<p>I am weighing the option of taking a statistics class instead of a calculus class next fall. What are the pros and cons of going on this route? I've done a year of calculus so I would probably have no trouble with the class, but I want a change of pace math-wise. Thankfully I know some basic statistics as well, so it shouldn't be too bad.</p>
<p>How are the stat classes at UW-- any profs to avoid (I can't find many on rankmyprofessor.com)? Would you suggest STAT 220 Basic Statistics or STAT 311 Elements of Statistical Methods?</p>
<p>The pros and cons are pretty individual, in my opinion. We can’t really give you pros/cons without knowing what majors you are considering. Are you planning on taking calculus after statistics? Are you just taking statistics just because? A bit of background information would be helpful so we can give you the best feedback!</p>
<p>I am considering bioengineering, biochemistry, and statistics (I know UW is really strong in stats and biostats, which seems like an interesting specialty to me). If I end up going on the stats route, I know I’ll take math regardless. </p>
<p>I guess another question is if it is advantageous to take stats even if it doesn’t fill requirements for applying to a major?</p>
<p>I took AP Statistics in high school. While it’s only an introduction into the field, I find that it’s extremely useful for many different applications in life. Everything that you learn is applicable to something, whereas this is not the case with Precalculus or Calculus.</p>
<p>Calculus is as useful as any other field in mathematics, you just have to know where it can be applied.</p>