Hello!
So I’ve talked with several people who have always each told me conflicting opinions about AP Stats. Some people talk about how useful it will be later in life, no matter your major, and that it’s good to get a grasp of it early on. However, others tell me it’s useless as you will just take the same class in college and there’s no reason you should waste your time with it now.
The answer to this question, as with many questions, is : It depends.
If all you want is an introduction to statistics and you are not taking it in lieu of a more important core class (e.g. calc) and it does not overwhelm the schedule, it’s fine.
If you plan a career focused on STEM which requires statistics, you’ll likely need a calc-based stat class in college. If you are planning a career in Econ/poli sci/business (among others), you may (or may not) need statistics in college at a level above AP.
I concur. I would say that it is more important to try to get through the “regular” math sequence…Algebra, Geometry, Alg 2, Precaculus, Calculus.
Taking AP Stats alone when you have the opportunity to take Calculus is probably not looked upon favorably by admissions officers, and is likely compounded in the event that a student wants to go into a STEM-related field.
However, if you are on the “standard” math track (where you aren’t able to take Calculus in HS anyway) and you are given permission to do so, I don’t see how taking AP Stats would be a problem, especially for students who are not STEM-oriented.
I agree, don’t replace it with Calculus, but if you can, take it as it may be a major requirement for you. Personally, I think it’s pretty easy but again it depends on the person. I think it’s a good idea to take it in high school if you can because (a) you can try to test out lower levels of Stats or completely satisfy your requirement and (b) it’s a good introduction if you may have to take harder level stats classes in college.
Statistics is more important long-term than Calculus in college because of the need to analyze the methodology of studies.
@Waterborne Not for every major.
You’d be surprised. Try to cite a psychology study (especially on a heavily political topic) in an English essay without knowing MANOVA and you’re in for a world of hurt.
I’m in engineering. You know stats but not calc, you’re not passing any of my major classes.
I’m just saying you made a blanket statement that does not apply as broadly as you said it did.
That’s fair.