Was your bright Pre-Calc senior accepted ?

[Anonymous]

DC will not be able to take Calculus before graduating but scores well on SAT type tests (scored in top 10 percent of CTY math test (SCAT) and 99th percentile on SSAT.). Odd situation I know - but if this sounds like your child, where were they accepted? I'm especially interested in recent placements. Just curious - thanks.

[Anonymous]

He can take calculus at the local community college the summer before college starts.

[Anonymous]

I don't know of a college where calc is a prerequisite. I have 2 in college and it hasn't been an issue. But neither applied to top 25 colleges--maybe there's a difference.

[Anonymous]

He will still have to apply with only pre-calc on his transcript though - no way around this as his private will not let him take courses elsewhere. So just curious as to how this may impact him overall.

[Anonymous]

Certain colleges such as MIT and Caltech either require or strongly recommend Calculus. Your son wouldn't have a shot at competitive math/science schools without Calc and typically two SAT II tests (typically one of which is Math Level 2). However, aside from those schools, it won't be an issue that he'll only have completed pre-Calc. He will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Certain colleges such as MIT and Caltech either require or strongly recommend Calculus. Your son wouldn't have a shot at competitive math/science schools without Calc and typically two SAT II tests (typically one of which is Math Level 2). However, aside from those schools, it won't be an issue that he'll only have completed pre-Calc. He will be fine.

But only if he chooses a stem/science major at those schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Certain colleges such as MIT and Caltech either require or strongly recommend Calculus. Your son wouldn't have a shot at competitive math/science schools without Calc and typically two SAT II tests (typically one of which is Math Level 2). However, aside from those schools, it won't be an issue that he'll only have completed pre-Calc. He will be fine.

But only if he chooses a stem/science major at those schools?

The # of non STEM majors at those 2 schools is low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Certain colleges such as MIT and Caltech either require or strongly recommend Calculus. Your son wouldn't have a shot at competitive math/science schools without Calc and typically two SAT II tests (typically one of which is Math Level 2). However, aside from those schools, it won't be an issue that he'll only have completed pre-Calc. He will be fine.

But only if he chooses a stem/science major at those schools?

The # of non STEM majors at those 2 schools is low.

I can believe that about Caltech but doesn't MIT have a lot? of strong non STEM departments?

[Anonymous]

I'm certain you can look up the nonSTEM at MIT but I'm also certain I've never heard of a History major from MIT. Seems odd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm certain you can look up the nonSTEM at MIT but I'm also certain I've never heard of a History major from MIT. Seems odd.

Just looked it up. It offers 15 different undergrad majors, the non-STEM ones are: architecture (is that STEM?), urban studies and planning, economics, management, poly sci, humanities, linguistics and philosophy and comparative media studies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm certain you can look up the nonSTEM at MIT but I'm also certain I've never heard of a History major from MIT. Seems odd.

Just looked it up. It offers 15 different undergrad majors, the non-STEM ones are: architecture (is that STEM?), urban studies and planning, economics, management, poly sci, humanities, linguistics and philosophy and comparative media studies.

Is Calc a prerequisite for admission? Then you'd have your answer.

[Anonymous]

Humanities at MIT are considered a joke. It's a tech school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Humanities at MIT are considered a joke. It's a tech school.

But it has one of the best architecture schools.

[Anonymous]

Aside from the schools that require it, an applicant does not need calculus. Some of this depends on their overall profile. If they are presenting themselves as a STEM person, its probably necessary. But if they are really strong in the humanities, pre-calculus is fine.

[Anonymous]

Also depends on the math track at his school. At my DS public school many take AP calc in 11th and the rest take it in 12th. So someone who got to pre calc in 12th would really stand out. If its more normal for kids at his school to be on a pre calc by 12th track then he will be in the mix. I suspect it's not a plus at the most competitive colleges where with a surplus of applicants they are looking for reasons to move some to the rejection pile.