does anybody have any idea of how hard (IB) statistics and (IB) calculus are? which one is easier?
<p>Isn't stat always considered an Easy-A math course? IB calc, on the other hand, depends on the students. (Also, in my case, the teacher .. :( )</p>
<p>Son is taking both, making A's in both but seems Statistics is a little easier. He only took it because he couldn't get the Physics II AP class in his schedule.</p>
<p>STATISTICS. If you EVER hear the world Calculus, run away! Fear derivatives and integrals.</p>
<p>I'm taking both right now and I would definitely say Statistics is easier, less math-intensive. Calculus is more interesting though and will look better on your transcript.</p>
<p>Does Calc really look better? Cuz I have a C in AP Calc, would that be equal to say, a B in AP Stats?</p>
<p>No, I don't think so. It is just generally considered to be harder and take more work, so looks better. I've been told at some schools people who can't get into Calc take Stats, my school doesn't work that way though...</p>
<p>Calculus is fun. Take it if possible.</p>
<p>And, no, I'm not being sarcastic. It really is.</p>
<p>I completely agree with Fabrizio. I completely hated math until I took Calculus. Calculus actually provides you with tools which allow for real world application. Plus, Calculus is a math workout, utilizing Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry.... It really keeps your math skills sharp. I'd highly recommend it =)</p>
<p>I find calculus quite elegant.</p>
<p>I second what Andy said about Calculus being a math workout: I took AP Stats (No IBs at my school) and I lost the edge I had with geometry and some algebra for taking standardized tests because in Stats you simply don't use much of that. Stats is a lot of writing, looking at data, processing it, coming up with your opinion of how to test something, and then explaining how it will work and why it is foolproof. Calculus is a lot different. I am taking it this year, and I am finding it a lot more fun. In some ways it is more straightforward and easier because it is pure math, but other times when you have to derive your own way to solve a problem based on a few theorems, it can be tricky.</p>
<p>Take both if you can, they are both great classes. Students at my school (like me) who took stats before Pre-calculus and AP Calc found that the work ethic they developed from the class was beneficial, but they also had some catching up to do with trigonometry and some algebra. In other words, if you take both in the same year, you will be ready for anything the following year!</p>
<p>i am interested in psychology and i want to major in it in college. i've heard psychology has a lot of statistics(?)</p>
<p>Stats is easier, but Calc is awesome.</p>
<p>Though my stats teacher wouldn't round my 89.6 up to an A, so I hate the class now.</p>
<p>Stats is kinda more like Physics. Easy calculations, but very conceptual. In fact, it's so conceptual that people in my class accidentally address the stats teacher with the physics teacher's name.</p>
<p>Stats = more easily understood, real-world application.</p>
<p>Calc = very abstract.</p>
<p>The interesting thing is I have met students who breeze through calc and struggle in stats. I am just the opposite. But then again my math foundation sucks. I got an A in stats...and I was in the minority of my class.</p>
<p>I'm taking stats (at my CC right now) and I like the course very much. It is a very different type of math. More then just getting the right answer, you need to be able to understand the answers you get.</p>
<p>I'm one of those who is struggling in AP Stats. I miss real math. Plug and chug stuff. :(</p>
<p>Stats and Calc are very very different math courses. Like mentioned before, Stats requires more interpretation and planning while Calc, so I've heard, is very numbers-driven and very abstract (when do you have to take derivatives during the day?) Which one you like, I think, will depend more on your taste: do you like to have to plan out what you're going to do and then explain why you did it and then say what you got out of it or do you want to go into the more conceptual realm where you're working with lots of numbers (although Stats can have some pretty extensive data) and abstract formulas? If the former, take Stats. If the latter, take Calc.</p>
<p>IB calculus? there's three levels of IB math:</p>
<p>IB Math Studies (precal, college algebra level)</p>
<p>IB Math Methods (calculus ab level)</p>
<p>IB Mathematics (calculus bc level+)</p>
<p>Trust me, unless you're really good at math, DON'T take IB Mathematics. That test was killer! by the way, i think there are some statistics sprinkled into the three IB math tests, but it is very basic stuff that you can do w/o taking stats.</p>
<p>If you're talking about AP, then Stats is without a doubt MUCH easier than Calc.</p>
<p>Word Fabrizio. My calc class was sooooooooooooo fun. I'm taking stat now, and I just got a 100 on the last quiz. In calc, I hardly ever got in the 90s. Calc is better on the transcript, but stat is WAY easier.</p>
<p>Take Calc. In high school, you will likely be in a small class with a teacher who speaks English. If you wait until college though, you might have Calc in a lecture hall with 100 kids and a teacher who doesn't speak a drop of English.</p>