Hi, I am currently in Algebra 2 as a Sophomore. I am trying to decide what math to take next year. I know I want to take AP Statistics and Math Analysis. Unfortunately, My schedule doesn’t permit me to take both. So, I would like to take AP Statistics my Junior year and take Math Analysis my senior year, however, will that pose a problem with continuity? Do you think I would forget vital building blocks from Algebra to do well in Math analysis my senior year? I might want to take calculus in college so I thought it would be better to go to college fresh from taking Math Analysis due to the Pre-Calculus component. But I really do want to take AP Statistics because of a number of factors including the fact I like the teacher, It is reportedly one of the easier AP Classes and I will need that as I have a pretty intensive schedule next year, etc so What do you think?
What does your guidance counselor suggest?
She said AP Stat is listed as a Junior or Senior Course and that either scenario I laid out is acceptable, but it is rarely taken before Math analysis as most people who take it will take it instead of Calculus their Senior year or take it their Junior year and Plan on not taking math Senior year. She advised if if was worried about forgetting things to just brush up on algebra II on Khan over the summer, if I really want to take it Junior year and Math Analysis Senior Year. She said if I plan to take calculus at all I should do that and not worry about Statistics but, as I said, the professor teaching statistics is one of my favorites. I took Algebra I with him and he made it really fun. Also, while I tend to excel in Math I am not sure how I will do in Math Analysis and Calculus but since I am a good writer and somewhat right brained I should do well in Statistics since it is writing heavy to my knowledge. She also said I should talk to the Math department, which I haven’t done yet, to see their recommendation. The thing is, I know I probably am either going to teach or be a librarian so I don’t “need” either, especially since I am going to a community college that isn’t particularly hard to get into, but I like math, always have, so I just figured it would be good to have and maybe minor in it in college if I am still good in it after Math Analysis.
There’s no pre-calculus offering?
Math Analysis is the class after Algebra 2 and before Calculus in the OP’s school.
It is generally better to continue with math analysis (precalculus), then take calculus senior year, since you indicate that you will eventually need to take calculus anyway. You can take statistics as an elective senior year, or in college (and if you take calculus first, you may have the option of calculus-based statistics in college).
If you want to be a math teacher, you will presumably major in math plus the relevant teacher credentialing course work in the place you want to teach. So continuing on the math track with math analysis and calculus would make more sense for this goal.
Statistics will not necessarily be any more writing heavy than math analysis or calculus.
Is math analysis a proof based class? What is it?
“Math analysis” is the name some high schools use for precalculus.
Also, why are you so sure you’re going to go to community college? (For good students it may mean forfeiting substantial scholarships that 4-year colleges only give freshmen applicants)
I’d go with your application stats/math analysis IF the math teachers are okay with it. Your reasoning is sound.
Caveat: if you want to become a math teacher then you need to take analysis junior year, Calculus senior year.
pre calc (math analysis?) ap calc
I would do Math Analysis (pre calc) and then Calc. That will give you the most options in college.
Being math certified teacher would give you more options for jobs than elementary ed.
As others say, why immediately go to community college? If it is for cost savings, have you tried running net price calculators on your local colleges website to see how much your family would have to pay?