Introduction

Which mathematical topics do students need most when entering college?

This question proves to be complex as there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The level of preparation varies widely among students, influenced by ever-evolving learning technologies and cultures, as well as shifting demands from both the job market and academia.

Indeed, pre-college preparation has become an intricate puzzle. For instance, traditional subjects such as algebra or geometry are increasingly being supplemented or even replaced with contemporary courses in statistics, data science, and computer science. This evolution, while necessary, often leaves gaps in the basic mathematical understanding of students.

Moreover, the landscape of learning technologies has experienced remarkable change. Tech companies, publishers, online educational organizations, and even app and game developers now play prominent roles in this sector - a slice of the economy which, three decades ago, was primarily governed by schools and universities. The recent pandemic only exacerbated this trend, prompting many educational institutions to outsource significant portions of their teaching responsibilities to external entities.

Adding another layer to this intricate situation, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a serious player in education since the spring of 2022. Initially, the focus in innovation was on virtual reality, massive online learning, and 3D printing, but now, attention has shifted also towards machines that generate content - text, images, and more - leveraging advanced technologies like large language models and deep learning. The future of education, it seems, will increasingly intertwine with the advancement of AI.