Do I need to be good at calculus before entering engineering?
You do not necessarily need to be good at calculus before entering engineering. However, many engineering fields use differentiation and integration in university courses, so reviewing the basics of high-school mathematics—functions, trigonometric functions, exponents and logarithms, and limits—can make learning easier. If you struggle, you may be able to catch up through remedial support or self-study. Because entrance-exam subjects and the pace after admission vary by university and department, check the official curriculum and pre-entry study guidance.
Key points
- Calculus is a foundation for many engineering subjects, including mechanics, electricity, and information-related courses.
- Understanding the meaning of formulas and graphs, and practicing basic calculations, is useful.
- Identify difficult topics early and review them using a textbook and basic exercises.
Things to check
- The required mathematics, course pace, and availability of learning support vary by university and department.