If AP calculus BC starts from precalculus, why would this be better than:
precalculus → AP calculus BC → one or more of the following based on availability at the time:
- math course(s) at local college (linear algebra, differential equations, multivariable calculus, discrete math, calculus-based statistics, etc.)
- AP statistics
- AP CS (either, but principles is probably more generally useful from a knowledge standpoint)
- physics (at whichever level is desired)
?
Of course, if AP calculus BC starts from the end of AP calculus AB, then there is no real choice other than to take AP calculus AB before AP calculus BC.
BC can be taken after Honors Precalculus.
@ucbalumnus : because op has stated S/he doesn’t want to do any of these things… And a would be math major with no math or hard science senior year will have bad surprises in college admissions. I agree with you, precalculus honors=> BC=> further math/quantitative/logic classes would make sense but OP has said she/he isn’t interested…
@Get00F3D : precalculus Honors=> BC => further math or quantitative course (physics C, multivariate calculus, discrete math…) Is a good path. Precalculus honors=> BC => nothing is a bad plan.
One thing to consider is that most math majors do not work in pure math for careers. Common career destinations:
- Computing.
- Operations research or industrial engineering.
- Finance or actuarial.
- Data science.
- Teaching math in high school.
It may be worthwhile to take some CS and statistics (perhaps economics also) to check your interest. And you probably want to have physics anyway to have the full set of high school science. So one or more of these in senior year after BC in junior year makes sense, if more advanced math at a college cannot be scheduled.
Well, anything STEM or quantitative will expect a senior math and all very selective universities will expect senior math regardless of major.
The only way you may get by with BC-> stats is if 1° there’s no possible way you can take something else or 2° you’re aiming for Philosophy, Anthropology, Economics, English, Foreign Language&Cultures, non quantitative Poli-sci…
The only way you get by with zero math/quantitative is if you’re aiming for a non top 50 university/LAC with Humanities major.
You said you like math and are good at it. The logic, if you like math and are good at it, would be BC jr year then a further quantitative class sr year. If you don’t want to push yourself too much and would enjoy math at a slower pace, AB then BC. You could take AB+ Stats or BC+Stats of course (doubling up one year).
I feel like if I took AB first then BC it would be a guaranteed good grade. Should I do it, and would it be better to take Stats and possibly sacrifice the Honors Diploma if I don’t have room for an unnecessary history class (etc.).
Stats is an elective. You can take it in addition to any Calc class, not instead of a calc class (unless you’re unable to take calc, which isn’t your case).
You need a history/social science every year, English every year, math every year. Bio, chem, physics (at any level), plus one more science. Foreign language through level 3, 4, or AP, depending on the type of College you’re aiming for.