Mathmatics Placement Testing
Test Decriptions
Test Dates
AP Calculus Credit
Who Takes the Math Placement Exam
Sample Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements to Enroll in Math Classes
Requirements

Math 3C: Precalculus
Math 3C is the precalculus course for those intending to take Math 10A. Students planning to take Math 3C are not required to take the MPE; however, they are encouraged to take the MPE for the diagnostic assistance in assessing their mathematics background for UCSD mathematics courses. Students should have at least 3 years of high school mathematics up through the course sometimes called Intermediate Algebra or Second Year Algebra. Trigonometry is not required as background for this course but you should have some introduction to trigonometry. Any student with background less than this or scoring very low on the MPE should consider taking Intermediate Algebra at a community college prior to Math 3C. Math 3C is usually offered only in the fall and winter quarters.

Math 4C: Precalculus for Science and Engineering
Math 4C is the precalculus course for those intending to take Math 20A. Students must take the MPE to qualify for Math 4C. Students should have at least 3 years of high school mathematics including trigonometry as preparation for this course. Math 4C is offered only in the fall quarter.

Math 20A: Calculus for Science and Engineering
Math 20A is a beginning calculus course for students with a mathematics background that has specifically prepared them for calculus. Such preparation should include a Precalculus or Mathematical Analysis course. The Math 20/21 course sequence satisfies mathematics prerequisites for all majors, in particular chemistry, cognitive science, engineering, management science, mathematics, molecular biology, physics, and other physical sciences.

In order to enroll in Math 20A, one of the following conditions must be met:

  • The student qualifies on the MPE; OR
  • The student has a score of 2 or 3 on the AP Level AB (or AB subscore) Calculus Test; OR
  • The student has a grade of B or better in Math 4C. High school and community college precalculus courses may not be used to qualify for Math 20A.

Students with AP scores of at least 4 or transfer credit for Math 20A may not take Math 20A for credit.

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Math 10A: Calculus
In order to enroll in Math 10A, one of the following conditions must be met:

  • The student qualifies on the MPE; OR
  • The student has a score of 2 on the AP
  • The student has a grade of C or better in Math 3C and qualifies for Math 10A on the MPE

Math 10A,B&C are calculus courses which meet minimum requirements for some majors other than those listed under Math 20A. You should consult the UCSD General Catalog to determine the mathematics requirements for your academic major. Math 10A,B&C will also meet the general education requirements of most of the UCSD colleges. Math 10A is the first course in this sequence.

Students with credit for Math 20A may not take Math 10A for credit. If you received credit for Math 10A by AP score you may not take the Math 10A course for credit

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Math 10B/C Calculus and Math 20B/21C Calculus for Science and Engineering:
There is no enforced prerequisite for Math 10B/C or Math 20B/21C. However, if you receive credit for any of these courses through AP score or transferable coursework you may not retake the courses for credit. Also, if you take Math 20B (or 21C) without receiving credit for Math 20A (or 20B) you may not then take Math 20A (or 20B) for credit. The same is true for the Math 10 courses.

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