AP Stat vs Online Math Course

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

<p>Hey all,
So I'm planning to apply to colleges that require 4 years of mathematics courses. Here is my breakdown in high school of math courses that I've taken:
Freshman: Hnrs Algebra 2
Sophomore: Hnrs Pre-calculus, Hnrs Intro to Programming
Junior: AP BC Calculus, AP Computer Science</p>

<p>So Georgia Tech (which I'm planning to apply to) requires 4 years of math courses, which does NOT include computer science. Therefore, I need to take a math course next year.</p>

<p>Our high school offers AP Statistics as the only other math course that I haven't taken yet. However, I heard that Stat is not too much math and more reading/writing/analysis. I don't exactly like reading/writing courses, although I'm not sure how much reading and writing Stat encompasses.</p>

<p>When I was at a college fair, a Penn State admissions counselor told me that I should not take Stat because it was like a year off from higher level math courses. Thus, I wouldn't be ready for college level math courses (because I would have an interim period).</p>

<p>Also, one of the current seniors who is taking AP Stat and who knows me well as a math guy told me that I shouldn't take Stat, because I wouldn't like the lower level math material compared to BC Calculus-related material.</p>

<p>However, there are also online courses in Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus from sources such as MIT OpenCourseWare (the only problem with OCW is that I don't know if my school accepts it for credit). Other places include John Hopkins' Multivariable Calculus online course (<a href="http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses/mathematics/multivariable_calculus.html"&gt;http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses/mathematics/multivariable_calculus.html&lt;/a&gt;) and University of Texas' Linear Algebra course (<a href="https://www.edx.org/course/utaustinx/utaustinx-ut-5-01x-linear-algebra-1162"&gt;https://www.edx.org/course/utaustinx/utaustinx-ut-5-01x-linear-algebra-1162&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p>

<p>So which course should I take? I'm planning to take only one, since too much work for a second semester senior is not too great :)</p>

<p>Thanks, all!</p>

2

<p>You should call the school and find out if they would transfer the credit, but most definitely take the online course if you can handle it.</p>

3

<p>

I didn’t actually take AP Statistics, just the exam, but I’d compare it to, like…a biology class or something. It’s not like an English class or anything, but it has more writing than most other math classes. </p>

<p>

This is just a logistical thing. You could overcome it by studying higher math on your own, or just reviewing calculus every once in a while. There’s no calculus in linear algebra either. </p>

<p>

IMO that’s like saying you shouldn’t take AP Chemistry after calculus because the math isn’t as advanced. Statistics isn’t the same as math…it’s a distinct field that uses a lot of math. People get degrees in it and stuff. You’ll learn new things (which may or may not be interesting to you) even if it doesn’t challenge you mathematically. </p>

<p>Multivariable calculus, linear algebra, or differential equations will be a good option if your school will give you credit for self-studying a math class. If not, could you take a math class at a local college?</p>

4

<p>Do JHU online. LA, MVC, DE, then intro to abstract. If you finish fast, you can take multiple courses in the same tuition period.</p>

<p>AP Stats is light years easier than Calc BC. Algebra II than anything. Buy barron’s, no class, AP test.</p>

<p>If you don’t care about credit (which you shouldn’t since you’re a second semester senior, and your foraying into UG level math which most colleges require you to take anyways), forget classes and buy some textbooks and read them. Classes are slow, boring, and cannot cater to your specific needs.</p>

5

<p>I think the OP is trying to get high school credit because Georgia Tech requires four years of math, but would they waive that if you’re already in Calculus BC as a junior?</p>