Navigating High School Math: Is Advanced Math for You After STEM?
High school students often face decisions about taking advanced math courses like Algebra 2, Precalculus, and AP Calculus. Should a student who is certain they do NOT want to pursue a STEM degree still take these courses? This article explores the benefits and potential drawbacks, providing insights to help make informed choices.
Why Take Advanced Math if Not Pursuing STEM?
Interestingly, a degree often overshadowed by its reliance on advanced math includes nursing, where even basic algebra and statistics play crucial roles in patient care and data analysis. Other fields such as psychology, sociology, archaeology, and all business degrees also require significant math knowledge. Even elementary school teaching programs necessitate a foundational understanding of mathematics to effectively teach students.
Moreover, pursuing a legal career after college can also benefit from a strong background in math. For instance, my lawyer, who majored in electrical engineering, emphasized that an engineering degree showcased his intelligence, responsibility, and commitment—traits highly valued by law schools.
When Should You Take Advanced Math Courses?
However, the decision to take advanced math courses is not always straightforward. It's essential to consider your career path, its math requirements, and the likelihood of a career change. If your ultimate goal is to enter fields like acting, cooking, or supermarket cashiering, where calculus is not critical, then advanced math might indeed be a waste of time.
Conversely, many careers that don't seem to involve advanced math may still benefit from it. Medical fields, economics, and other non-STEM fields often require calculus at some point. Therefore, it's crucial to check with your guidance counselor or explore online resources to determine if your chosen field is likely to benefit from advanced math.
Limitations and Realities of High School Math
High school students often lack the essential life experience needed to definitively decide on a career path. Self-selection, evidenced by grades in various subjects, is common. As a result, it's wise not to limit yourself by avoiding advanced math courses. These courses can only help by strengthening your mathematical foundation, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, meeting your graduation math requirements is important. You do not necessarily need to take higher-level math courses if they are not strictly required for your chosen path. Simply inform your counselor that you do not want or need the higher math classes. If you realize in college that you need these advanced math classes for your degree, you can always take them then.
Conclusion
Is advanced math a waste of time for a non-STEM career path? Not necessarily. While it's understandable to prioritize other activities if your career goals don't heavily rely on advanced math, avoiding these courses entirely could hinder your educational and professional development. The decision should be based on a careful assessment of your future goals and a willingness to adapt to potential changes in your career trajectory.
Therefore, making informed choices and considering the broader implications of your educational journey can lead to a more fulfilling and successful path.