<p>I decided to post this thread on this board because I figured it would get a bit more insight...</p>
<p>I had originally intended to take both AP Stats and Precalc H my senior year, but a few days ago a woman from my school called and said since both of the courses are being offered at the same time, I'm unable to take both. So, which one do you think would be more "helpful" in college? I'm very good at math, and I enjoy it. So it's not a matter of which one is easier, but which one would college admissions officers prefer to see? </p>
<p>The colleges I'm planning to apply to are Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Iowa State (meteorology major) if that helps any. </p>
<p>Is there anybody who may have been in a similar situation who could give their experience?</p>
<p>^100% agree. Many of your peers are *finishing *Calculus as Juniors or Seniors in HS. Not having taken pre-calc can present you a serious hurdle come college.</p>
<p>If your major requires calculus, you should take precalculus now so that you will be ready for calculus in college. Otherwise, you will have to take precalculus in college as a remedial course.</p>
<p>Majors that typically require calculus include any science or engineering, economics, and business.</p>
<p>Pre calc would give you a nice intro into higher level math classes in college. Ap stats is also wonderful. You will learn to interpret statistical data and determine what is truly “random.” But ultimately you should decide what you want to take. I recently spoke with a counselor of admissions at brown. She says to choose a class that will challenge you and you will enjoy. So choose which one you will truly enjoy and will be beneficial to YOU.</p>
<p>You need to check out Penn State’s Recommended Academic Plans! Meteorology majors take the same math chemistry and physics as an engineer. You are supposed to start with Calc 140 (Calc 1) which will be a challenge if your highest math is only precalc! I would think that all of the schools you mention would prefer at least Calculus 1 as you senior year math.</p>
<p>Although you could take Precalc in college, you would be better off taking it in highschool for the sake of admissions chances. If only because Pre-calc is more broad and tests more subject areas than AP stats.</p>
<p>@PSU85MOM</p>
<p>AP Calc will often transfer for Calc 1, implying that it isn’t actually meant to prepare you for Calc 1. Rather, pre-calc is meant to prepare you for Calc 1 or AP Calc.</p>
<p>Well, I guess precalc would probably be the better choice, all things considered. I just wish I could take both like I had originally planned! Thank you all for your input.</p>