Which AP Math Course Is Right for You?

Are you a numbers person, a word person, or do you land somewhere in between? What do your academic and career goals look like? Can an AP Math course help you reach them? 

Whether you’re looking to build a strong foundation for college-level math, prep for a STEM-related career, or just free your inner math wizard, AP Math courses can set you up for success. 

Which course is right for you? Here’s a quick look at your AP Math options to help you decide.

AP Precalculus 

• What you’ll learn: Want to calculate your rise to influencer status? In AP Precalculus, you’ll discover polynomial and exponential functions you can use to legitimize your flex. Plus, you’ll learn key concepts about functions, logarithms, and trigonometry you can apply in real life. 
• How it helps you: AP Precalculus is a great choice when you want to meet a math requirement with an added challenge or earn college math credit. It’s equally awesome if you’re interested in non-math majors that call for a strong math foundation, like nursing or business. Plus, it works if you’re following a STEM path, too. 
• Prerequisites: You usually take it after geometry and Algebra 2 (or Integrated Math 3).

Learn more about AP Precalculus.

AP Calculus AB 

• What you’ll learn: When is the next solar eclipse? Is the world economy looking good or about to tank? In AP Calculus AB, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of mathematical principles that can help you get answers to burning questions. 
• How it helps you: AP Calculus AB is a great choice if you’re on track for college-level math or STEM-related fields. 
• Prerequisites: You usually take it after precalculus or another advanced math class, depending on your school. Learn more about AP Calculus AB.

Learn more about AP Calculus AB.

AP Calculus BC

• What you’ll learn: Preparing for a STEM career? In AP Calculus BC, you’ll cover mathematical principles from AP Calculus AB and build on them. And AP Calculus BC primes you to excel in mathematics and other disciplines, such as engineering, computer science, or economics.
• How it helps you: AP Calculus BC is a great choice if you’re on track for college-level math or STEM-related fields.
• Prerequisites: You usually take it after precalculus or another advanced math class (depending on your school).

Learn more about AP Calculus BC.

AP Statistics 

• What you’ll learn: Do the math—statistics surround us. You can see them in AI models, news polls, popular music rankings, and medical research. Discover how the rankings and measurements you see every day are developed and evaluate their credibility for yourself in AP Statistics. 
• How it helps you: AP Statistics is a great choice if you’re curious about data-driven fields or want to see how real-world stats work in fields like sports management or political science. 
• Prerequisites: You usually take it after Algebra 2 (or the equivalent).

Learn more about AP Statistics.

No matter which AP Math course you choose, you’ll gain powerful skills to increase your success exponentially—in college and beyond. Check out how AP Precalculus and other AP math courses fit into your mathematics journey and calculate your next steps.