Math Is Too Hard

A working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that many students who enter college anticipating a math or science major switch to a non-technical major after being dissatisfied with their grades.

Researchers Ralph Stinebrickner (Berea College) and Todd R. Stinebrickner (University of Western Ontario) found that students expected to do more work as a math or science major, they just weren't prepared for that hard work not paying off in the form of high marks.

The Stinebrickners conclude:

If more science graduates are desired, the findings suggest the importance of policies at younger ages that lead students to enter college better prepared to study science. 

Read the Wall Street Journal's coverage or the working paper.