If I don't get a 5 on BC Calc can I still take math114 and get retroactive credit for math 104?

I think I’ll get a 5, but you never know. Is this an option?

No, if you don’t get a 5 you have to take 104. 104 is essentially end of AB+BC in 4 months with the BC parts more in depth.

Yes, you can. You’ll take the math diagnostic exam to place you into a math class, and even if that suggests 104 (or even 103), most advisors will allow the student to use his or her best judgment and use the diagnostic just as a recommendation.



A bit of an aside…There are also students who skip 114 and go straight to 240 (getting retroactive credit for 114, and in your case, 104 as well) because they think 240 will be easier as they think linear algebra is easier than Stokes Theorem, etc (which I’d agree it is). However, I would not recommend doing this as you will be at a disadvantage for the second half of the class on differential equations (not that you necessarily need 114 content but I’ve heard many of these students who skipped 114 struggle with this topic more than the average 240 student). Personally, I think Penn has to get rid of this retroactive credit policy because it seems to be causing students to skip courses they shouldn’t be skipping. I think the “AP” exams they have at the beginning of each semester is a much better way of giving credit for classes.

Sorry @MYOS1634 , but @WhartonPenn2017 is correct ; one can take the departmental exam at the beginning of the semester. But really, just wait until your scores come out, as this discussion may be moot.

Agreed.

No need to be sorry, I apologize I’d forgotten about the exams!

Also to clarify…@jake990 you don’t need to take the department exam at the start of the semester. You can just take 114 and get retroactive credit for 104.

Thank you so much @WhartonPenn2017 ! This is what I was wondering! The issue though still is that if, lets say, physics150 lists math104 as a prerequisite, can I still skip 104, take 114 and physics 150? Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!

Yes, you can use the 104 credit just like anyone else regardless if they took the class, placed out, got retroactive credit, or got a 5 on the BC exam. Also, most of the time, no one is going to stop you from enrolling without the prereqs. It’s just not a smart thing to jump into a class you aren’t prepared for.