Math at the Crossroads: Student Voices on Navigating Math Prep for College
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College admissions decisions are based on a complicated mix of factors. Too often, an unspoken expectation for Calculus on students’ transcripts plays an outsized role in how these decisions are made. For the students who are familiar with this covert requirement, Calculus represents a big step closer to securing a spot at elite colleges. But for other students—who are often economically disadvantaged or students of color—the use of Calculus as a proxy for rigor, and a shortcut in college admissions poses serious equity implications. This session will investigate how information gaps among first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented applicants might impact high school students’ abilities to navigate math course-taking for college admission. Leading thinkers on the topic will discuss recent research on the topic and key changes that high schools, colleges and systems can adopt to improve transparency and ensure that information gaps do not disproportionately harm underserved students.
Presenters:
Melodie Baker, National Policy Director, Just Equations
Candice Mackey, College Counselor,Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies - L.A.C.E.S.
Sarah Humphries, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, UNC Charlotte
America Gonzalez
Who should attend? Secondary and Post-Secondary Counselors