2 answers
3
Asked 805 views

What math class do I take my senior year of high school? Statistics or College Math Prep?

I'm not good at math I am having trouble deciding what math to take. What I have heard and what my counselor told me is not to take college prep math because its not "right" for me and its "really" easy math. Colleges will like better to see Stats but i've heard stats is easy but also hard...so idk what to pick! (Im currently a high school junior in Texas taking algebra 2, Ive taken algebra 1 and geometry) Please help me out, thanks!

math highschool statistics
Answer This
3

2 answers

3
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sean’s Answer

Hello Jesus, and thanks for your question. Seems to me the answer lies with understanding yourself and your objectives. If you are not good at math and it is not a core focus for you academically or career wise, then college math prep may indeed not be the right choice for you. If your goal is to work in business (finance, sales, marketing, etc.) or social science related careers in a support role, then statistics might be the better route. Either way, the courses you are taking now will be foundational, so the best thing to do right now is to focus in on your algebra and geometry work and at the very least come out of those courses with a functional and working knowledge of these skills. In my experience throughout my career in business, marketing, operations, and technology project management, statistics has played a large role and that has required a working and functional knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, graphing, charts, etc. So, from my perspective as a business leader, statistics seems the right way to go since it involves mathematics and is often a required course for many major fields of study. But if you feel you need to increase your math skills or you intend to go into a field that relies heavily on advanced mathematics, you may want to build and strengthen your math skills by taking college math prep. I hope this helps inform your decision making.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Jesus
3
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andrew’s Answer

First, most of us may not be good at math at all because it is a foreign language. It is a logical, symbolic, and analytical language, that is very different from the natural language we are using. That said, with enough practice, one can be competent and proficient in this “foreign” language. It was a “foreign” language to me in my high-school years over half a century ago too.

Since you are currently taking Algebra II, with Algebra I and Geometry under your belt, you are on a solid ground to take on more math classes in high school.

Second, whether you should take College Algebra or Statistics next depends on what your future academic aspiration is. If you are planning to go on the STEM path, College Algebra will prepare you for the subsequent Calculus classes. It is necessary preparation for a future STEM track academic career.

On the other hand, if you are not interested in STEM-track disciplines, but in business or humanity disciplines, a Statistics class may make sense. You will still be trained in critical and analytical thinking by tackling data and the associated analysis.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your suggestion, I really appreciate it! Jesus
0