AP Statistics or Advanced Math Topics?

Applying to College
1

Hi, I go to a relatively competitive magnet high school. Average SAT is around 2200, and the admission rate is ~15%.

The dilemma I have is that I can’t decide what senior year math class will look best to colleges. I am in the best math class in my school, and my (relatively weird) math track should be:

Math Structure and Proofs I (Logic, Geometry, Algebra, Number Theory)
Math Structures and Proofs II (Precalculus, (Basic) Linear Alegebra, (Basic) Calculus, Combinatorics)
AP Calculus BC+ (I would take the AP Calculus BC Exam but it would go much further)
Advanced Math Topics (More Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Complex Analysis, stuff like that)

We are required to take a math course for each year. I am perfectly happy with my math classes through junior year.

However, for senior year, there is another choice: AP Statistics. I have no doubt that AP Statistics would be infinitely easier than Advanced Math Topics. I know that colleges like to see me taking the most advanced classes available, but would they like AP Statistics better, just because it is an AP? Also Advanced Math Topics has a very vague name in my opinion. I’m not concerned about doing poorly in Advanced Math Topics, or concerned about not getting a 5 on AP Statistics.

Can anyone help clarify for me which option would look better to colleges?

2

AP statistics is probably commonly viewed as a relatively easy math course. So it is unlikely to make colleges think that your schedule is more rigorous. This is especially true if the colleges know your high school and its math sequence. For these colleges, if you choose AP statistics, they will see you getting off the most rigorous sequence.

If you are interested in statistics, it would probably be better to take a calculus-based statistics course in college.

What are your academic interests (potential college majors, etc.)?

3

Thanks for your reply. I’m not sure about my academic interests, but I love math, physics, and chemistry.

I think I will take Advanced Math Topics. Definitely want not to be getting off the most rigorous sequence because I think most colleges know my high school.

What do you think about taking AP Statistics online? I think that might be an option for me.