as the semester ends. I am currently signed up for an Honors Calculus (first semester)/ Ap calculus AB (second semester) as my math class, but our calculus teachers are pretty weak from what current students tell me, and that they literally drew pictures on their AP exam because they were so stumped. I'm not necessarily a bad math student, I got a 95 in Honors geometry, and a 93 in Honors Algebra II. I plan to apply to school undecided, however I am leaning to something in the natural/applied sciences field. </p>
<p>Is it wise to take the Honors/AP calc AB class, and struggle in it, possibly earning a C or below, or take the AP Stat class where I am fairly confident I can get a B or A? I don't really want to waste my time in a calculus class, earn a bad grade, and not know anything when it comes to school, and take calculus I in college anyway. What do you all think?</p>
<p>Be aware that many students repeat their AP credit in college calculus 1 “for the easy A”. So you may find it advantageous to have a preview of calculus before college, and a year long AB course will be a more gentle introduction than a full speed college calculus course (AB is typically considered approximately a semester of college calculus). And if you do well enough to score a 5 on the AP test, you may be able to go directly to calculus 2 in college, though it would be a good idea to review the old calculus 1 final exams at the college to check your knowledge before skipping.</p>
<p>AP statistics is usually considered equivalent to a semester long introductory statistics course for social studies majors.</p>
<p>I have absolutely no intention on using an AP credit for calculus in college, because I’m almost certain I won’t get one to use. </p>
<p>But is it really worth taking the math if I won’t learn much and get a bad grade in it, rather than take another college level math class and do well? Don’t most students have to end up taking statistics anyway? I wouldn’t have to worry about re-learning material the “right way” that the school will want me to use while I’m there</p>
<p>Do you have any idea what you want to study in college?</p>
<p>Well like I said, Im probably applying undecided, but I like the idea of meteorology (I know, math heavy, and calculus would be recommended), but I also wouldn’t mind another natural science like geology or hydrology…and if not a science, a political science/history major (maybe becoming a lawyer? I’m really good and into history and government), or maybe even a teacher, haha, it’s kind of all over the place. My ideal pathway would be to do Meteorology under an ROTC scholarship (or sign on with the coast guard after graduation since they don’t have ROTC), serve afterwords, and if I don’t make a career out of it, either find a decent private sector job, become a cop, or become a teacher. I would think after a few classes in college, it should become more clear to me.</p>
<p>If you think you want to do anything in the sciences, you ought to take calculus–even if you’re going to take it again. Perhaps even especially if you’re going to do it again.</p>
<p>In my experience, enrollment in calculus classes is rather unevenly divided between a small group of students who barely need a teacher, and a large group of students who really need more than one exposure to the material in order to master it.</p>