Preparation for college mathematics

This page is addressed to high school students, but should be of equal interest to parents and teachers. How much mathematics is preparation for college is "enough"? There is no single answer, because the need for and importance of preparation varies with career choice. Let's address the question level by level, as it relates to the University of Maryland (i.e., UMD: the University of Maryland, College Park).

• "I want to do no more mathematics than the minimum required."
• "I will need some math but not much."
  (Kinesiology, psychology, sociology ... )
• "I have to take some calculus, but no more."
  (Business, biology, economics, ... )
• "I need calculus and more."
  (Engineering, chemistry, computer science, physics ...)
• "I may go on to graduate work in math or a subject using serious math."
• "I finished calculus and still have a year or more in high school."