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Would appreciate the Help, have until Friday to submit Form, whether I decide to take Statistics next year.

I'm a Junior in HS, I've taken; Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 (Doubled up in math). Currently taking Pre-Calc, Physics and Intro to Computer Science. I am planning to take AP Calc, AP Physics and AP Computer Science, next year. Should I take Statistics Senior year too and, Is there any recommendations as to what College/University I should attend after HS??

engineering college-major science math physics high-school-classes aeronautical-engineering physics-careers
Thank you comment icon How are your grades in these subjects? GPA? Have you decided about your college major already? Did you speak to your school counselor? Please update your question. Also your description is in title, can you please update accordingly. Sachin Joshi
Thank you comment icon So far, and average i'd say A to A+ for all the classes, gpa 4.3 on a 5.0 scale (Thanks to God) , haven't decided yet on a college major but I googled it and I think bachelor's is a good option. I haven't yet spoken to my counselor about this topic. Cesar
Thank you comment icon I appreciate everyone's help, time and patience to help me out. I also appreciate the compliments, everything I've been able to achieve, I thank God and my family. I am really interested in becoming an aeronautical engineer, some colleges around me are PIT (Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics) & Embry Riddle. Do you guys recommend these colleges? and are there any other Aeronautic colleges/universities around the U.S.? Cesar
Thank you comment icon I would 100% recommend taking Statistics if you can. Statistics is where the ideal world of math intersects with the real world, and has applications in engineering, business, and medicine. Particularly for aerospace, statistics are used constantly to predict materials performance, reliability, and safety. Jed Pitera
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Patrick’s Answer

Cesar, I appreciate your question. I appreciate your dedication to academic excellence and thoughtful consideration of future coursework are commendable. Your strong foundation in mathematics, which includes Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus (taking two math courses), has equipped you well for the rigors of Statistics. Incorporating Statistics into your schedule, in addition to AP courses in Calculus, Physics, and Computer Science, will boost your analytical skills and furnish you with a comprehensive set of abilities.

Given your ambitious course selection and clear enthusiasm for STEM subjects, universities renowned for their strong programs in mathematics, physics, and computer science, such as MIT, Stanford, and Ivy League schools, could be an excellent fit for you. I would suggest reaching out to your school counselors and/or your teachers, particularly your math teachers, for their advice on this matter.

However, it's essential to remember that your choice of college should align with your personal and academic preferences, taking into account factors such as campus culture, location, and specific program offerings.

Remember, the choice of college is a deeply personal one. It's important to carry out extensive research, visit campuses if you can, and seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and college counselors to make a well-informed decision. Also, don't overlook the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants to help finance the school you wish to attend.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Cesar
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Andrew’s Answer

It looks like you already have quite a lot of AP courses on your plate. However, if you think you can handle the AP course load, it does not hurt to take AP Statistics too.

It depends on your choice of major in your future college endeavor. Based on your choice of courses, I would venture to guess that it would either be physics or engineering. A statistics course may help to widen your intellectual horizon.

As a full disclosure. All my degrees are in physics, and I ended up as a professor of mathematics and statistics in my transition to retirement for almost two decades. I taught, besides many mathematics courses, lower-division as well as upper-division statistics courses and managed the curriculum of an introductory statistics course too. I performed quite a bit of large-scale statistical analysis when I was a Principal Scientist of Raytheon consulting NASA/Goddard Space Center for almost two decades before my academic appointment. I hope it will not be a surprise to anyone that I have not taken a single statistics course in my whole life.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Cesar
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Cesar !

You have quite a demanding course load this year and another one coming up for senior year. Even though it's hard to advise a person about their case load when one doesn't know them, I will try to give you some advice to consider as you have a deadline to make a decision.

My instincts tell me to advise you to take Statistics next year. I am wondering why you are questioning it. Something that you should look into, however is Summer School for Summer 2024. See if you can take a for credit class in Statistics by itself so you don't have it piled onto your senior year AP classes. Just to lighten the load. I am wondering if that's the issue.

I see by your tags that you are interested in studying engineering and/or physics in college. You actually didn't state what you want to major in, but I have left some links below of schools for engineering, physics and STEM which you will have to look into first hand so you can make your choice. I've also provided links below to a couple of articles about AP course load. You will need to keep your GPA in mind for it to be worth it.

Since you know your GPA now, and you are the one doing the work, it is up to you to decide based on your experience, whether or not to take another full load of AP classes next year. Make a check list of the pros and cons and consider that when making a decision.

Best wishes to you !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

COLLEGES FOR ENGINEERING https://courseadvisor.com/majors/engineering/rankings/best-schools/middle-atlantic/new-jersey/
COLLEGES FOR PHYSICS https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-physics/s/new-jersey/
COLLEGES FOR STEM https://www.bachelorsdegreecenter.org/best-schools-stem-majors/
HOW MANY AP CLASSES SHOULD YOU TAKE https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-determine-the-right-number-of-ap-classes-to-take
HOW MANY AP CLASSES ARE ENOUGH https://prepmatters.com/uncategorized/ap-classes-what-enough/
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Cesar
Thank you comment icon I was also asking if I should take Statistics because I didn't know whether I needed it in my Aeronautic Engineer journey, because I have general classes you should take. Which made me wonder if I needed to take Statistics, honestly I have no problem taking 3 AP classes and Statistics. I will try to balance everything with God's help, anyways thanks again. Cesar
Thank you comment icon That is awesome, Cesar. I wish you all the best ! Michelle M.
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Charlotte’s Answer

Hi! So it sounds like you're super math based already. You most likely will have to take a statistics class in college or university. So if you already feel like your plate is full, I would recommend waiting off on stats for now. If you already have such a high GPA, I don't have any doubts, you'll get into a good continuing education program. So if you're planning on taking stats to " stand out more" , try considering the quality of your high school experience. Of course you have to hunker down and get good grades. But you only have this experience once and once you're in college you'll have a fantastic time as well.
I have a bachelor's degree in clinical dietetics, a master's in global public health nutrition, and now I work in finance. So don't feel like you have to figure it all out now.
I hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Charlotte! Cesar
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Mark’s Answer

Cesar:
This is a really great question! I've worked in the STEM fields my entire career (I'm now retired, doing astronomy outreach to students), and I have told people several times that the greatest gap in my education is that I never took any statistics course. It's great that you have the opportunity to take statistics in high school, and I encourage you to do so if it sounds at all interesting to you.

My deepest shortcoming in statistics is that I was never exposed in any formal way to the "language" of statistics, yet it ended up being something that I was constantly exposed to throughout my career(s). If you end up at any of the schools that others have suggested, you'll have the opportunity to participate in research during your undergraduate years. Having a high school statistics background will make that so much easier for you when you encounter statistics in a university laboratory or research setting!

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Cesar
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