Key Dates
There are a limited number of seats available for Math 75. Students will be enrolled in the order in which their questionnaires are received.
Submit Enrollment Questionnaire: May 6-28, 2025
Enrollment Confirmed: May 30, 2025
First Day of Class & ASCEND Kickoff: June 30, 2025
Last Day of Class: July 25, 2025
Math 75: Precalculus and Metacognitive Skills is a virtual half-credit class that prepares incoming LIFE students for Math 105: Lab Calculus and Functions I and Math 111L: Laboratory Calculus 1.
Taught by Professor Suzanne Crifo, Math 75 is designed to strengthen students' precalculus skills, teach them to apply metacognitive strategies to support their learning, and to introduce them to important campus resources.
In collaboration with ASCEND, more experienced Duke students provide mentorship to help enrolled students transition to Duke's campus and college life. The course is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory to allow students to learn and earn graduation credit in a risk-free environment.
DukeLIFE invites select students to enroll in Math 75 based on their high school academic achievement.
Sample Week
Math 75 will meet synchronously on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EDT. In addition to the 3 hours spent in class sessions, students will dedicate 6 hours to activities outside of class. You should expect to do the following over the course of each week:
- Watch short, content-based videos and/or read articles on the science of learning
- Complete short online quizzes to assess your understanding of the videos and reflect on the articles
- Meet with Prof. Crifo and your classmates to dive deeper into concepts, work on challenging problems, and discuss with peers
- Reflect on class, identifying what you've learned and your muddiest point
- Attend Student Hours to meet one-on-one with Prof. Crifo and your learning coach
- Demonstrate your progress through a final assessment
FAQ
Every Trinity student must complete two Quantitative and Computational Reasoning courses. Math 75 is excellent preparation for these courses.
Trinity’s undergraduate curriculum exposes students to the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Many Duke students find new interests along the way, sometimes leading them to major, double major, or minor in fields they hadn’t initially considered–some of which may require advanced math. Math 75 helps you stay prepared for these possibilities, ensuring you have the flexibility to pursue new academic interests or career goals.
We designed the ASCEND experience to provide an early learning experience that helps you acclimate to Duke. The mentorship you receive from your ASCEND Coach and the relationships you form with other members of the class of 2029 will allow you to learn about the campus culture and build a network of peers.
No, there is no cost to enroll. All students will receive financial aid covering tuition and student health insurance.
Enrolling in Math 75 will not affect your financial aid eligibility for future summer terms.
Enrolled students need access to a computer and the internet. Other course materials will be provided at no cost to students.
Yes, the course is designed to accommodate students working or participating in other summer activities.
In addition to the three hours spent in class each week (Mondays and Wednesday, 11 AM - 12:30 PM EDT), you should expect to spend 6 hours per week on assignments and meeting with your instructor, coaches, and peers. Additionally, you'll meet with your ASCEND coach and group for 1-2 hours per week.