<p>I am still up in the air between the communications program at UW and the school of business. I feel as though I am more comfortable enrolling in the college of letters and sciences and going with the comm route, but I think my heart is more set on going into management and human resources in the school of business. What draws me away from the SOB is that I have always struggled with math and I am afraid that calc may drastically affect my gpa, which could cause me to be rejected from the school of business, which would mean I would have to possibly spend an extra semester or year in Madison by starting over with the comm major. Many times I hear negative connotations that go along with a Communication major, and I feel as though a Business degree may have more pull for better jobs out of college. If anyone can give me any information on both of these programs, or has any advice for me on what they think is a good plan for me to construct, I would appreciate it.</p>
<p>Have you taken the placement tests already? If your intention is pre-business, for the calculus requirement you can take Math 211 (easier) rather than Math 221 (harder - more for engineering/science majors). There are ways to get extra help in any math class at UW - there is a math department tutoring center (small group tutoring meeting 2-3 times weekly - free), and there is also onsite tutoring (free) for dorm residents. </p>
<p>Last fall semester, 80% of students in Math 211 (lecture 001) earned a B or better, and 62% of students in Math 211 (lecture 002) earned a B or better - the curve is pretty generous. </p>
<p>(page 255 <a href=“http://registrar.wisc.edu/documents/Stats_distribs_2009-2010Fall.pdf[/url]”>http://registrar.wisc.edu/documents/Stats_distribs_2009-2010Fall.pdf</a>)</p>
<p>Math shouldn’t deter you from entering the business school. Once accepted into the business school, the math requirements are mainly stats and algebra, which you should have no trouble mastering. </p>
<p>Math 221 (or 211) is probably the hardest math you’ll need, and it’s not hard. It’s a 5 credit class with a couple discussion sections that review the problems. First semester freshmen typically only take 13-14 credits, which means you’ll only have 2-3 other classes besides math–giving you ample time to focus on any concepts you’re struggling with. </p>
<p>If you’re still worried, many schools have free online materials, including taped lectures and PDF copies of textbooks. There is no better example than MIT: [Free</a> Online Course Materials | Textbook | MIT OpenCourseWare](<a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-18-001-calculus-online-textbook-spring-2005/textbook/]Free”>Textbook | Calculus Online Textbook | Supplemental Resources | MIT OpenCourseWare) You could review it over the summer in your spare time.</p>