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Math Placement and Prerequisites for Math Courses

Depending on a student’s program of study and level of skill in mathematics, he or she will take different math courses. Once a student has determined what math course(s) is/are required for the program of study, the student will need to determine if he or she meets the prerequisite or if additional coursework is required. The flow charts on the next page may help in planning. Where a student starts in the sequence will depend upon the prerequisites he or she meets and/or how he or she scores on the CLC Math Placement Test. Students should see an advisor early in their program to help plan their coursework.

 The important thing to remember about placement and prerequisites is that the prerequisite for each course has been developed with the sole purpose of ensuring that students have the skills they need to be successful in the courses they select.

CLC has two types of requirements that affect enrollment in math courses.

1) Basic Algebra Readiness: Incoming students will need to demonstrate Basic Algebra Readiness before enrolling in certain courses at CLC. These courses may be in math or other science or technology-related fields. Basic Algebra Readiness means that a student possesses a certain level of competency in arithmetic, which includes problem solving involving integers, fractions, ratios, decimals and percentages.

2) Prerequisites: Students must also demonstrate that they meet the mathematics prerequisite for the specific course they wish to take. The best way to identify the prerequisite for a specific math course is to read the course description. . Each course description includes the prerequisite requirements that apply.

 In general, keep these guidelines in mind:

•  For many math courses, the prerequisite may be met all or in part by achieving an acceptable score on the math portion of the SAT or ACT tests.

•  For many math courses, the prerequisite may be met by achieving an acceptable score on the CLC Math Placement Test.

•  Some college-level math courses require Geometry Proficiency. Geometry Proficiency may be demonstrated by any of the following:

  1. Submitting a high school transcript showing a C or better in one year of high school geometry or by earning a C or better in Math 1, Math 2 and Math 3

  2. Earning a C or better in MTH 104 (Geometry), MTH 105 (Preparatory Mathematics for General Education) or MTH 108 (Intermediate Algebra) or MTH 122 (College Algebra)

  3. Earning a Math ACT score of 22 or higher or a Math SAT score of 530 or higher

•  The prerequisites for Contemporary Mathematics (MTH 140), Quantitative Literacy (MTH 141) and General Education Statistics (MTH 142) may also be met by an evaluation of a high school transcript. The prerequisites may be met by submitting a high school transcript showing:

  1. Two years of high school algebra (Algebra I and Algebra II) with a grade of C or better in all semesters and Basic Algebra Readiness

  2. Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3 with a grade of C or better in all semesters in all semesters and Basic Algebra Readiness

  3. A cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and a C or better in an approved 4th year math class

  4. Code TM002 indicating completion of an appropriate Transitional High School Math course (expires after 18 months)

•  Previous college coursework may also fulfill prerequisites.

 CLC Math Courses by Program of Study

The math course(s) you take can depend on your field of interest, program of study, intended major and potential transfer school. The following charts may help you determine the math course(s) you take. See the college catalog for the prerequisites required. It is strongly recommended that you see a College and Career Navigator or Academic Success Advisor to help you select the most appropriate course(s) to meet your academic goal.

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 ACT MATH SCORES

For many math courses, the prerequisite may be met by achieving an acceptable score on the math section of the ACT test.

The pyramid is designed to show that students with a certain ACT Math Section score may enroll in courses at or below the indicated score level. See a College and Career Navigator or an Academic Success Advisor to help determine which math course is appropriate for your program of study.

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 SAT MATH SCORES (SAT STARTING IN MARCH 2016)

For many math courses, the prerequisite may be met by achieving an acceptable score on the math section of the SAT test.

The pyramid is designed to show that students with a certain SAT Math Section score may enroll in courses at or below the indicated score level. See a College and Career Navigator or an Academic Success Advisor to help determine which math course is appropriate for your program of study.

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