The answer depends on the student’s intended major. For those applying to STEM programs such as engineering, computer science, or physical sciences, calculus remains essential. These programs often expect applicants to complete calculus in high school or arrive prepared to take it early in college. Even when not explicitly required, calculus signals a level of preparation and quantitative ability that matters in competitive admissions reviews.

Many selective business schools also favor students who have taken calculus. Programs such as McCombs at UT Austin, Ross at the University of Michigan, and Haas at UC Berkeley emphasize analytical thinking and data fluency. These schools view calculus as a sign that the student is ready for the quantitative demands of business coursework. In a crowded applicant pool, showing success in advanced math can provide a meaningful edge.

For students not pursuing STEM or business, the choice between calculus and statistics can be more flexible. A recent analysis featured by the Fordham Institute found that for non-STEM students, there was little difference in long-term outcomes between those who took calculus and those who took statistics. Both groups had similar college completion rates and similar earnings over time. For students interested in fields such as psychology, public health, journalism, or political science, statistics may actually be more relevant and useful.

In fact, statistics is becoming one of the fastest-growing math courses in high schools across the country. In Texas, statistics now surpasses calculus in enrollment. More schools are offering AP Statistics, and students are recognizing that data literacy matters in a wide range of careers. For many students, statistics offers a rigorous and meaningful path through math that aligns with their interests and strengths.

Still, it is important to be intentional. College admissions readers are not just looking for a specific course. They are looking for patterns. Does the student’s transcript show growth, challenge, and alignment with their academic goals? For a student planning to study engineering, skipping calculus may raise concerns. For a student planning to major in sociology, a strong foundation in statistics may tell a better story.

What matters most is not choosing the course with the most prestige. What matters is choosing the course that supports the student’s academic direction and helps tell a clear story of preparation. Calculus still matters in many contexts, especially for STEM and business students. But statistics is no longer a fallback option. It is a powerful and increasingly respected path for students heading into a wide range of fields.