“With the strength of modern computation, being able to manage, summarize, and gather insight from data is important in almost every career one chooses to pursue. For everything from using digital humanities tools in order to better understand literature to analyzing and interpreting the human genome, having a firm understanding of the tools taught in AP Statistics is key.
In my own research, I use statistics to study problems relating to machine learning, information theory, and statistical physics. I’ve worked on applications like how we code information to be transmitted wirelessly for cellular communication and how to best write video games aimed at improving cognitive functions in children who are non-typical learners.
…Students studying statistics in college are able to pursue careers in many different fields including, but not limited to, quantitative finance, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, data science, software engineering, or insurance.” -Cindy Rush, Assistant Professor of Statistics, Columbia University (Hoggard ’06, UNC-Chapel Hill ’10, Yale ’16) *In my first AP stat class ever taught at Hoggard!!
“I could not have imagined how valuable the concepts taught in Coach Budd’s AP Stats class would be for me in my career as a researcher and optical engineer. The physical world is REALLY messy, but statistics allow us to recognize bulk trends without fully knowing what the heck is going on- and you don’t have to be a “math genius” to be able to use these tools to their full extent. I’ve used statistics heavily for everything from breast cancer research to building a 2500 megapixel camera for DARPA and many things in between. Just about every engineering project I’ve worked on has used concepts from AP Stats.” -Zack Phillips, Intern at APPLE, Inc. Exploratory Design Group (Hoggard ’09, UNC ’13, UC Berkeley ’19)
“… I use the basic statistical principles I learned in AP Stats every day! In college while I was pursuing a major in Biostatistics, I often referenced the instructional videos and other resources Coach Budd shared with us to help me study. After taking AP Stats in High School, I was very prepared for the college level intro statistics course. The final project in AP Stats also prepared me for college because the flexibility we had with the topic allowed me to pursue my interest in public health.” -Elaine King, Statistical Programmer IQVIA (Hoggard ’14, UNC-Chapel Hill ’18)
“AP Stats made college statistics class a breeze!... but it made the biggest difference for me when I took genetics courses. I was more comfortable using chi-square tests and calculating statistical significance than a majority of my peers. And I had a better understanding of what the results meant, which made answering/explaining things in exam questions way easier. –Madison Tryer (Hoggard ’15)
“I became a statistics tutor and TA/Supplementary Instructor in college for 3 years thanks to your guidance. I still use stats in my job in clinical research.” –Julia Dalton (Hoggard ’09)
“As a college basketball coach, I use statistics to find the most efficient lineup combinations for our team. Loved the class!” –Jeff Diepenbrock, Video Coordiator, Georgia State Univ (Hoggard ’08)
“In IT staffing, I use Stats/Data Analysis to determine the rates I will bill a client and pay a consultant based on analyzing average rates for specific job categories, cost of living data near worksite and other additional variables. If you bill the client too many standard deviations below the mean, then you won’t be profitable and/or find the right talent. If you bill too far above, then your client may choose a competitor…. Pay attention in AP Stat because it may just be about a grade now but make you money later!” –Jordan Jeremias (Hoggard ’08, UNCW ’12)
“I use data analytics every day to determine and quantify the inherent risk(i.e. do nothing to mitigate a risk as a Bank) of a given activity and the residual risk (i.e. the remaining risk after taking into account a mitigation activity). Our team looks at Non-Financial risks inclusive of Third Party, Operational, Settlement and IT Risk.” -Andy Cantrell, VP Risk Operational Excellence, Regions Bank (Hoggard ’05, NC State ’10)