Calculus 2/3 or AP Statistics

BDHuff09

10-Year Member
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May 26, 2012
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So I am Scheduling for senior year and I have a question about the benefits of these two courses in relation to the service academies: I could take dual enrollment Calculus 2&3 through the local community college or I could take AP Statistics. Currently I am in AP Calculus AB with an A for the first semester, and I intend to do as well as possible on the exam.

I realize that West Point doesn't take credit hours from other colleges, but If by chance I can get an appointment, could I test out of either of those courses before plebe year? And if so, would it be better to take the two semesters of calculus if I was interested in double majoring in college? Or would it be more beneficial to take the calculus in college and just go with the likely easier AP Stat?
 
I was in the same boat as you last year. I had taken every single available math class at my school and I was forced into taking Calculus II and III. I had taken AP Stats my sophomore year. IMO, take the AP Stats class for 3 reasons: 1.) It is easier 2.) Its an AP class that is much easier than Calc II and III, and when a class is easier, it'll boost your class rank. 3.) Calc II and Calc III was exceptionally difficult (and I consider myself talented at math) for me. It is not worth crashing your GPA and class rank over an unneeded class.
 
Had the same situation last year; I ended up picking Calc 2&3 over Stats, mainly because the Stats teacher at my school isn't the best. I've heard AP Stats is harder than regular, college-level Stats, so I'm glad I picked Calc. Also, one of the Math professors at SLS told me that a handful of cadets each year validate Calc 2&3 in addition to Calc 1 each year.
 
take calculus. Validation will open up more space in your schedule, and knowing the material better if you don't validate will help you succeed in your plebe year courses. the stats course here is not very difficult, ma103 and ma104 are definitely more challenging.
 
I don't understand how you can take 2 & 3. I am a freshman, and I am looking ahead (and terrifying my mom about what math classes I need to take I am home-schooled), but I am just trying to figure this out. Could someone explain it to me?

Ashleigh
 
For most schools, if you're in the highest honors math track you take Honors Geo Freshman, Honors Pre calc Sophomore, then AP Calc AB/Calc 1 junior, then AP Calc BC/Calc 2 or Calc 3 senior year.
 
For most schools, if you're in the highest honors math track you take Honors Geo Freshman, Honors Pre calc Sophomore, then AP Calc AB/Calc 1 junior, then AP Calc BC/Calc 2 or Calc 3 senior year.
Any suggestions for someone who is just trying to pass Algebra 1 with a decent grade?

Ashleigh
 
Ditto Bear except I took hon geo in 8th grade and hon alg II & Trig freshman year.

Oddly enough Im not even on the highest math track at my school.

But more importantly, USMA2020, recognize that there are far more people in your boat taking algebra I than people that are super advanced.

If you need help and don't feel your parents can provide it, I would look into hiring a private tutor, or going online. I have heard websites like KhanAcademy are very helpful for learning difficult material. It has video lessons and stuff like that.
 
I agree with BDHuff, if you're struggling, especially in math, and want to go to West Point, which has pretty strict math requirements, find some type of professional academic help (teacher, tutor etc.). My only advice would be to always go in to your math teacher if/when you have a tutorial or study hall period, and clear up any confusion you have with the materiel.
 
That would be good advice Bear, but USMA2020 mentioned that she was home-schooled.
 
Ditto Bear except I took hon geo in 8th grade and hon alg II & Trig freshman year.

Oddly enough Im not even on the highest math track at my school.

But more importantly, USMA2020, recognize that there are far more people in your boat taking algebra I than people that are super advanced.

If you need help and don't feel your parents can provide it, I would look into hiring a private tutor, or going online. I have heard websites like KhanAcademy are very helpful for learning difficult material. It has video lessons and stuff like that.
My mom has got to get us decent internet. We can't watch videos on this computer with dial-up and the laptop doesn't have internet. It is kind of expensive, though. I am going to have to figure something out. Thanks, though.

Ashleigh
 
I agree with BDHuff, if you're struggling, especially in math, and want to go to West Point, which has pretty strict math requirements, find some type of professional academic help (teacher, tutor etc.). My only advice would be to always go in to your math teacher if/when you have a tutorial or study hall period, and clear up any confusion you have with the materiel.
As I said, I am home-schooled, so that makes it hard. Money is tight, and my mom doesn't seem to want to let me take math somewhere until we arredoing advanced math.

Ashleigh
 
USMA2020,

Sorry, I missed that part. Maybe spend more time on it with your parents?
 
USMA2020,

Sorry, I missed that part. Maybe spend more time on it with your parents?
We worked on it some today, but I am way behind. It is starting to come together, but the mathbook has close to 140 lessons, with tests every four lessons, and I am only on 43, with corrections up to 30. It is starting to work. Thanks so much.

Ashleigh
 
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