Which math class to choose?

As your child moves through the high school curriculum, there is often more and more choice. Biology in 10th grade or 11th? Yearbook or Leadership?

One of the biggest conundrums has to do with the math. There's the regular coursework (algebra, geometry, etc), the AP sequence, and then other options - statistics? AP Statistics? Data Science?

Statistics and data science seem like great options in a world where college education is -- rightfully -- eager to show the connections to future jobs and careers. And they are. But if you don't have endless room in your schedule, here's why it may pay to stick to the more traditional coursework:

• Math is a core subject, and with core subjects especially, college admissions looks at the rigor of the coursework you're taking. Calculus is seen as more rigorous than the other options.

• For better or for worse, calculus, especially AP calculus, is seen by college admissions officers as a kind of shorthand for ability to handle college-level work. That's true even if your student has no intention of pursuing a STEM major. It's not logical, equitable, or particularly practical, but for now, it is how things work. There's discussion and movement to review and revise this attitude, but admissions isn't there yet.

  
  

So what does this mean if you're a parent trying to help your kid decide on the right sequence of courses?

If your goal is to keep your child's options as open as possible, that means following the regular sequence, up to AP calculus, if your school has it. If there's room in the schedule, by all means also do the statistics or the data science course as well, but finish the expected sequence first.

But it's also legitimate to have other goals. If math really stresses your kid out, then taking a data course or Statistics still fulfills the math requirements that lots of schools have, but gives your child a less stress-inducing schedule. Which, in a situation where kids are juggling classes, extracurriculars, friends, relationships -- and the college application itself -- is a valid calculation to make. And many, many, many excellent schools will happily accept your kiddo (I know that's true because I've seen those kiddos get accepted, with merit aid, to some great schools).

So what should you do? A qualified educational consultant can help you weigh the various factors and make a decision that's best for your child and your individual situation.