So I have to choose between these two courses for my final year. I have heard that AP stat is way easier and I am not the strongest math student so this would protect my GPA, but I’m worried AP Calc would look way better to admissions. Advice?
Have you taken AP Calc AB or pre-calc? Calc BC would be the better option to take, since most people take Stats before or with AP Calc AB. However, you also do not want to hurt your GPA. How have your math grades been in the past?
Can you take Calc AB instead. I look at Calc as a core class and stats as an elective.
Either way, it is still an AP. AP Calc will look better than AP Stat, but taking one of them is better than taking neither.
After having taken AP Stats, I think that stats is often underestimated. I havent taken BC yet so I cant say for sure, but I dont think stats is way easier. Stats has much easier math concepts, if thats what youre referring to, but there are so many nonmathematical concepts to know (such as designing experiments and conducting surveys). Statistics is applicable to many majors- what are you intending on studying at college? I would suggest AP Stats for you, also because you pointed out that youre not the strongest math student.
Calc. Stat is an elective, not a core math class. Calc is much more impressive. Not that difficult, either.
I would love to major in biology. My math grades are okay, but it is the class I struggle with the most. This year I took IB Math SL, a combination of Calc AB and very very basic stats.
How’d you do in your math class this year? What do you know about the Calc bc teacher vs. the stats teacher? What other classes will you be taking this year? Those are also pretty important factors in your decision. I would recommend stats if you really aren’t a strong math student or didn’t enjoy your math class this year & if your other classes are rigorous.
@Camilouisee I did fairly well, last semester I got an A- and this semester I will get no lower than a B, but math is the one class I struggle with, and I don’t enjoy it. Both teachers are highly complained about. My senior schedule is
IB biology 2
IB Spanish 2
IB 20th century world topics
IB English/AP lit
IB theory of knowledge (basically philosophy)
And 3 opportunities for electives which I will probably fill with more APs as well.
Your school doesn’t offer IB Math?
I am currently taking it as a junior 
we are offered SL so only a one year course @NavalTradition. Like I said I’m not particularly horrible at it I just don’t like it and want to keep my GPA high I just don’t know what route to take.
Best course of action if you are applying to the most competitive schools is to take Calc BC. Stats is not a core math class.
@NavalTradition I suspected this, thanks for the input!
Stat was a waste for my son - one reason is that his college for the fall only takes AP Stat for business majors. No credit at all for non-business majors.
He is taking BC too, and is doing better in BC than Stat.
Honestly I would reccomend asking around about the teachers & if the Calc BC teacher is good take it. If not then take stats.
@Camilouisee I will do that…have heard negatives about both so I guess I will have to see who is worse 
@rhandco wow thanks for that! I have always been told stats was easier so that helps a lot to know he’s doing well in Calc, even better!
Stats is DEFINITELY easier from what I’ve heard from everyone.
I am in the same situation. I took AP Calc AB this year as a Junior.
I’d say this: If you plan to major in business or STEM, take Calc BC
If not, take Stat.
BC calc is the progression from SL math for the non HL math kids here. Optimally the answer is to take both, assuming you have an elective to fill.
@ErenYeager I plan on going on to study biology, so maybe BC would be the better choice. @Alfonsia my counselor actually suggested that to me before…I have to admit I was a bit wary at taking two math classes at once. You haven’t heard that this is too much to take on?