It depends on the college and the program. Some colleges and majors require 4 years of high school math, while others may only require 3 or less.
Detailed answer to your inquiry
The answer to whether or not colleges require four years of high school math is not straightforward, as it varies depending on the institution and the program of study. According to CollegeBoard, “Most selective colleges and universities recommend or require four years of math, and some schools place even greater emphasis on this subject area.” However, some colleges may only require three or less years of math for certain programs.
It is important to note that even if a college does not require four years of high school math, having a strong math background can strengthen a student’s college application and prepare them for college-level coursework in various fields. As Joshua Mitchell, a professor of government at Georgetown University, states, “Mathematics is the language of the sciences, and that means it’s the language of almost everything.”
In terms of interesting facts, according to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2011-2012 school year, 81% of U.S. public high school graduates had completed a mathematics course at or above the level of Algebra II. Additionally, a study by the American Institutes for Research found that students who took advanced math courses in high school were more likely to attend and graduate from college.
Here is a table outlining the recommended and/or required math coursework for some well-known universities:
University
Recommended/Required Math Coursework
Harvard University
Four years of math, including calculus
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Four years of math, including calculus and one year of statistics
University of California, Los Angeles
Three years of math, including Algebra II and geometry
University of Texas at Austin
Four years of math, including Algebra II and geometry
Stanford University
Three years of math, including one year of calculus
As can be seen from the table, even within highly selective universities there is variability in math requirements/recommendations. Ultimately, students should research the specific requirements of the colleges and programs they are interested in to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for admission and success in their desired field of study.
See the answer to “Do colleges require 4 years of high school math?” in this video
In this video, a math major shares his insights on things he wished he knew before pursuing a math degree. He advises aspiring math majors to look at mathematical literature, expect more rigorous proof classes, and choose their area of focus within math. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking help from professors and having clear career goals. Despite the challenges, the speaker encourages viewers to pursue their passion for mathematics.
Check out the other solutions I discovered
Most colleges want students to have at least 3 years of high school math, though more selective colleges prefer 4 years. Prioritize taking several of the following courses: Algebra 1. Geometry.
This is on freshman application requirements to a number of colleges such as UMD. These colleges require 4 years of math.
Advanced Placement, IB, and Honors courses are a must to be competitive at the most selective colleges. In most cases, the strongest applicants to highly selective colleges will have four years of math (including calculus), four years of science, and four years of a foreign language.
Furthermore, people are interested
Do colleges care about 4 years of math?
Response will be: Most colleges want students with three years of high school math. The more competitive colleges prefer four years.
Can you get into college with only 3 years of math?
As an answer to this: If you’re applying to highly selective colleges, schools will generally want to see three or more years of math that include algebra and geometry. Keep in mind that this is a minimum, and four years of math makes for a stronger college application. The strongest applicants will have taken calculus.
Similar
How many years of high school math do I need?
The California Education Code specifies minimum course requirements for the state’s public school system: three years of instruction in both English and history/social science, two years in both math and science, and one year of either visual or performing arts, a foreign language, or career technical education.
Should I do 4 years of math?
The response is: Regardless of what you plan to study in college, it is highly recommended that all high school students complete four years of math because many colleges expect it, even if they don’t require it, and it will help you stay prepared for any math classes you may have to take in college.
How many years of math do you need to go to college?
Response: Like high schools, most colleges require applicants to have completed three years of math and recommend four years. Selective colleges often require four years of math, and some schools may also require the completion of particular math classes like algebra 2, geometry, or pre-calculus.
Does high school require additional math?
The response is: The charts outline units of study, which in most high school curricula is equal to one year of work. Some colleges and majors require the completion of additional math in high school in order to be eligible for admission. Review the additional math requirement for those colleges below.
How early should I take high school math?
Response to this: Take them early so that you’ll have time for advanced science and math, which will show colleges that you’re ready for higher-level work. Most colleges want students with three years of high school math. The more competitive colleges prefer four years. Take some combination of the following:
Does a 4 year math requirement matter?
Response: It’s an equity issue, she said. The 2022 analysis showed that in states that required four years of math for graduation, higher percentages of students took four years of math. This isn’t a cause-and-effect relationship, but it does suggest that “tthe default requirement matters,” Fitzpatrick said.
How many years of math should a high school student take?
The reply will be: Regardless of what you plan to study in college, it is highly recommended that all high school students complete four years of math because many colleges expect it, even if they don’t require it, and it will help you stay prepared for any math classes you may have to take in college.
Does high school require additional math?
The charts outline units of study, which in most high school curricula is equal to one year of work. Some colleges and majors require the completion of additional math in high school in order to be eligible for admission. Review the additional math requirement for those colleges below.
How many years of math do you have to take in Maryland?
In reply to that: Students graduating from high schools in Maryland currently have to take four years of math while in high school. That is a current high school diploma requirement. It doesn’t matter what they took in middle school, they are still required to take four total years of math in high school.
How many years of calculus do you need to get into college?
Response to this: At selective colleges and universities, you will need at least three years of high school math, and four years will be better. Calculus strengthens any college application. If your high school doesn’t offer calculus, look for options online or at a community college.
