<p>So, I just started my junior year and I'm trying to think ahead to my senior year schedule, but having somewhat of a dilemma. I'm taking pre-calc this year, but I'm thinking next year, I would rather take AP Stats than AP Calc. I think I would enjoy stats better, but it's an easier class (at least at my high school). So, my question is, what would be better for me to take? Will Harvard and other schools see that and think I was trying to take the easier way to 4 credits of math if I don't take calculus? Thanks, your help would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>First, if you are considering applying to Harvard, you shouldn't be looking how to get in easy. Secondly, Harvard is expecting you to have Calc before applying. They want 4 credits of a core math subject, Stats does not satisfy that. Yes, Stats is easier, however, if you somehow make it to Harvard with no Calc background, your college math career will probably sink fast. If you really want to take Stats, take both, but I doubt you'll get into a school like Harvard if they see you had the ability to take Calc and passed it up for something easier.</p>
<p>I know current Harvard students (one of them is my girlfriend!) who took AP Stat senior year instead of AP Calc.</p>
<p>If you're planning on relying on your math talent to get in, it's probably not a good idea. But if taking Stat means you'll have more time to spend on subjects/activities you're passionate about, then go for it.</p>
<p>Why do places like Harvard care whether or not you take an easy course load? Surely you should do what you're interested in, not the hardest subjects you can find..</p>
<p>i'm really not big on math. my senior year i'm planning on taking ap psych, ap bio, ap world lit, and then an ap math, and stats is just more fun and the bonus is that its easier and i'll have more time for the classes i care about more, like just<em>forget</em>me said. so i guess one of you said i should take calc, one said stats, and one sounds unsure. does anyone else have a suggestion?</p>
<p>I know you'd prefer an opinion from someone else, however, to answer the previous post: It says all over the Harvard website that they want to see you taking the most rigerous courseload possible. If you don't believe me, look who gets in. The kids that take a ton of AP/IB classes, regardless of whether or not they are interested in that subject. It is just something a student has to do if he or she is a serious applicant for that caliber of school.</p>
<p>stats is more fun?</p>
<p><em>mortified and runs away</em></p>
<p>being serious now, ap stats doesn't teach you anything useful--just how to use some self-explanatory formulas they would give you on a sheet during the exam anyway. calc on the other hand might actually teach some theory...besides, ap calc has equivalent classes you can skip once you get to harvard, but ap stats doesn't count =/. yea, i took both in high school...</p>
<p>Officially, AP Stat has "no equivalent course" at Harvard. But my friends claim it's near-identical to Stat 100.</p>