Math Skills and Placement

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Saint Louis University uses several methods to ensure students are placed in the appropriate level.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Saint Louis University uses several methods to ensure students are placed into the correct mathematics coursework.

Math Placement 

Students are required to take a math placement test to help determine appropriate placement for their first math course at Saint Louis University. Incoming students should take the math placement test before they register for courses (before May 1 is strongly recommended). This placement test is linked in the Math Placement Canvas Course, and is given through ALEKS. 

Retaking the math placement test:

• Students may retake the math placement test before they register for their classes.This may require additional work in ALEKS. 
• Students may retake the math placement test during the first week of their initial class if recommended by their instructor, the course coordinator, or the chair of the department of Mathematics and Statistics
• Students may not retake the placement test after taking course work at Saint Louis University. Exceptions to this rule require departmental approval.

Other Placement Criteria 

The placement test is used for the initial placement. Placement will be adjusted automatically based on the following:

AP Credit

• A score of 4 on the Precalculus test gives credit for MATH 1400 Precalculus and Placement in MATH 1510 Calculus I.
• A score of 4 on the AB Calculus Exam gives credit for MATH 1510 Calculus I and Placement in MATH 1520 Calculus II.
• A score of 4 on the BC Calculus Exam gives credit for MATH 1510 Calculus I and MATH 1520 Calculus II, and Placement in MATH 2530 Calculus III (or other courses with a prerequisite of Calculus II or below).
• A score of 4 on the Statistics Exam gives credit for STAT 1300.

IB Credit

• A score of 5 on Analysis & Approaches (HL) provides credit for MATH 1510 Calculus I and placement in MATH 1520 Calculus II.
• A score of 5 on Applications & Interpretation (HL) provides credit for STAT 1300.

Dual Credit

High school students who have completed college level coursework via dual-enrollment programs may receive university credits for them. Placement may be adjusted accordingly if the course was completed in the previous 18 months (otherwise the math placement test needs to be used for placement).

Transfer Credit

Students can receive transfer credit as long as their courses come from an accredited college or university. In addition, to be eligible to transfer, the course must have been completed with a letter grade of C or above. Placement may be adjusted accordingly if the course was completed in the previous 18 months (otherwise the math placement test needs to be used for placement).

AP Calculus Test