Mathematics Placement Exam Information

NEW! Click here to register for the Math Placement Exam

Special Accommodations

The Mathematics Department administers the CSU/UC Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project exam at the beginning of each quarter and on Fridays each quarter. Note that Friday exams require preregistration. Check the exam schedule to see times and locations. Please go to the Math Placement Exam Registration website to register. Exams near the beginning or end of a quarter fill quickly, so register early. If you have questions or need to make changes to your registration information, please email mathprg@math.ucsc.edu.

The 90-minute, 60 question, multiple-choice exam covers algebra and some geometry and trigonometry. We have found that it accurately assesses a student's level of preparation and is a good tool to determine which course a student should enroll in to be at the best level for their success. As students may not enroll in a course above where they test, it also guarantees that each course will have students basically at the same level of preparation and allows the courses to flow smoothly. A lot of material is covered in the ten-week quarter and there is no time to fill in gaps; we require students to have a firm foundation before they continue their math studies.

You may retake the exam if you feel that your initial score does not reflect your math knowledge. The online enrollment system reads the highest score. Scores are valid for one year after taking the exam. Use the study guide and practice exam to determine which topics on the exam you have already studied, and review those topics thoroughly. A precalculus text (from a library, bookstore, friend, or your own previous textbook, for example) will cover most of the material on the exam.

Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to the scheduled time for the exam. Exams start promptly at the time listed, and we need time to give you instructions, so you will not be allowed in if you don't arrive early. Exam schedules are provided in the quarterly "Schedule of Classes" and at the Math web site.

* Arrive 10 minutes early for evening and early Fall exams. These have no preregistration.
* Preregister for Friday exams by going to the Math Placement Exam Registration website.
* If your score does not show up on the web before instruction begins, attend the course you think you are qualified for. You won't be able to enroll until at least a day or two after you can view your score, so please be patient.

No calculators are allowed on the exam. Please bring two sharpened #2 pencils and a photo ID. We check the name on your exam against the name on your photo ID at the end of the exam. We provide scratch paper. Scores are recorded by your 7-digit student ID number, so make sure you know it. If you do not have one, you will be instructed what to do at the exam. We give you a handout at the exam that tells you when and where to look for your scores. It shows which course you may enroll in, based on your score (see below). In some cases it is crucial for you to know which course your major requires (for example, Computer Science will only accept Math 19A & B, not Math 11A & B). Be sure to check with advisors in the appropriate departments for specific information on major requirements.

You are exempt from taking the placement exam if:

• You have passed the AP calculus AB or BC exam with at least a score of 3, or passed the IB Maths HL exam with a score of at least 5. (You must verify your score with your major department.)
• You have passed a precalculus course at an accredited two or four year college or university. (See the transfer credit information on the Mathematics web site.) Note: You must verify course completion with the mathematics office staff.

Special Accomodations

If you have disability-related needs that require special accommodations, the Mathematics Department requires one of the following:

1. Active students must be registered with the Disability Resource Center, and must ask the DRC to provide certification to the Math Department. Contact the DRC at 459-2089.
   
2. Students who have not yet enrolled at UCSC, or who have withdrawn, must complete the Math Placement Examination Request for Testing Accommodations (PDF) form. Follow the instructions on the web site for submitting both the completed form and the required supporting documents.

Note: In order to make arrangements for your accommodation, the Math Department needs your request 2 weeks in advance of the scheduled examination date.

top of page