Math Pathways Exploration

Math pathways show students how to align their math coursework options to career interests and relevant programs of study in college.

Follow the prompts to choose what grade you’re in and what math class you’re taking now. If you’re planning for college, pick the math course you want to prepare for. This tool helps you see how each math class connects to the next one, getting you ready for what’s ahead.

These Pathways Help Student Be Strategic By:

• Suggesting four years of high school math. Studies show that students who take four years of high school math are more likely to succeed in college.
• Helping to qualify for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship (SDOS) is a fantastic way to help pay for college. In addition to an ACT score of 24 or higher, there are high school course requirements, which include taking four years of advanced math. *Taking Algebra I as a freshman or earlier is critical to being on the path toward SDOS eligibility. Learn more here.*
• Recommending High School Dual Credit when possible. High School Dual Credit (HSDC) or Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recommended when possible. If you successfully complete these courses, you do not need to take them again in college!

A Note About College Math Placement

Preparatory math coursework in middle and high school is not the only determinant of which math class you will be ready to take in college. College math placement can also include factors such as GPA, assessment scores (such as ACT, Accuplacer, ALEKS, etc.), or math index score.

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship

Students who meet eligibility requirements, which include taking four mathematics units in high school including Algebra 1 and three advanced math courses, could receive up to a $7,500 scholarship over four years from any university, college, or technical college in South Dakota that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

South Dakota Center for Virtual Education

Not every middle and high school offers every course included on the math pathways. When a desired course is not offered, students should discuss other opportunities with their high school counselor, including access to that specific course through the South Dakota Center for Virtual Education.