[edit] About Mathematics Placement

We invite and encourage all students to continue their study of the mathematical sciences at St. Olaf. Most students take a course in mathematics, statistics, or computer science to satisfy the general education Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning requirement. In addition, many majors require courses in mathematics or statistics.

[edit] Do I have to take the mathematics placement test?

For most students, the answer is yes. Even if you do not plan to study mathematics or statistics this year, you should complete the test because it will help you and your faculty adviser determine what courses you are prepared to take. (If you have taken Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or college courses in mathematics, you may not need to take the test; see below.)

Students interested in computer science should also fill out the Computer Science Placement Survey.

[edit] How do I take the placement test?

A link to the test is below, but read the rest of this page before beginning the test.

The placement test includes a 5-question background survey and 10 multiple choice mathematics questions. For students with at least a semester of calculus, the mathematics questions cover calculus. Other students are tested on algebra and functions. Most students complete the placement test in less than an hour, but there is no specific time limit.

You will need pencil and paper to work out the problems. Calculators are permitted but not necessary.

[edit] How do I receive a placement recommendation?

We combine results of the placement test and your admissions data to determine your placement recommendation. Immediately after finishing the test, you will receive a list of mathematics, statistics, and computer science courses for which you are prepared. See the Course Guide for more information.

You may review your recommendation at any time by clicking on Review My Recommendation in the box below.

[edit] Do I have to follow the placement recommendation?

No, but if you want to take a course we did not recommend, discuss the choice with your academic advisor or a mathematics, statistics, or computer science faculty member after you arrive on campus. We usually advise students to start in the most advanced course for which they may be qualified and drop back to a lower level if they find the course too difficult.

[edit] What if I took AP calculus, AP statistics, or IB mathematics?

You can receive course credit (and also satisfy the Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning requirement) if any of the following applies:

1. you scored 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, or AP Statistics exam;
2. you received an AB subscore of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam;
3. you scored 5 or above on the IB Mathematics HL exam.

To receive credit, you must arrange for your AP or IB score to be reported to St. Olaf. You may already have done so when you took the exam. If not, you can either request AP services to send your score, or you can send a copy of the score report you received to the Registrar.

If you took an AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam in May 2008, please wait until you receive your AP scores (usually in mid-July) to take the placement test. If you scored 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam, or received an AB subscore of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam, you do not need to take the placement test. We will send you a list of courses to consider. If you received a 4 or 5 on the AP Statistics exam and are certain that you will not study any mathematics or statistics at St. Olaf, you do not need to take the placement test. (If in doubt, take the test.)

For more details on St. Olaf’s AP and IB policy see http://www.stolaf.edu/offices/registrar/apexam.htm.

[edit] Can I get credit for work done at a college or university?

If you have completed a statistics, calculus, or more advanced mathematics course at a college or university, you may not need to take the placement test. You should have a transcript sent from the college or university to the Registrar at St. Olaf. Please also e-mail math-placement@stolaf.edu; include your name, your St. Olaf student number, and, for each course taken, the name of the course, the grade received, and the college or university where you took it. (Precalculus and college algebra courses do not need to be reported since St. Olaf does not award credit for these courses.) We will either send you information on the courses for which you are prepared or recommend that you take the placement test.

For more information on St. Olaf’s policy regarding credit for college work see http://www.stolaf.edu/offices/registrar/apexam.htm.

[edit] What if I have questions about math placement?

E-mail math-placement@stolaf.edu (include your name and St. Olaf student ID number) or call Kay Smith, Director of Mathematics Placement, at 507-786-3784 (leave a voice-mail message and contact number).