Students Ill Prepared for College Math, Test Reveals

Only 11 percent of high school seniors who took the American College Testing Program test this year are prepared for college-level calculus, and one in four will need remedial mathematics in college, a study released last week by the testing firm indicates.

Even many of those intending to pursue math and science degrees lack the necessary math background, the study found. Among seniors who said they planned to major in subjects such as engineering, computer science, and physical sciences, only a fourth earned A.C.T. scores that indicated they could enter calculus, while 14 percent would need remedial math.

"Far too many of our college-bound students, even those planning majors in areas directly related to mathematics and science, aren't getting the preparation they need,'' said Richard L. Ferguson, the...