u/Effective-Two-8603

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a high school senior, and my absolute dream is to attend West Point, major in Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS), and become an officer.

I have already taken Precalculus, but I struggled with it. Right now, I’m finalizing my senior year schedule and trying to decide my next math class. I’m torn between pushing through and taking Calculus (even though it will be hard for me) or switching over to Stats to protect my GPA and secure an A.

I know West Point has a heavy STEM core curriculum (like MA104) that everyone has to take, regardless of major.

My questions for grads, current cadets, or anyone familiar with admissions:

1. Since I already have Precalc done, will admissions look down on my senior schedule if I choose Stats over Calculus just to keep my GPA high?
2. If I skip high school Calculus, how brutal is the Fourth Class math sequence going to be for someone who found Precalc tough?
3. Should I suck it up, take Calculus now as a senior, and risk a lower grade to prepare myself, or take the guaranteed A in Stats?

Appreciate any brutally honest feedback or advice you can give me. Thanks for your time.