Math Placement Information

Placement
The main objectives for advising students taking math courses are to: 
  1. determine the developmental math status of the student; 
  2. determine the level of courses they are prepared to take; 
  3. determine which courses they should take; and 
  4. help students get registered. 
Developmental Math Status
The Texas Success Initiative requires the university to provide mathematical development for students who earn below a 950 or a Diagnostic Level 6 on the TSI assessment in Math. Students identified in this way are called Developmental Math Students and are required to register in designated corequisite sections alongside their college level math courses. 

Students move from Developmental Math status to College Level Math by scoring 950+ or Diagnostic Level 6 on the MATH TSI assessment or passing a college-level Mathematics course. 

The Placement Process
Initial placement in MATH courses is based on multiple measures. The overall placement is the highest resulting placement from the individual criteria that includes: 
  • Math TSI Score 
  • SAT Mathematics Score 
  • ACT Math Score 
  • Precalculus or Calculus in High School with a grade of C (70) or higher 
  • Previous College/University Credit in MATH courses 
  • Local Placement Test 
MATH Placement Grid
Use this grid to find the best course of action for you:

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Local Placement Exam
The Office of Academic Testing administers local Math course placement exams. The Algebra & Core Test and the Calculus Readiness Test are for the students who want to challenge their placement in a college-level math course. An outline of topics for the local placement exam is available. 

Notes: 

  1. Contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics with questions specific to the exam and about obtaining a referral to take the exam. 
  1. Contact the Office of Academic Testing with questions about appointment times or about special test accommodations for these exams.  
Registration
Prerequisites for MATH classes are as posted in the university catalog and are enforced through registration controls. Students incorrectly excluded from courses for which they have prerequisites should contact the Mathematics Program at 825-2459 or math@tamucc.edu and be prepared to show how they meet the prerequisites.