Yesterday, I wrote about how we should focus on our children’s strengths.

Today, I want to add an important caveat.

This is especially true for students with ambitious education goals in STEM and Business programs.

Math has to come first, no matter what.

Here’s why:

A study found that 79% of the incoming class at Wesleyan University in 2021 had completed Calculus, way above the national average.

(Source: A New Calculus for College Admissions by Just Equations)

One admissions officer who participated in the study also noted, “Calculus is an easy answer to a complicated question. Institutions are looking for a simple gatekeeper. We are looking for ways to determine excellent and extraordinary students.”

So what does this mean for your child?

It means they need to be on the advanced math track to have a chance at top colleges and programs.

This is why an early start is crucial. The work often starts as early as elementary school!

I also know firsthand how challenging this can be.

When my son had some issues with math a few years ago, I made the decision to prioritize tutoring over his other interests.

It wasn't always easy—there were times when he struggled and needed extra support. But we knew that keeping him on track would open up so many doors for his future.

The truth is, once your kid is in high school, it's hard to fix if they're not on the right math track.

If your child is on the ambitious side, my advice is simple:

Make sure they're on the right path now, so they can reach Calculus down the road.

This might mean advocating for them to be placed on the accelerated track, seeking out enrichment opportunities, or even getting extra support if they struggle at some point.

The key is to stay involved, and once their math foundation is solid, they can explore other interests.

I’m also curious, did you know the importance of math for college admissions?

If you did, what has worked best for your kid?

Reply and let me know!

Dr. Agnia Grigas
Founder - College Admissions Secrets
Author - ‘‘How to Win the Million Dollar College Admissions Game’’

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