Ap Stat vs Ap Calc AB

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to know peoples opinion in general about which math ap is the best for prospective medical students. It doesn’t necessarily apply to me, but if someone were to apply to undergrad to do their premed, would you suggest they take AP stat or AP Calc AB in high school?

Thanks!

2

I would take AP Calc A/B or B/C. Save stats for college.

3

Calc

4

Calc

5

Calculus since that is expected by medical schools.

6

Calculus…no question about it

7

Yep, Calc.

8

Calculus. It’s a weed out course at most colleges and being among the top students (to remain premed) implies you’ve taken some form of calculus before.

9

Not sure why you ask, then say, “. It doesn’t necessarily apply to me.” Does this mean you are planning on AP calc?

You don’t necessarily need AP calc for admits to all colleges. It depends on the college. It’s the more competitive, higher tier schools that can expect this and have enough applicants who did, to choose among them.

It has less to do with applying to med school in 4 years versus what it takes to get into a top or tippy top college, when you are interested in stem. I.e., you do the math and science rigor in core classes. Not opting for the easier AP stats as a replacement.

10

I just wanted to know for my own curiosity. I believe I’m allowed to ask?

11

Of course, you are allowed to ask! No problem at all. In my opinion, AP Calculus AB would be the course to take. A lot of the competitive schools like to see calculus on a transcript more than stats. Stats is typically considered and easier course. You could also double up on AP Calc AB and AP Stats. I’ve seen my friends do it and I am planning to do it. I am also a prospective medical student. Hope this helps!

12

Calc AB would definitely be the more traditional choice when it comes to math. I personally won’t take that class, as I’m going to take Calc BC instead. However, I’m taking AP Stats this year, and I highly highly recommend the course. It’s a really all-inclusive one and has helped me in my other math class as well.

Doubling up would be a feasible option as well. I’m currently taking AP Stats + Precalc/Diff Calc (basically precalc + calc ab), and its going pretty well. Both classes are super fun and you learn a lot!

TLDR: the traditional route is AP Calc AB, but both are fun classes. Doubling up is definitely a possible choice as well. Good luck!!