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Here's my situatuion,
I want to take an AP math class because of my weak math background, and my desire to go into business. I have always been in the College Prep A group (standard), but have recieved B+/A-'s almost every term.

Right now I'm in Pre-Calc with a pretty difficult teacher. Do you think I will be able to handle the workload of AP statistics? Or will my weak(er) math background hold me back. My choices are essentially AP statistic, Standard Calc, Standard Statistics, or AB (AP) Calc. My tutor suggests I just struggle through AB Calc, but I don't think my teacher would even sign me into that class next year. Help Please! (here's what the rest of my schedule looks like) --
AP Psych
Honors Physics
Honors English IV
Standard French V
Honors Journalism
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By Hhh (Hhh) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:15 pm: Edit

AP statistics is the easiest math course to take. You would have much better luck in it than in calculus. However, calculus is MUCH more interesting. Also, math is my strongest subject, so I may not be the best person to give you advice.

By Jasontoff (Jasontoff) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:16 pm: Edit

ap stats ranges from a joke (mostly probability) to incredibly difficult (calculating t star tests within your 2nd week). If you have never heard of standard deviation, then definitely don't take AP Stat....

then again, it TOTALLY depends on your school...I reccomend talking to people who have taken the class and find out what they think.

for me, it sucks...impossible...but its easy to get an A...so its kind of worth it. (and i'm in an all AP curriculum...not college prep...so it can be a challenging course)

good luck

By Hahaha (Hahaha) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:17 pm: Edit

I don't know how hard the class will be, but the AP exam is like Algebra 2 level math- my brother didn't study until the day before and still managed a 5. So if you are just worried about how easy the AP exam is, go with statistics. On the other hand, Calc would probably be more profitable.

By Nyyankees408 (Nyyankees408) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 10:29 pm: Edit

I have to make a desicion in like 3 hours...anyone know if this course CAN be done at an adequate level by a student who isn't an amazing math student? I got a 56 on the Math PSATS (been seeing a tutor), but have B+/A- in Regular Pre-Calc.

By Jasontoff (Jasontoff) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 10:32 pm: Edit

i got a 78 on psat math and i find stats difficult to understand...not necessarily to get an A, but difficult to understand...maybe the AP test will be really easy for me then. A 56 is an ok score, but I wouldn't consider it grounds for taking an AP Statistics course...its up to you though, obviously. good luck

By Jason817 (Jason817) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 11:07 pm: Edit

SATS have nothing to do with it. I got a 640 last year and I am top in my school in Math. ANyways, I am taking AP stats next year. What I am doing is studing over the summer for it. use Barrons.

By Hitu (Hitu) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 11:10 pm: Edit

i am taking ap stat next yr..and wheni asked my teacher about it..she said tht it is a really easy course in comparison to calculus and other AP math classes

By Shanoyu (Shanoyu) on Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 12:15 am: Edit

The Calculus AP Examination is based on actual knowledge and is thus a lot easier to recieve a 5 than say an 800 on the Math SAT I. If the AB Class lasts all year i'd say take it. At my high school (Druid Hills High School Atlanta GA) we've had a 100% 3 or better rate most years with the vast majority of people making 5's, and it isn't because we're good at math. It's because we have all year to prepare for it.

By Failure (Failure) on Sunday, April 06, 2003 - 12:37 am: Edit

I'm taking the course right now...I think it's the easiest math course I've ever taken. It's more logic oriented than math, I think. Of course, basic algebra skills are still needed, but not much more...nothing like the SAT's and definitely nothing like AP calculus....I speak from experience.

By Majinjou1 (Majinjou1) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 09:14 pm: Edit

Dude there is no way that stats is too difficult and neither is it too easy. For me, its half half, more leaning towards easy except for probability (God how I hate that!). I'm going to be taking the exam this May. I hope I pass. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to study?
Thanks