| According to many surveys, math remains one of | | | | Pomona College highly recommends students know |
| the most important yet frightening subjects for | | | | calculus, just like MIT whereas, Harvard places its |
| students in the US. In fact, many students in the US | | | | main emphasis on concrete understanding of |
| don't even know what math courses they should | | | | functions, algebra, and graphing. They don't focus |
| study to get into a college. No wonder their | | | | much on calculus like MIT and Pomona. So, basically, |
| performance is severely sub par at the college level. | | | | wherever you want to attend, find out about their |
| But your student CAN do well in college math classes | | | | applicant math requirements. Then make sure you're |
| by being well prepared. As a homeschooling parent, | | | | meeting those requirements. |
| you want to choose the best for your students. But | | | | Now, even though each college has their own course |
| what does your student really need for college | | | | requirements, there are some general points that can |
| preparation? Which courses will give them the best | | | | be said for every homeschooling student: |
| education and set them off on the right path? You | | | | Calculus can be considered optional for most |
| don't want to take too many courses, but you don't | | | | students. |
| want to miss any critical ones either. So how do you | | | | Taking Calculus 1 in high school allows the |
| decide? | | | | student to go into almost any freshman math class |
| Look around! There are 4 basic levels of math that a | | | | with the subject knowledge well in hand. |
| student will need in high school in order to do well at | | | | Having studied through Calculus 1 in high school |
| college: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II with Trig, | | | | allows easier adjustment to the faster pace and |
| and Calculus 1. Granted, not all students will make it | | | | stricter structure of college without getting |
| to Calculus 1, and that's fine. The point here is that | | | | overwhelmed by the course material. |
| you know what subjects you need, then it becomes | | | | Algebra 1 & 2, Trigonometry, and Geometry are |
| just a matter of finding the right curriculum to teach | | | | the minimum courses required to do well at college. |
| those subjects. In order to know what is important | | | | Meet the college requirements by focusing on |
| to look for in a good curriculum, you need to know | | | | understanding |
| your ultimate goal. | | | | You can check off any math course you "completed" |
| Start by Identifying the Target College | | | | but if your student doesn't understand, the effort |
| A lot of the decision-making about curriculums | | | | was rather worthless. For this reason, we encourage |
| depends upon the college that you want to attend. | | | | you to take the time to figure out what makes your |
| Typically, each college will have their own set of | | | | student's mind tick. Study math in a way that makes |
| requirements for incoming students. For example, | | | | sense for them personally. If they work better |
| MIT prefers a strong foundation in calculus. They | | | | outside, then take class outside. If you're worried |
| want their applicants to have gone through at least | | | | about your math experience and think you'll need |
| one level of Calculus in high school before they arrive. | | | | help---seek help. There are many great step by step |
| Auburn University, however, expects a strong | | | | math courses and DVD courses out there to choose |
| foundation in Algebra I and II with a secondary | | | | from. Shop around, and get your student's input. |
| emphasis being placed on courses like calculus, | | | | Choose the course that both of you like and are |
| geometry, statistic analysis, and trigonometry. | | | | excited to learn from. |