Course Codes and Placement Information


Mathematics Skills Assessment Test

MATHEMATICS SKILLS ASSESSMENT TESTS

There are two math skills assessment tests, B and D, which cover the topics listed below. The test questions on both exams are multiple choice, with no partial credit. Each test is 75 minutes long, and you may use any battery-operated calculator (including graphing calculators but not a QWERTY keyboard machine).

The D test is given to students with ACT Math scores of 25 or higher (SAT math scores of 570 or higher). It includes questions on intermediate and advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry and is designed primarily to indicate a student's readiness for calculus. This test has 25 problems. Students can place at Course Code L, M, N, or U (undetermined) from this test.

Click here for sample problems for the D Test.*

The B test is given to students with ACT Math scores of 24 or less (SAT math scores of 560 or less). It includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. This test has 40 problems. A student can place at Course Codes N, R, S, T, or U (undetermined), from the B test.

Click here for sample problems for the B Test.*

  • Most transfer students are required to take the B test. International transfer students would qualify to take the D test. Evaluation of deferred or general credit may exempt students from this test.
  • Students with a raw score 35 or higher on the B test automatically qualify for the D test. 
* These are practice problems similar to the types of problems that are on the Math Skills Assessment tests.

MATH SKILLS ASSESSMENT TEST TOPICS

MATH B TEST TOPICS

  1. Arithmetic of signed numbers, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, scientific notation
  2. The number line -- rational and real numbers
  3. Properties of numbers -- distributive property, prime factors, divisibility, order of operations, least common multiple, greatest common divisor
  4. Exponents -- integral and fractional exponents, laws of exponents, simplification of expressions containing exponents and radicals
  5. Applied problems and formulas -- word problems, percent, ratio and proportion, geometric formulas, units of measure
  6. Linear equations -- slope, intercepts, slope-intercept form, parallel lines, solving linear equations
  7. Solving linear inequalities and inequalities involving absolute value
  8. Graphing -- ordered pairs, linear equations and inequalities, parabolas, and other equations
  9. Pythagorean Theorem, distance in the plane, perimeter, area and basic properties of geometric figures including triangles, circles, and parallelograms
  10. Systems of equations in two and three variables, and applications
  11. Polynomials -- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
  12. Factoring -- common monomial factor, quadratics, by grouping
  13. Solving quadratic equations, complex numbers
  14. Simplifying rational expressions, complex fractions, solving fractional equations
  15. Logarithms and exponentials
  16. Right triangle trigonometry

MATH D TEST TOPICS

  1. Fundamental concepts of algebra -- including all topics on the B test listed above
  2. Equations and inequalities -- linear and quadratic equations, fractional equations, equations with radicals, equations quadratic in form, inequalities and sets, equations and inequalities in absolute value, quadratic inequalities, systems of two equations in two variables
  3. Functions -- coordinate systems, relations, one to one functions, domain and range, graphs of functions (expansions, contractions, translations and reflections), determination of symmetry and asymptotes, composite and inverse functions
  4. Quadratic functions (properties and graphs), graphs of polynomial functions of degree >2, rational functions (properties and graphs), conic sections (standard forms and graphs)
  5. Exponential and logarithmic functions, properties and graphs, solving log and exponential equations
  6. Right triangle trigonometry, angles, evaluation of trig and inverse trig functions
  7. General trigonometry, trig functions and their properties, evaluating trig functions, reference angles, graphs of trig and inverse trig functions, amplitutde, phase shift
  8. Analytic trigonometry, trig identities and equations, addition formulas and multiple angle formulas, sum and product formulas, law of sines and cosines, vectors
  9. Complex numbers, definition, conjugates, inverses, complex roots of equations, trig form of complex numbers, powers and roots of complex numbers, DeMoivre's theorem

Mathematics Course Codes

NOTE: This chart represents the general guidelines for math placements and exhibits the highest course in which students may enroll.


Math Course Code Natural Sciences,
Computer Sci., ENG, Pharm, Math,
Pre-Med., SBS-B.S., ASC-B.S.		 Business Majors Social Science,
Humanities
ASC-B.A.,
Arts Majors		 Education and Human Ecology
(most Majors)		 Agriculture
L-calculus 151 131 or 151a See Advisor

 See advisor
 131, 150, or 151
M-precalculus 150 or 151b 130,131b , 150 or 151b 116 or 150 See advisor
 131b or 150
N-college algebra 148 130 116, 130, or 148 105, 116, 130 or 148 130 or 148
R-intermediate algebra 104 104 116 104, 105, 116 104
S-elementary algebra 050 or 075 050 or 075 050 or 075 050 or 075 050 or 075
T-elementary algebra 050 050 050 050 050
U-undetermined level Needs to take the math placement test again on campus, preferably at Orientation.

a) Recommended by Business college.
b) By permission only. See questions 6 on the "Frequently Asked Questions about Mathematics Placement". Students who fail calculus Autumn quarter, must revert back to their original placement for Winter (i.e. 150 or 130).

MATH COURSE SEQUENCING CHART


*Math 104 can also serve as a prerequisite for Math 116, but 104 is NOT recommended for HUM and most SBS students.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students who receive a 3, 4, or 5 on the AB or BC Advanced Placement Math Test are to be congratulated! The table below lists the credit that the Math Department awards students based on their scores, as well as the recommended course of enrollment.

Score

Credit for:

Recommended Courses
AB-1
BC-1
AB-2
BC-2 		No credit
 Schedule per
placement test
results

AB-3

150, 151

 152*

AB-4

150, 151

152

AB-5

150, 151

161 or H161

BC-3

150, 151

161 or H161

BC-4,5

150, 151, 152

H190 or H161

For information about the courses listed above see the Calculus Options and Honors Opportunities.

Students who feel that H161 or H190 are appropriate course options should meet with the math faculty member available at orientation. They are also encouraged to complete the math honors questionnaire at math honors questionnaire.

* Special Note regarding Advanced Placement Score of AB3 :

 

AB3 students that express concern for registering for 152, may schedule for 151, without special permission from the Math Counselors.

**Special Note regarding Advanced Placement Score of AB1 or AB2:

You must schedule in accordance with your placement results. If you want an opportunity to move ahead, you may register for the Autumn Retest.

If you have unreported AP scores, the procedure for obtaining AP transcripts can be found here.

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: If the placement exam is not taken online prior to or on the day of your Orientation, then the exam must be taken on campus at the Testing Center with a referral from the Math Counseling office, 250 Math Building. The Testing Center is moving to West Campus in late August, so do NOT delay the test until the start of classes in Sept. or there will be the inconvenience of having to travel further.

Also Note: 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 $40.00 fee imposed by the Registrar's Office for EM exams.

    • Students attending an extended 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?

      7. You may consult with a mathematics faculty member at orientation to ask for permission for Math 151. 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 Autumn quarter, you revert back to your original placement for Winter (i.e. take 150).

  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.

  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.

Course Codes


Math Course Code L

Course Code L--eligible for calculus and/or honors

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session where you will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor and be advised on which course if most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code L on your math skills assessment, see the calculus options.*

      NOTE:

  • You will have the opportunity at orientation, should you choose, to consult with a Mathematics Department faculty member regarding your course selection.*
  • If you have taken the Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exam) in mathematics, your score on that exam might alter your placement. For information on how the Department of Mathematics awards credit for AP scores, go to the Advanced Placement Credit information. You will be receiving more information from the Mathematics Department once your AP scores are received.
  • If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office, as soon as possible, so that transfer credit may be awarded.  
* Not all of these options and sessions are available on the extended campuses. Please consult with an academic advisor on your campus.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.

  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.

  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.

Math Course Code M

Course Code M--eligible for calculus or precalculus

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session where you will get more information and advise on which course is most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code M on your math skills assessment, you have the following options:

  1. If you expected to start in calculus (Math 151, 117, or 131) and prefer that starting point rather than precalculus, them you will need to meet with the math faculty at orientation. You will receive more information at orientation as to the time and location of this session.* It should be noted that if a grade of E is received in Math 151, 117, or 131, then your subsequent scheduling will revert to your original placement, i.e. M (150 or 130).
  2. You are eligible for Math 150 (Precalculus).
  3. You are eligible for Math 130 (Mathematical Analysis for Business I).
  4. You are eligible for Math 116 (Excursions in Mathematics). Not available autumn quarter on main campus, but may be available on extended campuses.
  5. You are eligible for Math 105 (Foundations of Mathematics for Teachers).
NOTE:
  • If you have taken the Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exam) in mathematics, your score on that exam might alter your placement. To see how the Mathematics Department awards credit for AP scores, go to the Advanced Placement Credit information. You will be receiving more information from the Mathematics Department once your AP scores are received.

  • If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office, as soon as possible, so that transfer credit may be awarded.

*Not all of these options and sessions are available on the extended campuses. Please consult with an advisor on your extended campus as to the proceedure for moving into Calculus.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

     

  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.

     

  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.

     

  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.

Math Course Code N

Course Code N--eligible for college algebra

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session where you will get more information and advise on which course is most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code N on your math skills assessment, you have the following options:

  1. You are eligible for Math 148 (Algebra and Trigonometry with Applications).
  2. You are eligible for Math 130 (Mathematical Analysis for Business I).
  3. You are eligible for Math 116 (Excursions in Mathematics).*
  4. You are eligible for Math 105 (Fundamental Concepts for Teachers I)

    NOTE:
  • If you have taken the Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exam) in mathematics, your score on that exam might alter your placement. To see how the Mathematics Department awards credit for AP scores, go to the Advanced Placement Credit information. You will be receiving more information from the Mathematics Department once your AP scores are received.
  • If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office as soon as possible so that they can award transfer credit.

* Not available autumn quarter on main campus, but may be offered on some regional campuses in autumn.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.
  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.
  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.
  • If you would like to move to a higher placement level, refer to the Autumn Proficiency Test information. (Main Campus Only)

Math Course Code R

Course Code R--eligible for intermediate algebra

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session, where you will get more information and advise on which course is most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code R on your math skills assessment, you have the following options:

  1. You are eligible for Math 104 (Basic College Mathematics).
  2. You are eligible for Math 116 (Excursions in Mathematics).
  3. You are eligible for Math 105 (Fundamental Mathematics Concepts for Teachers I).

    NOTE: 
  • If you have taken the Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exam) in mathematics, your score on that exam might alter your placement. To see how the Mathematics Department awards credit for AP scores, go to the Advanced Placement Credit information. You will be receiving more information from the Mathematics Department once your AP scores are received. 
  • If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office, as soon as possible, so that transfer credit may be awarded.

    *Not available autumn quarter on main campus, but may be offered on some regional campuses.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.

  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.

  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.

  • If you would like to move to a higher placement level, refer to the Autumn Proficiency Test information (Main Campus Only) or consult with your advisor (extended campuses).

Math Course Code S

Course Code S--indicates a need for review of elementary algebra

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session where you will get more information and advise on which course is most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code S on your math skills assessment, you have the following options:

  1. You are eligible for Math 075 (Precollege Mathematics II).
  2. You are eligible for Math 050 (Precollege Mathematics I).
NOTE:  If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office, as soon as possible, so that transfer credit may be awarded. 
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.

  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.

  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.

  • If you would like to move to a higher placement level, refer to the Autumn Proficiency Test information (Main Campus Only) or consult with your advisor (regional campuses).

Math Course Code T

Course Code T--indicates a need for review of elementary algebra

This information is being provided to you so that you will be informed of your course options before you attend orientation. It is important that you read and understand the information contained here. If you have some general questions about your placement level, you should refer to the "Frequently Asked Questions About Mathematics Placement". If you have any further questions, write them down and bring them with you to your orientation session where you will get more information and advise on which course is most appropriate for your major. Feel free, for future reference, to bookmark or print out this page.

If you placed at Course Code T on your math skills assessment, you have the following option: 

  •     You are eligible for Math 050 (Precollege Mathematics I).

NOTE:  If you have transfer credit in mathematics from another university or college, this may allow you to schedule higher courses. This would include any coursework that you did at a university or college while you were still in high school. Please be sure to have your transcript sent to the Admissions Office, as soon as possible, so that transfer credit may be awarded.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.

  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.

  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.

  • If you would like to move to a higher placement level, refer to the Autumn Proficiency Test information (Main Campus Only) or consult your advisor (regional campuses).

Math Course Code U

Course Code U--indicates level undetermined

Thank you for taking the on-line Mathematics Skills Assessment. We would like to gather some additional math skills information before we determine your placement level. Therefore, you will be taking another Mathematics Assessment during your orientation program. Extended campus students should consult with an academic advisor on their campus regarding this. Columbus campus students should arrive at your assigned orientation check-in location no later than 7:30 a.m. on your assigned program day to complete this testing requirement. If your Columbus campus orientation program occurs between mid-June and mid-August, you may also complete this requirement by arriving at Morrill Tower between 2:30 and 3:30 on the day before your program. For other pre-program possibilities, please contact the Testing Office at (614) 292-2241.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
  • To see the requirements for your degree, please click here.
  • To see the prerequisite structure and sequencing for the math courses, please click here.
  • To see all of the course codes with suggested options for course selections by major area, please click here.