PsychedelicPsych

I am currently planning my schedule for next year, and I wonder: Is Calculus a requirement for top schools? I have always followed the fastest math track but have no interest in majoring in math or anything math-related (I'm a prospective English major). I would prefer to take AP Statistics as my math course next year and eschew high-school Calc altogether, planning to take it as a college freshman.

Calculus is very difficult at my school; numerous seniors I know this year have dropped the class. Many graduates retake it as college freshmen the next year. The teacher encourages taking it twice, but I think this is a waste of time.

Is Calc a requisite for Ivy League and prestigious LAC admittance? As an average (high B's and low A's), non-numbers-minded advanced math student, should I take it?

alexx

Well, calculus has become so much of a CC-standard that we forget it's an advanced math class that most high school students don't take. As such, universities expect it from top students, but expecting it is different from demanding it. I really don't see why you would be rejected for opting out of it (especially since you're a prospective English major), and it's not like you're dropping math altogether.

That said, I've known a handful of students who have gotten into prestigious LAC's without calculus (but hey, liberal arts colleges aren't necessarily math-oriented). I've even known one who got into an Ivy League, but the bottom line is, calculus gives you an advantage - it doesn't take any away. Unless you're a math major, of course.

Hope this helped,
Alex

technol21

Most top schools cannot require Calculus because it is an advanced level class that a lot of high schools don't offer, but even though it isn't a requisite, it can still be expected from top students since there are still opportunities to take it online, through a community college, or self-study.

I'd recommend that you take Calculus if you feel that you're up to the challenge and want to be competitive. Even if you plan on taking it as a freshman, it will tremendously help out in the long run. My school also encourages taking Calculus twice due to the number of students that have failed the AP exam. They recommend (more so enforce) taking Calculus (I think it is only available in honors), and then AP Calculus AB. If you're taking AP Stats, it still shows that you're interested in a challenge, but I interpret that Calculus is more higher regarded.

Handyandy58

Take it. Even if you don't understand it the first time through and have to retake it as a freshman in college, you'll understand it so much better that second time through. I took pre-calc my junior year and Calc BC this year and the slight time we covered topics from pre-calc, they made so much more sense this second time 'round.

tickytock14

I think that it's expected that you will take it if your school offers it.

PsychedelicPsych

Thanks, guys. As I said, I would prefer to avoid AP Calculus altogether if I could, but I DO want to compete, at least. Considering what you've said, perhaps it would be very advised to take it... A few of my friends are in the same scenario as I, and none of us are certain.

Pre-calc is the Calc prerequisite here, too, Andy. It's hard in and of itself.

Ticky, colleges (Ivy League in particular, I'd guess; not LAC) will expect Calc from me even though my interest and practically all my ECs lie in the language arts?

I'm meeting with my counselor this Wednesday when school starts again to discuss matters. Until then, I'm still undecided.

tickytock14

I'm just a high school senior so I'm not POSITIVE, but someone asked a similar question at a college fair thing and the Penn, Harvard, and Dartmouth reps said it was "recommended."

It's probably not a huge deal, especially if your application demonstrates pretty clearly that you're more of a liberal arts kid. I wouldn't take it if you really don't want to or you think you'll do poorly.

alexx

And if it helps, I was also a low A/high B math student but an average calculus student at best. If you don't like math and aren't math-oriented, I wouldn't take it. At least you have an alternative - statistics. My school didn't offer it so I was backed into taking calculus.

It was ugly.

Alex

Narcissa

calc is pretty much required

A-Card

Seriously, calculus may be the most important class, even if you are going into humanities for top schools.

p-izzle

Do both AP Statistics and AP Calculus AB/BC. Getting a 4 on the BC exam for calculus will give you roughly four hours of credit in most universities. So if you're not aiming for a math - related major, you probably won't be taking any math course in college. (If that's what you want)

Overall, Colleges rather see you pursue something that crosses in your line of "passion". If Statistics is really your 'thing', then go ahead do it instead of taking Calculus. I mean, I would.

Vandan

Everyone needs a little Calculus in their life.

<3

PsychedelicPsych

The general consensus here seems to be that I should take it. It's not that I would be without help: My dad, who has tutored me in math since Algebra I, has much experience with Calc; the Calculus teacher at my school likes me and would also help me if need be.

Taking AP Stats and Calc concurrently, I suppose, would be an option. The math department here urgues us to take AP Stats with Pre-calc, and that opportunity has passed. As appealing as the concept of testing out of math courses in college sounds, I think I will decide on either Stats or Calc.

I fear being in the situation Alex described. None but the most dedicated take Calc at my large high school, as it is doggedly difficult, and even a third of these drop out. Might a 'C' in Calculus hurt me more than not taking Calculus at all? Or will a school like Columbia (the only Ivy I am particularly interested in; I know it is a huge crapshoot for anyone) be far less likely to consider me because I did not take the course?

A-Card

Well you are applying to a top college. Meaning you should be top student in school.

jkjkjkj

i would take calc, I actually found it easier than precalc if that helps any.