The Limits of Calculus: Revisiting the Role of Math Expectations in College Admissions

Selective colleges have long treated high school calculus as a gold standard in the admissions process. Even though very few require calculus, many colleges have a preference for applicants with calculus on their transcripts, according to surveys conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling in collaboration with Just Equations. But there is growing awareness of the drawbacks of this reliance on calculus: Not all high schools offer calculus, and not all high-achieving students are put on a path to take the course even if their school does offer it. Furthermore, the emphasis on calculus crowds out other courses, such as data science and statistics, that are increasingly important for success in the 21st century—and more relevant for students who are not pursuing technical fields. With such concerns in mind, some colleges are rethinking their approach to math preparation in the admissions process. Watch this deep-dive session to learn more.