Schools Senior level college student thinking of switching to Industrial Engineering.

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A college student in their fourth year, with a background in sociology and film, is contemplating a shift to Industrial Engineering, motivated by a desire for a more relevant degree. They express concern about their preparedness for Calculus, having not taken it before but finding pre-calculus manageable. The discussion emphasizes that while transitioning majors late in college may extend their studies, reviewing pre-calculus concepts and studying introductory calculus materials could enhance their readiness. Recommendations include using textbooks that offer thorough review sections to solidify foundational knowledge before starting calculus coursework.
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I'm a 4th year college student who has studied 2 years of sociology, and 2 years of film. With summer studies, I could graduate this fall with an SOC. degree, but have little interest in doing this other than that I would have a B.S. to mark up my resume. I have been thinking long and hard, for quite a while about getting an engineering degree, and I feel that my relative interest in Sociology relates quite well to Industrial Engineering.

I have never taken a Calculus course. Pre-calc was a breeze in Highschool, and I had to retake it again in College for general course requirements for my University, which was also easy. This was Freshman year of college though... With the thought in mind that I might start up engineering curriculum this fall, I'm wondering how I would fare in a Calculus class, as there are a few required during Freshman Curriculum.

Would I be Okay? I'm a hard worker, and don't mind studying. I'm just not sure if what I'll need to recall from pre-calc will be fresh enough in my mind to apply. Should I try and relearn a few things over the summer?

Thanks
 
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Being prepared for Calculus I really shouldn't be a big deal. I never took precalc, not even in high school, and I didn't have any trouble with Calculus I. It never hurts to review though! I'd pick up a textbook and go through it before the class starts if you have time.

The bigger issue is probably changing your major senior year, as you'll be in school significantly longer.
 
If what you say about pre-calc being a breeze, then try to pick up an easy calculus book and working it through. Many introductory books have a considerable review section in the beginning. If this seems like too much, then try Sullivan's Algebra and Trigonometry, it has anything you'll ever need for calculus.



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