Hey guys, I'm a junior and starting to think about college applications. I’m leaning towards applying for a business major. I'm wondering what high school math courses would be the most relevant and beneficial to take? My school offers a range from Algebra to Calculus and Statistics. Any advice on which ones are viewed more favorably by admissions officers for this field?
It's fantastic to see you're planning ahead for your college major! For a business degree, admissions officers are typically looking for students with a strong foundation in math. A solid understanding of Algebra and Geometry is a must, but beyond that, I would highly recommend you take courses in both Calculus and Statistics.
Calculus will give you the theoretical math background that's useful for business analytics and higher-level finance courses, while Statistics is directly applicable to various fields of business such as marketing, economics, and management.
If you have room in your schedule, AP Calculus and AP Statistics are especially valuable as they demonstrate college-level coursework and can earn you college credit. Schools are always looking for students who challenge themselves academically, so taking the highest level of math available that you can handle well is generally the best route.
Make sure you’re not overloading yourself, though—it’s better to get an A in Precalculus than a lower grade in AP Calculus, for example. Best of luck with your courses and applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.