I am a junior picking my senior courses.
I am going to be a computer science major.
I can’t decide between AP Statistics or AP Calculus. I feel like I may be more suited for statistics because I intend to be an internal solutions developer for companies which will require a lot of number crunching.
What do you all recommend?
Calculus
At the college level, you will be expected to take both as major prerequisites. As far as your senior level course load, it’s typically recommended that you take Calculus AB or BC over Statistics, since it’s the more rigorous of the two. In my opinion it’s rather moot. As a computer science major, you will do 4 semesters of calculus, and at least one high level statistics course that is usually NOT covered by the AP Statistics exam. Calculus AB will clear you for one semester or college calculus (limits and basic derivatives) and BC will clear you for both Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 (integration and infinite series). From a time efficiency standpoint, I’d recommend Calculus BC.
Another vote for calculus. It would be pretty much expected that you would take calc given your intended major.
Definitely Calculus
Yes, choose calculus over statistics. AP calculus credit will generally be allowed for advanced placement in math in college. AP statistics credit is unlikely to be allowed to fulfill statistics that may be required for CS majors (since calculus-based statistics is likely to be required).
Why can’t you do both? Is AP Stats seen more as an elective? If you can’t, I side with the others, Calc.
'm with @cardinalmom : If you have room for an elective, then choose AP stats as your second math course. Otherwise, just stick to AP Calc. Although AP stat won’t get you any college credit, and is not calculus based, it’s usually a good introduction to a statistical way of thinking - which is quite different from the algebra based calculus.
I’ll buck the trend. AP Statistics is more valuable. If you change your mind about majors, you may never need calculus in your life. Statistics is a more practical skill to learn. It is used in many disciplines from Social Science to Marketing, to the Physical Sciences.
If you have the time and the ability, you are probably better with both.
AP Calculus for sure (preferably BC)
AP Statistics maybe as a 2nd course, but keep in mind that your college Statistics course will be calculus-based.
However, having had calculus allows one to take a more in-depth calculus-based statistics course in college, which may be useful in some subjects.
Sadly, you may need calculus to meet the Computer Science major course requirements.