<p>So I'm a rising senior, and I don't know what to do about math next year. I want to apply to some top schools (not like Harvard or Stanford, but still really competitive places), but I've made up my mind that I will be doing something in the social studies because this is what interests me. I did pre-calc honors this year, and I got an A both semesters, but it's a really difficult class, and I've had to go and get extra help to study for tests and maintain my grade, but I have been able to do it. Next year I'm going to be taking APs like lit, world history, bio, and art history along with spanish 4 honors and some general requirements, and I really don't know if I should do calc ab because the teacher is actually much easier than the teacher I will have next year, and the scores on the AP won't reaaaaally matter by that point, but I'm not sure if I should take it on when I'm going to have a full coarse load with those APs and other classes. I could take business calc or regular calc but business would be preferable if it doesn't make much difference the title of the class because business calc is super easy. Anyways, I was wondering if it would look awful if I dropped down to do a regular math class or dropped math altogether after being on the advanced track. If it makes a difference, I took AP stats this year as well - and I'm pretty sure the exam went well and that I'll maintain my A this semester.</p>
<p>I would stay with calc AB. Senior grades don’t matter THAT much, so course rigor is kind of important. You just have to keep up your math grades for the first semester, so it shouldn’t be that hard, right? Besides, taking calc ab next year will make your college freshman year easier.</p>
<p>Yes it will make a difference if you take a non-AP calc, and yes it will make a difference if you take no math. However, competitive is relative. Competitive like “not HYPSM but just under” or competitive like “something in the top 40?” If the former, take Calc AB atleast, no doubt. If the latter, you’re still best off taking Calc AB, but if you do something different than that it won’t be a huge deal. Do take a senior math class though.</p>
<p>If you go the AP Calc route (and pass the test) and attend a college or university with a math requirement (all Maryland state schools have this), your AP credit could serve as your math requirement. The other two math classes would not be helpful for that requirement unless you take the regular calc and take the AP test.</p>
<p>Skipping math completely is the least attractive option because if you have a college math requirement, your skills could be a bit rusty. And should you choose to go the science route instead of social studies, you will be happy that you took the math senior year. Oh, the AP stat might fulfill a math requirement.</p>