I’m currently a junior in Pre-Cal and I am struggling like crazy. This has made me want to take a class like AP Stats in Senior year rather than AP Calc, as long as it doesn’t hurt my chances of getting into a good university. I want to major in a business-related field, so I’m not sure how important AP Calculus is for college admissions. Help me.
It definitely depends on your major. Generally though, no it shouldn’t, especially if you convey heavy interest in another subject.
How would it affect me if I want to major in a business-related field?
If you high school offers calculus AB, that will be at a slower and gentler pace than calculus in college (commonly required for business majors) will be.
However, some colleges do offer an easier “calculus for business majors” course.
If “good university” means one of the most selective, then you will be competing with other applicants who took the hardest math and other courses available to them.
1 Like
Business courses often like it if you take calculus. I know that for like Upenn Wharton, they say that you basically need to take Calc to get in (more or less.) I was referencing to majors like American Studies, Journalism, and Poly Sci that aren’t really math concentrated.
But if you see that you’re REALLY struggling in calc and probably won’t get hhigher than a C, don’t take it, just not worth it.
Yeah, by “good university” that’s what I mean. Despite going against students who took the hardest math courses, I believe I make up for it with extracurriculars. For example, I participate in FBLA competitions, have my own company, I’m on several board positions. Would those extracurriculars and positions make up for not taking AP Calc?
I’m not really interested in applying to Ivy Leagues or schools have that have an acceptance rate of <15%. I’ve been considering University of Washington, UT Austin, NYU, etc…
My son is hating precalc this year (hes taking it as a sophomore). He was advanced in math but has hit his limit. He doesnt love math and its hard for him to motivate to study. He ended with a C this past semester. Hes taking the recommended Intermediate College Math junior year which helps prep more for ACT. He is not interested in engineering so hes taking the less strenuous math course.
Conventional wisdom is to take the most rigorous classes in which you can do well. If you’re struggling in pre-Calc, then AP Stats might be a better fit for you. However, you will need to add some match and safety schools to your list.
Two of the colleges you listed are popular flagships, have top CS departments, and will have applicants who have pursued the most rigorous courses available to them.
Most definitely. I am applying to many safety schools as well. But, if taking AP Calc is THAT big of a deal, I should might as well just take it, I guess.
What do you mean by “struggling”? Do you mean “It’s going to be difficult for me to get an A, so maybe I’ll end up with a B” struggling", is it “I hope for a B, but I’ll likely get a C” struggling, or is it “I just hope that I don’t fail” struggling?
If it’s the first, it may be the material is boring and/or the teacher isn’t good for you, and you could probably even do AP Calc BC. My kid got Bs in both semesters of Pre-Calc, and got A’s in both semesters of AP Calc BC.
If it’s the second, I would say that you should maybe try AP Calc AB, since you want to go into business. On the other hand, you may feel that you’ll be able to do better in Calc as a college freshman, so perhaps go for AP Stats.
If it’s the last, you may want to reconsider your major. Some really smart people have a difficult time with some types of math, but, unfortunately, business requires being decent at algebra and calculus.
1 Like
I think if I wasn’t in a virtual environment and had a better teacher, I would understand Pre-Cal more. Right now, I’m struggling to understand things, and I can’t afford a tutor. I try to watch videos too but they don’t help either, so I often get frustrated. I don’t know what to do, but I have a very strong passion for business, specifically management.
I just don’t see why taking AP Stats instead of AP Calc would significantly decrease my chances of getting into a good school. I honestly feel like I have so many things to make up for it. I have a successful company, I participate and have won FBLA competitions, I’ve had a job, I’m on several board positions… Would that make up for not taking AP Calc???
Be aware that some universities require some business majors to take a class called Calculus For Business. It’s not as intense as the calculus that Engineering majors would take, but it is calculus. Obviously, if you take Calculus in HS, it will help prepare you for this type of class in college.
However, before you make this decision, you should take a look at the required classes for your intended major at the colleges you plan to apply to. My son is a Business Econ major and he will have to take Calculus For Business. He has friends majoring in Econ and/or Business at other universities, and they have no such requirement at those places.
Yeah, I will. But, again, I just want to make sure that it won’t hurt my chances on getting into one of these universities.
Also, are you telling me to look at the required High School classes for college apps or the required classes IN college?
Having AP Calc AB will enhance your application somewhat. My central point is that if you think that you can get an A/A- on AP Calc AB or BC, do it.
If you did not have the same struggle with your math classes during your in-person classes, prior to COVID, than not taking Calc next year can make sense. If your profile is otherwise strong, any benefits to having Calc AP on your transcript are much smaller than the possible negative effects of a Calc class with a lower grade. Do take AP stats though.
1 Like
Thank you so much, that makes a ton of sense. I appreciate your advice.
Have you consulted your high school counselor? You should know if taking calculus at your school is required for a “most rigorous” designation. Top schools will look for that.
1 Like