So I'm a junior, and I'm trying to figure out what courses I might need to take in college. I'm not great at math, and I'm wondering if I'll have to take calculus in college? How can I find out if it's a requirement?
While taking calculus isn't necessarily a requirement for all college students, it depends on your chosen major and specific college requirements. For majors like engineering, physics, or math, you'll likely need to take calculus—sometimes more than one level.
However, if you're pursuing a major in the humanities, social sciences, or arts, calculus may not be required at all. Instead, you might have to satisfy a general math or quantitative reasoning requirement that could include other options like statistics or discrete mathematics.
To find out if calculus is a requirement, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify your intended major or field of study, and research typical course requirements for that major. Many colleges and universities have an online course catalog or curriculum guide that can help you determine the required and recommended courses for your desired major.
2. Review the general education requirements at the colleges you're interested in. These requirements are typically designed to ensure that all students acquire a well-rounded education, and they may include a math or quantitative reasoning component.
3. Contact the college's academic advising department. They can provide you with specific information on course requirements for your major and college. Moreover, if you're planning to enroll as an undeclared major or if you're unsure which major you'll pursue, these advisors can help guide you on what courses to take based on your interests and future goals.
4. Speak with current students or alumni from the college. They can provide insight into their experiences with math courses and the flexibility (or rigidity) of the course requirements.
As you move forward, remember that even if you're not great at math, you can still find support and resources in college to help you succeed. Many colleges offer tutoring services and other academic support programs to help students with challenging subjects like calculus.
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