Are many middle/high school students being pushed too far ahead in math?

[ucbalumnus]

<p>

@texaspg

Does Berkeley have a requirement that states someone should have completed AP Calculus AB or BC test to be admitted to engineering unconditionally.

</p>

<p>No. According to [Prospective</a> Freshman FAQ — UC Berkeley College of Engineering](<a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/admissions/freshman-faq.html]Prospective”>Prospective freshman FAQs - Berkeley Engineering) :</p>

<p>

@Berkeley College of Engineering

**5. How much math should I take in high school? **</p>

<p>Although a minimum of three years of college preparatory math is required, we strongly recommend completing four years. Since engineering admission is very competitive, applicants must do more than the minimum, particularly in math and science. Exceeding minimum requirements and doing well in these subjects will prepare new students for the rigors of university work, especially in engineering.

</p>

<p>“Three years” in high school normally means completion of algebra 1, geometry, and algebra 2; “four years” in high school normally means completion of those courses and trigonometry / precalculus. Of course, given the high level of selectivity, many applicants will have completed a year of calculus by the time they graduate from high school, even though that is beyond the requirement and recommendation.</p>

<p>Also, the sample programs of study listed by Berkeley College of Engineering show first semester freshman calculus as the “normal” first semester freshman math course (Math 1A), although many students do start in a more advanced course due to AP credit.</p>

<p>[College</a> of Engineering Announcement — UC Berkeley College of Engineering](<a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/college-of-engineering-announcement]College”>Undergraduate Guide - Berkeley Engineering)</p>

<p>Note that placement into Math 1A does not require any previous calculus knowledge (try the on-line placement test the Berkeley math department recommends entering freshman students to try before deciding on a math course – no need to register or pay anything):</p>

<p>[Choosing</a> the First Math Course at UC Berkeley - UC Berkeley Department of Mathematics](<a href=“http://math.berkeley.edu/courses_1stcourse.html]Choosing”>http://math.berkeley.edu/courses_1stcourse.html)</p>

<p>It would be surprising if Texas’ ALEKS placement test required any knowledge of calculus (as opposed to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry) to get the score needed to be calculus ready.</p>