I would check if the targeted schools require completion of Calculus or Pre Calc as part of Core or GE requirements for graduation. If he drops Math Applications, he won’t have the basics for either course. But if he is arts oriented and can avoid the requirement with chosen schools, go ahead and drop it,

Junior or senior?

How are the grades/rigor of other classes/SATs?

VCU is also on the list.

I understand this class involves precalc and trig but DC is already saying it's too difficult. There is no precalculus honors anymore, otherwise I'd have them switch. There is no honors science class just the IB level and DC didn't want to do the IB science so is in regular science as well.

What are college options if DC does the regular trig and statistics? DC is arts focused. Looking at JMU, GMU, CNU and Mary Washington.