I’m a senior now and I have took PreCalculus, AP Calculus BC and Multivariable Calculus. This year I have AP CSPrinciples as math class, but I just learned that computer science is not always counted as math. In some states it is count as a science course. I know a lot of colleges highly recommend four years of math. Should I take another statistics to make sure I could get complete credit for four years of math, or AP CSP is fine for me now and I could use this period to take another interesting class?
There is more than one answer depending on the type of colleges you are aiming for.
For highly selective colleges, including “public Ivies”, I would suggest another year of math. If you’re going for a STEM major at those places, it should be linear algebra or equivalent. For directional colleges and similar, you should be fine with what you have.
Thank you! I do enjoy my math classes. It is very possible that I will choose math major in the end but now I’ve still not decided what I want to study in college. Will my schedule influence me if I choose undeclared major and then transfer to STEM major if I decide to?
You will have to be careful where you apply. Generally speaking, in large state flagships and some private universities, as well as “public Ivies”, it can be much harder to switch into a STEM major, especially computer science and engineering, than it is to transfer to humanities. So it is best to be a direct-admit into those departments if you think you’ll want to study STEM. To be a strong candidate, yes, your high school class choices and rigor will matter. In many liberal arts colleges and some smaller schools and private colleges, you don’t have to declare a major up front. I’m over-generalizing, but my point is it can be different for every school, so that is part of the research process in coming up with your application list - and tying that in with your class selections.
I will take AP CSP this year for sure. I wonder will taking another Statistics(Regular statistics, not AP) make any difference if I choose math major? The reason I ask is that I really not that sure if I would apply for math, and I’m interested in a lot of things. I want to leave more time for my other subjects this year. But so far the strongest area for me is math( because of the courses I already took)
AP statistics is not calculus based, and generally considered a relatively easy course. Since you are very good in math and like it, you may want to see if a local college offers a calculus based statistics course.
Basically, with MVC you’ve reached two levels above precalculus so you’re done. You should not take a super easy math class like non AP stats just to check a box. If a local college offers a calculus based Statistics class you could take it but it’s not an obligation. It’s mostly if your school offers dual enrollment options and you do plan on applying as a math major. You’d list it on your application as a spring class.
Colleges may frown more on your taking statistics regular after taking MVC as a junior than that would with your taking a class of interest.
I would definitely find/take either a Differential Equations class or Linear Algebra class (preferably both) for your 12th grade. Unless you were a total noob at computers, I would also skip AP CSP.
My D took Calc BC as a junior and then did an applied math course as a senior (Finite math) b/c she wanted a break from Calc. (She picked Calc back up in college and is a math minor.) She was also taking upper level science courses as a senior – genetics, etc.-- to show her STEM focus. If she didn’t have access to that math course, she would have taken AP Stats. She felt as a STEM major applying to top colleges she needed to have math on her transcript senior year.