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What math class is most beneficial for a high school student who wants to major in STEM?

What AP class in general would be most helpful for a STEM major?

Thank you comment icon AP Calculus or general Calculus is recommended. If your high school offers a full complement of math and science courses, recommend you take a variety. Nancy Giordano

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Nadia’s Answer

If you are interested in a STEM field, you should take the AP course that is most related to your interest. For biology, it is important that you take AP Biology but AP Chemistry is also a very good addition to take. If you are interested in engineering or computer sciences AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Physics 1 &2, and AP Computer Science are also essential. There are many AP STEM courses you can take and doing well in any of them will help your career. It is most important to demonstrate your skill in the career or field you hope to advance in.
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Matthew’s Answer

Linear algebra,

calculus is overrated, a good instructor can walk you through it in a day.

Statistics and multivariant analysis after that.
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Laila’s Answer

Absolutely! If you're aiming for a STEM major in college, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, and AP Physics are excellent courses to consider in high school. They not only lay the groundwork for your future studies but also provide a sneak peek into the structure of college courses.

I hope you find this helpful :)
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Amy’s Answer

AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, and AP Chemistry are the most rigorous STEM classes available which involve a large amount of math. I would recommend taking AP Calculus before AP Physics as much of physics is basically applied calculus. AP Chemistry doesn't require calculus, but it still requires algebra and general math skills.
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Matthew’s Answer

Linear algebra
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Weizhang!

Choosing the right math class in high school can be a game-changer, especially if you're eyeing a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). While the perfect class can depend on your specific STEM interest, there are a few math classes that are universally beneficial for all STEM enthusiasts.

Calculus is a biggie! It's a type of math that focuses on rates of change and accumulation. It's a favorite in many STEM areas like physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and beyond. With calculus, you'll dive deep into math concepts like limits, derivatives, and integrals - all of which are super important for tackling complex problems in STEM fields.

Statistics is another must-have. It's all about collecting, analyzing, interpreting, presenting, and organizing data. It's a key player in scientific research and experimentation across all STEM fields. By understanding statistics, you'll be able to make data-driven decisions and draw meaningful conclusions from experiments or studies. Plus, it's used a lot in fields like biology, psychology, economics, and environmental science.

And let's not forget Algebra. This class lays the groundwork for more advanced math courses and helps you build critical thinking skills that are essential for problem-solving in STEM fields. It's where you'll meet abstract math concepts like variables, equations, functions, and matrices.

Now, while Calculus, Statistics, and Algebra are generally good for all STEM majors, the exact classes you need may change based on your specific STEM interest. For example, if you're into physics, you might want to add Trigonometry or Geometry to your list. If computer science is your thing, classes like Discrete Mathematics or Logic could be helpful. And if you're leaning towards engineering, you might benefit from classes like Trigonometry, Geometry, and Physics.

As for Advanced Placement (AP) classes, the most useful ones can also vary based on your specific STEM interest. But generally, AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Computer Science are recommended for all STEM majors. AP Calculus is like a college-level calculus course, and taking it in high school can give you a head start in college. AP Physics gives you a deeper understanding of fundamental physical principles and problem-solving skills. And AP Computer Science introduces you to programming concepts and problem-solving techniques using the Java programming language.

Remember, these AP classes are generally good for all STEM majors, but the specific classes you need may change based on your specific STEM interest. So, it's a good idea to chat with your school counselors or college admissions officers to figure out the best AP classes for your intended major.

Top 3 References Used:
1. Khan Academy - www.khanacademy.org
2. College Board - www.collegeboard.org
3. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics - www.nctm.org
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