Is Calculus Overrated in Admission Processes?

A new report from NACAC and Just Equations seems to indicate that most admission offices are paying too much attention to Calculus versus other math pathways such as AP Statistics.

Team Insights:
“This article is a great step in the right direction for rethinking how math coursework is evaluated in the admission process. It’s still really important to think about taking four years of math, no matter the sequencing, when applying to college. AP Statistics communicates to admission officers and scholarship committees that you are still pursuing a rigorous curriculum. Practically speaking, by taking four years of math, students can be better prepared to handle math requirements that they may face once they enroll in college, too. Another thing that comes to mind for me about this is the importance of having a student sit down with an advisor/counselor to discuss what majors/job options they are interested in. Many majors don’t require calculus and instead DO require stats (or perhaps a different math). So sitting down and planning that out ahead of time (if the student knows what they are interested in) could save a significant amount of time/money, while showing admissions offices that the student is still taking a rigorous course load.”
– Carlos Jiménez