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Math Placement

A number of Oswego majors require a calculus-based or applied business math course (MAT 104, 120, 208 or 210). Before attending Orientation, some incoming students need to take a math placement exam to ensure they are able to complete these courses with satisfactory grades. 

  • Your major is on the Math Placement Exam list or
  • You are an incoming EOP student or
  • You are currently undeclared but are interested in a major that is listed. If this is the case, contact the Math Placement Coordinator at [email protected] 

  • Incoming students: the exam must be taken as soon as possible and also prior to registering for an Orientation program. Your advisor will be utilizing this score to appropriately place you in a Math course. 
  • Returning students: A score must be uploaded before you can register. Test scores are uploaded overnight. If you complete the test before 5pm you will be able to register after 9am the following day.

Exemptions

You are exempt from the ALEKS PPL math placement exam if you have completed the prerequisite course with a grade of D- or higher for college credit. While a grade in the D range in a prerequisite course allows you to advance to the next course, this grade indicates that the student’s performance was unsatisfactory. In this case, it is very likely you will fail the next course and may wish to repeat the prerequisite course to better prepare for the next course. We encourage you to consult with your academic advisor in this situation.

Prerequisite Course Credit Transfer

If you have already completed the prerequisite course at another institution, credit for the prerequisite must be evaluated and applied to your degree audit before you will be allowed to register. Oswego must have an official transcript on file showing that you have passed the prerequisite course before you will be permitted to register in the next class. If you need a waiver, please email [email protected].

What does my score mean?

Course Pre-requisite and Exam Score for Each Course
*MAX 100 Basic Mathematics No prerequisite, strongly recommended for ALEKS scores in the range of 0-29.
MAT 101 Intermediate Algebra No prerequisite, strongly recommended for ALEKS scores in the range of 30-45.
MAT 104 College Algebra  College credit in MAT 101 or the equivalent from another institution or ALEKS score of 46 or higher
MAT 120 Precalculus College credit for MAT 104 or ALEKS score of 61 or higher
MAT 208 Mathematical Applications for Business and Management College credit for MAT 104 or ALEKS score of 61 or higher
MAT 210 Calculus I College credit for MAT 120 or ALEKS score of 76 or higher

*Note: If you have placed in MAX 100, be aware this course does not carry college credit towards your degree. 

 

If you believe that you were placed in a course lower than your math background indicates, we strongly encourage you to utilize the Prep and Learning Module and retake the ALEKS PPL placement test to improve your placement.  This will enable you to complete your degree requirements on a more appropriate timeline.

First-Year Students

If you plan to receive AP credit for Calculus or are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at another institution, you should inform your advisor as soon as possible. After doing so you will need to complete the math placement waiver form. Please contact [email protected].  

If your AP score is below a 3 you will need to successfully complete the ALEKS placement in order to remain in the course for which you are registered. 

Transfer Students

If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at another institution you should inform your advisor as soon as possible. After doing so you will need to complete the math placement waiver form. Please contact [email protected]

We will need the final transcript for the prerequisite course in order for you to remain in the course for which you are registered. 

Returning Students

You’ll be able to register for the next course but if you fail the prerequisite course, you'll be deregistered from that class and may need to take ALEKS PPL to re-register for your failed course. This may require the purchase of a new subscription. 

If you need to retake the exam, log into MyOswego and click on the Registration tab. There you will find the link to Math Placement. 

Information to Know