Low Score on Math Placement Exam - Options?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Davis
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<p>My son scored a bit too low to get into any of the MAT12 - 21A.
According to the suggested schedule for ChemE freshman, he is supposed to start with 21A.</p>

<p>Should he just not take a math this Fall and add another GE class to his schedule so that everything he takes applies towards graduation vs. taking the remedial maths that do not?</p>

<p>He has two chances to take the Math Placement Exam in the Fall, and he might get another chance at orientation next week. He did take the test cold, said it was hard and that he is not great in math anyway. I think if he would have looked at the study guides provided or read some of the posts here about it, he would have been better prepared - maybe!</p>

<p>I understand that he can get some counseling (if he reaches out for help) in math at the school in the Fall to work on bettering his score on the math placement exam to get a 35 (He got 22 + 3 Trig). </p>

<p>But maybe the remedial math classes would be a better avenue for getting stronger in math?
Would it be too much for him to take Chem 2A, two GE that count towards graduation in any major, and the remediation math? He was also going to take a 1 credit class on the different types of engineering since he is still trying to figure out if he wants to be an chemical engineer or ?</p>

<p>I am sure he will get guidance at engineering orientation, but thought I would also ask here. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Honestly, I would have him take whatever math he was placed in. If he can take the placement again and at least score high enough for precal, that will help a bit. Even if he does have the skills to go straight to calculus and his results were a result of not having a proper refresher on math, it’s better to be more prepared than to go in with a shaky foundation, right? </p>

<p>Definitely do talk to advisers though. They’ll be able to give an answer that’s more specific to your son, as opposed to the general advice you’d get here.</p>

<p>As far as classes in the fall, my suggestion would be to consider dropping one of the GEs. It depends on the GE classes in question though, and the professors.</p>