Did you do well in all of the
high school mathematics courses that your school offered? If so,
then we suggest that you take calculus in college.
Many majors and minors have
scientific foundations that can be very quantitative. Traditionally,
chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, economics and
finance have been recognized as demanding a high level of analytical
and quantitative skill, often demanding concepts and skills from
calculus. However, in recent years much of the innovative work in
biology and the social sciences has also become increasingly
quantitative.
If you fail to take college-level
calculus, you may discover that you have closed a door on some
valuable opportunities. Many graduate programs in business require
calculus, and professional programs in the health sciences often
recommend calculus.
Let’s suppose that you take
college-level calculus, do well and enjoy the mental challenge—what
then? Congratulations, continue taking mathematics, including
statistics and linear algebra and count yourself among a shrinking
minority that is prepared to meet the analytical and quantitative
challenges posed in the 21st century.
Finally, beyond the
career-oriented reasons given above, college-level calculus will
help in developing your mind to think logically and analytically. We
are convinced that investing your God-given talents is both a
privilege and an obligation.
