Calculus as a Predictor in Highly Selective Postsecondary Enrollment Regardless of Student or School Background

• In Event: Postsecondary Pathways for Students in STEM Majors

Abstract

This study aims to quantify the relationship between high school calculus and the selectivity of postsecondary institutions by exploring curricular rigor in mathematics, calculus availability within secondary institutions, and students’ first-generation status (i.e., whether parents completed a four-year college or university degree). The latter two measures are influenced by admission officers’ reports of taking student and school context into consideration as part of their evaluation. Using multinomial logistic regression, the study shows calculus completion plays a significant effect on postsecondary selectivity, particularly at highly selective institutions. Predicted probabilities challenge the assumption that any weight given to calculus completion would not impact first-generation students and students attending schools where calculus is not available.

Author

• Maureen Ruiz-Sundstrom, Claremont McKenna College