Do you need 4 years of math to get into a good college?

Question

I'm a junior taking calculus AB right now and would really like to take no math next year, I wouldn't be slacking off, just focusing on other things. There are a bunch of reasons for me not taking it, and one is that I really don't think I'd do that well at the next level of calc, which could actually hurt me for college...also I want to major in something like biology where you need pretty much zero math skills. I'm not talking about getting into Harvard here just something good like UCSD...Anyone who has done this, or knows if its a bad idea?

Answer 1

I'll give you the same answer I give everyone:
No, but you do need something to get you in.

I talked to a variety of students at MIT who all had around 3.5 GPA's in high school, but they all claimed they got in because they were involved in extracurricular activities, such as robotics or electronics clubs, or science projects.

Likewise, if you can do very well on the PSAT/SAT, or pretty much anything to set you apart. I didn't graduate high school (I took the Proficiency Exam--California's GED-equivalent), yet I was offered a half-dozen full-scholarships to reputable schools, just because I was a National Merit Finalist.

Now, don't get me wrong; you can still get into a good school by just doing your work--in fact, that route is probably much easier and much more certain. But to answer your question, no, you don't NEED four years of math, although it certainly won't hurt.

While I'm not certain about biology, it seems that anything science can benefit from a strong math background. I have several friends majoring in biochemical engineering, who must take 3 semesters of calculus and a semester of differential equations and linear algebra. Even chemistry relies heavily on linear algebra.

Although math can be difficult and at times very abstract, the reality is that once you stop taking math, you'll probably never go back. (I took a year off between precalc and calc, and teachers were shocked that I actually finished.) Therefore, I would encourage you to go as far in math as you can right now. Even if you can't go on, you'll probably do just fine; but if it's at all possible, go for it!

PS- Calculus 2 is usually focused on integration techniques. While many build it up as the hardest of the basic calculus series, it's really not too difficult, bar sequences and series. As long as your high school has a good calculus AB program, you should do fine. However, from my experience, many AP calculus programs are below par.

I would highly recommend continuing on with the calculus series at a local college, rather than just taking statistics or some filler class at your high school.

You might also want to check with a college counselor at the college(s) you'd like to go to. From my experience, they're much more aware and knowledgeable than high school counselors.

Answer 2

Colleges are always looking for 4 years of math. If you take other AP type classes, then no math is not going to be terrible, but again colleges like to see that you push yourself all through high school. Majoring in biology means that you will be doing a lot of math. In labs there will math as well as in other science courses. If you are going to major in any type of science field I highly recommend taking a 4th year of math. Don't forget to talk with your guidance counselor at school. They could suggest some classes for you to take.

Answer 3

NOOOOO!!!!
Sorry for yelling. There is a complete misconception about prerequisites into college.
What you do need if you are transferring directly from High School is a good score on your SAT, in order to be accepted in as many Universities as possible. It IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO TAKE AN SAT... I had my pick from WVU, Virg. Tech (VT), UMCP, Towson, and several others. I went to a junior college and transferred from there. No SAT nor years of math before hand.
I took precalc, Calc I, II, III, differential Equations, and linear algebra all at a junior college.

Answer 4

Yes, you will need 4 years of math.
Top colleges of math will look for it.
It isn't good to go one year without math because by doing so you lose what you gain the year before.

Answer 5

If you are a biology major...all you need is college algebra...its required with any major...no way around it....but after you get that over...u done

Answer 6

yes you need 4 years math english science etc