A prerequisite is a requirement that must be fulfilled before you can take another course or enter a program. In education, it usually refers to a course or condition that you must complete successfully before enrolling in a more advanced course or starting a specific major

. Key points about prerequisites:

• They ensure you have the necessary foundational knowledge or skills before moving on to higher-level courses. For example, you must complete Calculus I before taking Calculus II, or an introductory psychology course before an advanced psychology class

• Prerequisites are often part of the same degree program and do not typically extend the time needed to graduate, unless you switch majors or need to take extra courses due to placement tests or missing prior knowledge

• They can be courses taken in high school to prepare for college-level work or lower-level college courses required before advancing to upper-level classes

• Prerequisites differ from admission requirements; the former relates to course progression, while the latter pertains to entry into a program

In summary, prerequisites are necessary stepping stones designed to prepare students adequately for more challenging coursework or program entry