High School Math for Economics Major

<p>As a senior, which math class would look better on ones transcript? I did not have the oppurtunity to take Algebra I before 9th grade, therefore I can't take AP Calc in HS. I plan on majoring in Economics at an upper-tier school like Yale or another Ivy (I know I have good/great chances). However, I am not sure if I should take Pre-Calculus as a senior or AP Statistics. I would like to take statistics, as it seems easier to me, but I know economics majors take calculus. If I did take statistics, I would have virtually no experience with calculus before entering college. Statistics AP would bring me to 5 AP's my senior year.</p>

<p>You need to take pre-calc. There's no way around it. In order to be an econ major (or major in anything remotely quantitative in college) you have to take calculus. Schools like Yale don't offer any math below calculus, so if you want to be prepared for the math you will have to do, take pre-calc now. Stats, on the other hand, you can take in college. Besides, pre-calc is probably harder than AP Stats and will look better to an admissions office (especially if you can take honors).</p>

<p>AP Stats isn't really respected unless you take it along with AP Calc. You're better off taking Precalc Honors, as the previous poster suggested. It would have been possible to skip Algebra 2 or if your school allowed it, but Precalc is essential to learning Calculus. It's harder, actually.</p>

<p>Anyway, this shouldn't matter as long as your college counselor (or you, if you don't have one) somehow makes clear that you went as far in math as you could given your circumstances.</p>