<p>I'm a junior and we have course selection coming soon so I was wondering... we have this math course called "Finite Mathematics":
"Finite mathematics provides a noncalculus background necessary for
students interested in business management, or life and social sciences.
Emphasis is placed on the modeling process and the function of mathematics
in real world applications. Topics include: linear and matrix algebra, linear
programming, combinatorics, probability, statistics, and the mathematics of
finance."</p>
<p>or I can take Calc, or Calc AP (which is out of the question for me). I am not a strong math student, I have a B in Precal this year. I've heard that Calc is hard, and my Precal teacher said if we don't like math to take Finite and if we take Finite it won't keep us out of college but I'm not so sure...</p>
<p>Also, I had the Calc teacher for AlgII freshman year and it was horrible, I can't stand her teaching style. I had the Finite teacher for Geometry and I did well. I'm not planning on going into a math field or anything. Will colleges see it as a big red flag if I only go up to precal and take finite instead of calc?</p>
<p>Take calc (or preferable ap calc) if you plan on going to a good school. It's not a big red flag, but it makes you look like a slacker if you poop out on your senior schedule. Most like to see up to calculus.</p>
<p>Ok, so no ivies, I think taking finite would be very acceptable but taking calc may just give you the very nice push if your borderline. If you're taking other APs and have other good stats, just go with finite and save yourself the stress. If you're not, then take the calc.</p>
<p>Im so lucky i have a great teacher in my ap calc, but anyways, that finite math sounds pretty cool. If my school had that, i would probably take it because im gonna be getting into finance.</p>
<p>In terms of college admissions, I would say that Calc would have a slight advantage. In terms of your intended major and the entire situation with the teachers, I recommend that you take the finite math course.</p>
<p>Simply for historical reasons, the sequence is algebra, trig (pre-calc), calculus, and then set theory, linear algebra, probability & statistics and other topics. Math majors go on to Advanced Analysis (calculus), Abstract Algebra (nothing like algebra), Topography, and so on. Engineers never take anything beyond calculus. Prob & Statistics is most useful to business majors and life sciences majors. </p>
<p>The odd thing about Calculus is that it is hard enough to make it a challenge, but easy enough so that you can make it a required course. People who will never have any use for it are required to take it. Some med schools require it for admission but others don't. As a business major, you may or may not take calculus in college. In some ways, Calculus is the academic equivalent of gym class. They require you take it because it is good for you.</p>
<p>"ok, so no ivies" what does that have to do with anything? most of the schools he's applying to will have every applicant taking ap calc regardless. </p>
<p>take calc...i don't know what finite math is like at your school, but at my high school, finite math was basicly like retard math. there were 3 tracks senior year - with ap calc at the top, pre-calc in the middle, and finite at the bottem.</p>
<p>jags86 does bring up a point. Calc would be better for admissions. The question is whether the teacher, the course material, and your interest in the subject outweighs the admissions impact. Plus, you may be worried next year about how getting a C in Calculus will impact your acceptance. For you as a person, the finite course would be better. For admissions, you want to be taking the "most challenging curriculum offered at your high school." If you are taking alot of other tough courses in senior year, don't worry about not taking calc.</p>
<p>I have a math degree, and I would make the point that mathematics is broken into two parts: infinite and finite. Calculus takes up most of the infinite part. The subjects in your high school finite course are the easier areas of the finite part. However, the really tough parts for a mathematician are in the finite part.</p>
<p>you must choose accordingly to the major you want to pursue...............if you are pursuing humanitarian major, then finite math................if you are looking for sciences related majors, then calc.....................and whats up DUFSTER..................the dufster is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>