Word: mathe
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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Demanding any level of math achievement as a prerequisite for admission would be an unhealthy move. The present requirements are in line with those of many universities; instituting a math requirement would assume that Harvard's influence in elevating high-school standards is quite significant. Such an assumption does not seem well-grounded; for the schools which would respond by directing their college prospects to take the courses Harvard demands are probably those schools who now teach the most mathematics anyway. But the rural, Western and Southern schools which offer only a curricular minimum are unlikely to change to meet...
Although imposing a math requirement would have a deleterious effect, this does not mean that the College must give up in its efforts to help raise secondary school standards. Instead of the present recommended, but vague, three years of math which is suggested, the College might outline a course coverage they think worthwhile. For while three years in some schools might put the student through trig and advanced algebra, in many others it covers only geometry and second year algebra. The College might instruct alumni to speak to local schools, and write schools which have sent students here, advising strongly...
...much flexibility as possible, however, should be preserved. A flat requirement in math would cost Harvard much talent and serve only as a gesture of academic superiority...
...kicked out of Harvard is something I don't mind fostering. It adds to my "legend" or glamour--what have you. Actually, my last year in the graduate school coincided with work on my record and it was getting so that I could do little else. The math department and I agreed there was no point going on under this kind of strain so I didn't register the next fall. But I do hope to finish off my thesis eventually...
...concentration and degrees is still hazy; probably it is most muddled in the English Department. A new Sophomore with A.P. in, say, mathematics, American History, and English Literature would have been presented at registration with a green slip which said, "You can not take the following courses for credit: Math 1; Chemistry 1 or 2; one course in English...