Which Looks Better--Calc, Stats, or Computer Science?

Sally_Rubenstone
Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:27:22 +0000

ow that I know I likely won’t suffer any stereotyping, I’m very happy I can take the class without second thoughts



Sadly we live in a world where high school students–especially Asian students–learn that they should “play against type” for the best shot at the most selective colleges. As much as this bugs me, I periodically dole out such advice myself. For instance, if a Chinese boy were to write to me and say, “I have room in my schedule to be in the chess club or on the football team, but not for both, which do you suggest?” I’d reply, “Get on your spikes!”

But note that I do NOT give such counsel where academics are concerned. If an Asian student wants to load up on math and science classes, I would never say a discouraging word. So I hope that you do take this AP Calc class, and any other rigorous class that you might want to choose, without regard for racial or ethnic stereotyping. Good luck with it, too.