College admissions officers grappling with an unshakable infatuation for calculus?
In the United States, calculus has long been a crucial factor in college admissions, serving as a gatekeeper for rigorous STEM and quantitative coursework at the college level. Colleges view success in calculus, particularly AP Calculus AB or BC, as evidence of a student's mastery of abstract mathematical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios[1][3].
However, concerns about calculus's relevance and accessibility, particularly for low-income students, have been raised. Critics argue that the emphasis on calculus can create inequities because schools in affluent areas are more likely to offer AP Calculus courses and preparatory resources, while schools in low-income or rural areas may lack the funding or qualified teachers to do so[4]. This disparity can limit the opportunities of disadvantaged students to fulfill prerequisites or appear competitive in college admissions, potentially impacting diversity and inclusivity.
Despite these challenges, education research suggests that extended and challenging coursework, such as advanced math, contributes positively to cognitive skills like IQ gains, which correlate with better life outcomes, including higher earnings and better health[2]. This potential benefit motivates schools and colleges to maintain calculus as a standard for admission.
The calculus track often separates rich and poor students, with an estimated 17 percent of U.S. high school students having no access to calculus at all[5]. Math professors argue that students are rushing through the high school math curriculum and arriving at college with weak algebra skills[6]. On the other hand, university professors in non-STEM fields believe high school students would benefit from learning more useful math, such as statistics, data analysis, accounting, and spreadsheets[7].
A survey of college admissions officers shows that calculus is considered one of the most rigorous math courses and is given significant weight in admissions. Eighty-nine percent of respondents believe high school students who take calculus are more likely to succeed in college, and almost a third believe calculus gives a student an edge in admissions[8]. However, if selective institutions can demonstrate that students who don't take calculus do well in college, colleges will have more confidence in admitting students who take alternatives, such as statistics[9].
Jill Barshay wrote this story about high school calculus for our organization, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. The survey was conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) for Just Equations, a nonprofit that seeks to broaden the math curriculum and make the college application process more equitable for low-income students[10].
Approximately 800,000 high school students take calculus each year[5]. Changes in college admissions departments may take time, but our work keeps educators and the public informed about pressing issues at schools and on campuses throughout the country[11]. Joining our organization helps us continue to provide unbiased reporting on education that is free to all readers.
[1] Barshay, J. (2021). High School Calculus: A Gateway to College and a Barrier for Many. The Hechinger Report. Retrieved from https://hechingerreport.org/high-school-calculus-a-gateway-to-college-and-a-barrier-for-many/
[2] Kamenetz, A. (2019). The Math Myth and You: Debunking the Stereotypes That Limit Our Potential. Beacon Press.
[3] National Research Council. (2012). Trends in Advanced Mathematics Courses and Exam Performance in the United States. National Academies Press.
[4] Rothstein, R. (2018). The Chosen: The Hidden History of Admission and Exclusion at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. W.W. Norton & Company.
[5] National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Fast Facts: Advanced Placement (AP) Program. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=302
[6] National Science Foundation. (2019). Advances in Understanding the Origins of Mathematical Talent. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
[7] Just Equations. (2021). The Calculus Controversy. Retrieved from https://justequations.org/the-calculus-controversy/
[8] National Association for College Admission Counseling. (2021). State of College Admission 2021. Retrieved from https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/knowledge-center/research-reports/state-of-college-admission/state-of-college-admission-2021.pdf
[9] Just Equations. (2021). The Calculus Controversy. Retrieved from https://justequations.org/the-calculus-controversy/
[10] Just Equations. (2021). The Calculus Controversy. Retrieved from https://justequations.org/the-calculus-controversy/
[11] The Hechinger Report. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from https://hechingerreport.org/about/
- Education inequality in the United States is highlighted by the disparities in access to advanced math courses like calculus, as affluent schools are more likely to offer these courses.
- Despite concerns about calculus's relevance and accessibility, research indicates that extended and challenging coursework, such as advanced math, positively contributes to cognitive skills, leading to better life outcomes.
- The emphasis on calculus in college admissions perpetuates education and self-development disparities, possibly hampering diversity and inclusivity, and stirs discussions about broadening the math curriculum.
