Written by Kristina Mata
Now that class registration has rolled around again, students will be asking themselves an important questions: “What classes should I take next year?” and “Should I take this AP?” In terms of core classes, underclassmen don’t have as much flexibility as upperclassmen, who may find. branching paths. In terms of AP math classes, students have the choice of AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Both of these classes are drastically different, so here is a guide to choosing between the two.
The first thing that should be noted about AP Calculus is the schedule. This could be considered a “heavy -duty” AP class, as it is a single day for the entire year. More likely than not, you’ll have homework each day. Students learn both AB and BC Calculus, AB during the first semester, while BC is during the second semester leading up to the AP exam. Though it seems like a lot of material, there is the advantage of possibly gaining two AP credits instead of one for each course of calculus (this is done by obtaining an adequate AB subscore from taking the BC Calculus exam). Bear in mind, though, you have to be willing to be work for this reward. As for the course material, Calculus is very specific, applicable to fields such as science--especially physics--and engineering. If those fields interest you, then taking AP Calculus will help.
AP Statistics runs like an A-day/B-day class. Like Calculus, you’ll have homework every day and this often includes completing reading guides for textbook chapters. There is more time to complete work, since you’ll have a day between classes. The coursework is less since AP Statistics has the load of one AP class as opposed to two. Slacking off and skipping homework, and this applies to AP Calculus as well, could spell the difference between letter grades. As for course material, Statistics has more “casual” applications than Calculus, like sports; however, Statistics also follows steps similar to the scientific process at times, making it applicable to other scientific fields if that’s what suits you.
Make sure to utilize your resources and make the best decisions possible for your next year.
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