Is there an obsession with calculus among college admission officers that they are finding difficult to break free from?
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In the world of college admissions, calculus holds a significant weight, often considered a necessity for those aiming for STEM-related majors. This is because calculus demonstrates a student's readiness for the quantitative skills required in these fields, serving as an indicator of course rigor and academic preparation.
One math professor has expressed discontent with the emphasis on calculus in high school, advocating for a shift towards more useful math subjects such as statistics, data analysis, accounting, and spreadsheets. However, the persistence of calculus in college admissions can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, calculus serves as a standardized benchmark for academic rigor. This is particularly useful for admissions officers when assessing students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Secondly, STEM majors often require calculus as a prerequisite. Demonstrating readiness in high school calculus eases the transition to college-level math and science programs, improving chances of retention and success in those majors.
Thirdly, admissions committees value course rigor and GPA in relevant subjects, viewing calculus as a key component of demonstrating commitment and preparedness in math and science areas.
Despite criticisms regarding the usefulness of calculus in high school and concerns about equity—such as disparities in access to advanced math courses—colleges continue to emphasize calculus. A new survey of over 130 college admissions officers demonstrates that calculus has become a proxy for academic rigor.
The story was produced by our organization, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. The survey revealed that 89% of respondents believe high school students who take calculus are more likely to succeed in college, and 74% put the College Board's Advanced Placement calculus course among the top four math courses that carry the most weight.
However, the emphasis on calculus is not without its challenges. Some admissions officers feel pressure from university faculty to give preference to candidates with calculus, while others are cautious about changing the emphasis due to the need to answer to various audiences. Changing hearts and minds inside college admissions departments may take time.
Until there is sufficient evidence, students struggling with calculus may have to wait. If selective institutions can demonstrate that students who don't take calculus can do well in college, colleges may have "more confidence" in admitting students who take alternatives, such as statistics.
In conclusion, calculus remains a gatekeeper for college admission primarily because it reflects critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills essential for success in STEM disciplines. Despite ongoing debates about equity and the practical value of calculus education in high schools, its role in college admissions remains deeply ingrained.
[1] Jill Barshay, Staff Writer, The Hechinger Report, www.hechingerreport.org [2] Calculus in High School (Editorial), Education Week, 18 January 2021 [3] Calculus in High School: A Debate (Editorial), Education Week, 18 January 2021
- The emphasis on calculus in college admissions is rooted in its ability to demonstrate a student's critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills, beneficial for success in STEM disciplines.
- The persistence of calculus in education and self-development, including college admissions, can exacerbate educational inequality, as not all students have equal access to advanced math courses.
- Personal growth and learning can be fostered through subjects like statistics, data analysis, accounting, and spreadsheets, which may be more relevant and useful in preparing students for their future careers, rather than solely focusing on calculus.
