Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement

In order to be consistent and fair to everyone, the department adheres to established guidelines for mathematics placement. If you have questions about the procedures, please read this sheet first. For a list of topics on the math placement exam, to look up what the course codes mean or to see the course sequencing, click here.

Note 1: For main campus students ONLY:  if the placement exam is not taken online on, before or during your Orientation day, then the exam must be taken on campus at the Testing Center with a referral from the Math Counseling office, 250 Math Building.  Regional campus students should confer with their academic advisor.

Note 2:  After obtaining a referral from the Math Counseling Office, students with disabilities should contact the Ohio State Office for Disability Services, (614) 292-3307, to make alternate arrangements for taking any math exam.

Note 3: If you placed into calculus (course code L), this information does not apply to you. See instead the Calculus Options. If you took one of the AP calculus exams, refer to AP credit information.

  1. If you are sure that you know more math than the course code indicates, can you take the skills assessment test again to do better?

    2. No, you may not retake the skills assessment test, but you may take a proficiency exam for the course of your initial placement. This exam is similar to final exam, and a score of 70% or higher is required for consideration for being moved ahead. You may take an exam only once for any course.

    • For new students coming to Main Campus during Autumn quarter, these tests are given Monday and Tuesday prior to the beginning of Autumn quarter. Advance registration is necessary and students may register for the exams online here.

    • For new students coming to Main Campus for Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters or students who are currently enrolled in classes at OSU, these tests are available throughout the quarter. Click here for information about how to take and which courses are available for proficiency testing.

    • EM credit for courses beyond Math 104 will be awarded for scores of 80% or better. There is a fee imposed by the Registrar's Office for EM exams.

    • Students attending a regional campus should meet with an academic advisor for more information.

  2. Are you allowed to take a class higher than the course code indicates without taking another exam?

      3. Generally not. In particular, courses taken in high school or good SAT/ACT scores do not override the placement score. You must register for classes in accordance with your course code level. There is only one exception:

      • if you placed at level M (see question 6).

  3. If you took the Math B skills assessment test and placed into 148 (course code N), the highest course code possible on the B test, then what options do you have to move ahead?

      4. You have two options:

      • you can take the 148 proficiency exam (see question 1),
      • you can take the precalculus skills assessment (D test), if you were invited to do so upon completion of the B test. It will be necessary to take the D test at orientation.

  4. If you placed into 148 from the D test (Course code N), do you have the same options as listed in question #3?

      5. You have only one option:

      • take the 148 proficiency exam (see question 1)

  5. If you took the Math B skills assessment test, and have a higher ACT or SAT score that was not reported to Ohio State, what should you do?

      6. If your unreported ACT math score is 25 or higher (SAT math score of 570 or higher), you are eligible to take the Math D test. If you have an unreported score, contact the Office of Testing at (614) 292-2241 (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekdays), prior to completing the Math Skills Assessment.

  6. If you took the Math D test and placed at course code M, can you skip Math 150 and start in 151.xx?

      7. You may consult with a mathematics faculty member at your summer orientation to ask for permission for Math 151.xx. In this special situation only, factors besides your skills assessment test score are taken into account. The faculty member will also explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of level M students taking calculus. If you fail 151.xx Autumn quarter, you revert back to your original placement for Winter (i.e. take 150).  If you did not enroll in math Autumn quarter of freshman year, then you must take Math 150 or 130 Winter quarter or beyond.

  7. If you enrolled in a math course this summer at another college or university, can this affect your placement?

      8. Yes, if the class is equivalent to a course offered at Ohio State. You should fax (614-292-0167) or bring to 250 Math Building a copy of your Transfer Credit Report and detailed syllabi for further evaluation or while your final transcript is in transit, fax a copy of our grade and detailed syllabus. Be sure it contains your name, the name of the institution, the course number, your grade and the course that you desire on your schedule.  The Math Counselors will attempt to put you into the course.

  8. If you succeed on the test to advance to a higher level, will there be room for you to get into a higher math class? How about a science class?

      9. Most likely, you will be able to get into a higher math class, although it might necessitate some schedule changes. However, it is difficult to add science classes late, due to lab space limitations.

  9. If you can't be here to take the proficiency exams on the Monday or Tuesday before classes, can you test earlier in the summer, or after classes begin?

      10. It is not possible to take the test prior to Monday before classes begin. However, you may also test after the quarter begins, although this may result in delays in adjusting your schedule. Information on testing after classes have begun is available from the Math Counseling Office, 250 Math Bldg or by clicking here.