<p>So, I was wondering, for someone who isn’t so hot at math, how bad is college calc? I mean introductory, not hyper advanced stuff. I am wondering, because I am interested in Georgia Tech’s bachelor’s of Science in International Affairs or BS in Public policy.</p>
<p>learning calculus is more like learning tennis than learning history or another social science. You read in your text (or hear in lecture) the 3 causes leading to the Civil War are blah, blah, blah and you understand it. Jot down the 3 things and you won’t need to do much other than review before the test. On the other hand, few think listening to some talk about how to play tennis or some other sport is enough to be ready to go out and try out for the tennis team! Learning a sport, learning a language, learning math and science – these all take practice.</p>
<p>Too many people read thru the chapter, the examples seem to make sense, they flip back to the examples as they do the homework, then they bomb the quizzes and tests because they haven’t really learned the material. For a math or science class you should plan on spending about 9 hours each week outside of class reading the material, doing homework, solving problems. If you’re smart enough to get into GT you’re plenty smart enough to pass calculus if you put in the work. </p>
<p>One book you should be sure to get if you take calc is one of the Problem-Solver guides, a thick SAT-like book and pretty much the same idea. You turn to the chapter in the book that matches what your class is doing and start solving problems with the solutions covered. Each problem is fully worked out so keep doing this until you’re getting the right answers. This is part of the 9 hours each week you spend studying. Do this and I guarantee that while you may never like calculus, you will be able to get a good grade in it.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I am a prospective IR major everywhere else, and I am always nervous of the math requirements. I think I might double up on Math this year and take Pre-Calc and then Calc AB for my senior year so I can get it done with, or at least get a footing in it.</p>
<p>Most departments offer a version or two for non-science majors. Typically called Calculus for the Non-sciences, or Calculus for Business Majors, these course are light on theory and heavier on process and applications. The most important thing going in is to have good algebra skills.</p>
<p>Alright, I know that you can take finite mathematics instead of calc 2, at GT. Hopefully I get into Princeton and won’t even need to worry about math reqs. haha</p>