Can I Succeed in College with Dyscalculia?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by students with dyscalculia in pursuing higher education, particularly regarding math requirements. Most colleges mandate at least one college-level math course, typically College Algebra, which is manageable for many students. Accommodations such as extended exam times and tutoring are commonly available, but exemptions from math courses are rare. Business majors often require courses like Applied Calculus and Business Statistics, which may pose additional challenges for those with dyscalculia.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dyscalculia as a specific learning disability in mathematical comprehension
  • Familiarity with college-level math requirements, particularly College Algebra
  • Knowledge of academic accommodations available for students with disabilities
  • Awareness of the math requirements for various college majors, especially business
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific math requirements for your intended major at various colleges
  • Explore the types of academic accommodations available for students with learning disabilities
  • Learn about resources for tutoring and support services at community colleges and technical schools
  • Investigate the curriculum for Business Calculus and Business Statistics to assess their difficulty
USEFUL FOR

Students with dyscalculia, academic advisors, and educators seeking to understand the implications of learning disabilities on college math requirements.

FishmanGeertz
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I have a mild case of dyscalculia. A specific learning disability in mathematical comprehension. Most colleges and universities require their students to take college-level math courses as part of the general education curriculum regardless of their major/minor. Because of my disability, I won't be taking any math-intensive studies like physics, engineering, or any of the other hard sciences. But is there a chance that much of the extremely difficult and advanced-level math could be omitted?

Within a few months time, I'll probably be going to either a community college or technical school. I can't afford a university (yet). I am concerned that my learning disability in math could make my college experience extremely difficult and unpleasant. In high school, I excelled at every other subject but math. I graduated with a 3.6 GPA.

How will a school help me if I have a disability in a certain subject?
 
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No college is going to require you take advanced math classes if you don't need them for your major. Most will let you get away with College Algebra, which is 9th grade math. They can give you some extra time on exams and maybe a tutor, but not more. They will not excuse you from taking math.
 
I would talk to the schools. If you can show medical evidence of your disorder, I don't see why they wouldn't do everything in their power to accommodate you. That having been said, I've never seen any school require extremely difficult and advanced mathematics for non-science majors. The most I've ever seen them require is college algebra, which is a breeze IMO. Of course, take that with a grain of salt. I'm an engineering major, so math comes easy for me.
 
I think your question was answered quite well in your last two topics. No offense but I don't see the need for multiple topics of the same things just worded differently.

Good luck with your future academics though.
 
Angry Citizen said:
I would talk to the schools. If you can show medical evidence of your disorder, I don't see why they wouldn't do everything in their power to accommodate you. That having been said, I've never seen any school require extremely difficult and advanced mathematics for non-science majors. The most I've ever seen them require is college algebra, which is a breeze IMO. Of course, take that with a grain of salt. I'm an engineering major, so math comes easy for me.

What about business majors?
 
FishmanGeertz said:
What about business majors?
Again, find out from the schools. For instance, at my alma mater, all business majors are required to take one semester of applied calculus and one semester of business statistics. I don't know if those would still be too difficult for you to handle.
 
FishmanGeertz said:
What about business majors?

Business majors need at least Business Calc. Perhaps Statistics, too.
 
FishmanGeertz said:
I have a mild case of dyscalculia. A specific learning disability in mathematical comprehension. Most colleges and universities require their students to take college-level math courses as part of the general education curriculum regardless of their major/minor. Because of my disability, I won't be taking any math-intensive studies like physics, engineering, or any of the other hard sciences. But is there a chance that much of the extremely difficult and advanced-level math could be omitted?

Within a few months time, I'll probably be going to either a community college or technical school. I can't afford a university (yet). I am concerned that my learning disability in math could make my college experience extremely difficult and unpleasant. In high school, I excelled at every other subject but math. I graduated with a 3.6 GPA.

How will a school help me if I have a disability in a certain subject?

Didn't you ask this same question, like, a week ago?

I imagine universities will accommodate you with tutors, extended time for tests, etc. But it's unfathomable to me that they would exempt you from all math courses.
 
Last edited:
I heard business majors also typically benefit greatly from a watered down linear algebra course. Now that is edging its way into 'advanced mathematics'.
 
  • #10
Angry Citizen said:
I heard business majors also typically benefit greatly from a watered down linear algebra course. Now that is edging its way into 'advanced mathematics'.

Most of the math in the business world can be done with a pocket calculator.
 
  • #11
FishmanGeertz said:
What about business majors?
Angry Citizen said:
I heard business majors also typically benefit greatly from a watered down linear algebra course. Now that is edging its way into 'advanced mathematics'.
FishmanGeertz said:
Most of the math in the business world can be done with a pocket calculator.
I'm mightily confused now. So you worryingly ask how hard Maths is for business majors, get a response, and then snarkily respond how easy it is? Is this a joke?
 
  • #12
What level of math is required for non-science majors in college? How much more advanced is it when compared to high school?
 
  • #13
As far as my school goes (Ontario, Canada), math is not required at all for arts students (poly sci., history etc). Business students take a business calc class which is basically grade 12 calculus plus 2 weeks of integration. They also take watered down linear algebra, which if you put in a tiny bit of effort it will be easy.
 
  • #14
About half of the conversation among engineering students is making fun of business students.
 
  • #15
FishmanGeertz said:
What level of math is required for non-science majors in college? How much more advanced is it when compared to high school?

Are you not reading our replies? Once again, I tell you, it depends on the school you are in. At the college I went to:

... for Business & Economics majors, you need a semester of Applied Calculus ("regular" Calculus, which is more advanced, is ok) and a semester of Business Statistics (which has Applied or "regular" Calculus as a prerequisite). Both are more advanced than high school courses.

... for Sociology & Psychology majors, you need a semester of "Intro to Statistical Methods," which sounds like it has high school Algebra 2 as a prerequisite, so this class is somewhat more advanced than high school.

... for most other non-science majors, you have to take one math course. But some of these departments may suggest a course (the "Intro to Statistical Methods" is a common suggestion). Otherwise, you could take one of those math survey courses for liberal arts majors ("Topics in Modern Math," "Mathematics, Numbers and the Real World") which have no prerequisites listed.
 
  • #16
brushman said:
About half of the conversation among engineering students is making fun of business students.

About half of the conversation among physics graduate students is making fun of pre-med students.
 
  • #17
Geezer said:
About half of the conversation among physics graduate students is making fun of pre-med students.
About half of the conversation in my Calculus I class is making fun of College Algebra students.

I don't get the point, but I don't care. I'm one to follow the crowd.
 

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