"Students applying to the state university system will have to have four math courses and will be required to take math their last year in high school under new admissions requirements passed Friday by regents.The requirements, which will take effect for those starting ninth grade in 2011, passed unanimously after a spirited debate in which several regents and university presidents questioned whether the standards would be the best fit for all students."
Skeptics expressed particular concern about students who reach a high level of math early in high school and want to try other subjects as seniors. Some also worried that the requirements might drive excellent writers and artists to out-of-state universities. Others worried that they might penalize students from less-affluent districts.
"It seems a little odd that the requirement is not to get to a certain place in math," said regent David Nevins, alluding to the senior-year requirement.