AP Statistics

Applying to College
1

Currently, I have a pretty packed schedule.
Here it is:
0: English II Hon
1: AP Calculus AB
2: Latin II
3: AP European History
4: Study Hall
5: Research I
6: Chemistry Honors
7: Anatomy Honors

My major of interest is in CS, Math, Statistics, etc. I am heavily involved in competition mathematics, (AMC10/12, AIME, USAMO, etc.) and am also participating in Science Fair (huge time investment). In addition, I spend a lot of time doing Quiz Bowl. My parents want me to take AP Statistics online, and I am worried that it will take up a lot of time and won’t let me spend time on the extracurriculars above. Is this concern a real one? My parents’ argument is that I won’t be as competitive for colleges if I don’t take the extra third AP class (Note that most other students are only taking 1;taking 2 AP Classes is the most in the class). I have about 4 hrs of daily homework, and I’m worried that AP Statistics would add more to that. Keep in mind that such heavy competition math involvement generally makes math classes far easier for me.

Should I, or should I not, take AP Statistics?

2

AP statistics is not available as a regular course at your school that you can take in place of study hall or some other course?

3

No I would not take AP Stats on line. Dont take an AP class just because it is AP…you are evaluated in the context of your school so if most people only take 2 then you are fine.

Also if the AP Stat class is self-study then it doesn’t count for admissions.

Do well on the classes you take in school. There is a college for you.

4

AP Stats is a waste of time for someone who is thinking s/he has a possibility of qualifying USAMO.

You are a sophomore, right? Spend the time on your competition math. You don’t need AP Stats.

Any possibility you could talk your school into BC Calc instead of AB? If you are already working at the AIME or near AIME level, jumping straight to BC will not be challenging. Good luck!

5

SatchelSF is right. Skip that and take Calc based Stat in college.

6

Your parents are wrong. Few sophomores take 3 AP classes. Most high schools don’t even allow sophomores to take more than 1 or 2. Further, colleges want you to maximize the opportunities within the framework of your HS curriculum. No college expects a fill challenging course load from the HS plus courses outside. BTW, how many AP classes did your parents take as a sophomore? =))

But here’s the real issue - AP Stats is not for you. Yeah, it’s an OK option to use as an elective when there is nothing left, but your major (and career) will likely require more advanced stat courses. The intro college stat house for STEM majors is calc-based, which AP Stats is not. You’re not missing much.

Ace your current schedule. Prep for standardized tests. Find some good ECs you enjoy. But few colleges are looking for one-dimensional academic wonks. Good luck.