Math Placement

Alright so big/ stupid mistake on my part but I didn’t realize you weren’t supposed to use notes on the placement exam until my friends were talking about theirs today. Anyway, I took the exam, skipped the questions I didn’t know and went back to my notes from precalc to answer a few that I forgot a step or two for. I got over a 75 so my placement is in the highest level which obviously shouldn’t be the case considering the highest class I took in HS was precalc. I think for my major I need calc 1 but what should I do/ should I take it another time with no notes and see what happens?? Thanks

You can address your concerns with your advisor you will meet with at NSO. Just FYI calculus at UD is one of the toughest courses freshman year. Even if a student has taken AP Calculus A and B in HS the course can very tough. . They cover the content from the these AP classes by mid semester and then everything after this will be more advanced. Most students who think they can “coast thru” calculus at UD will probably find themselves to be sadly mistaken. Good luck.

I would retake it. I did that the first time, and then talked to a counselor who said it would be a real struggle to be in because I just completed Precalc as well. You can always double up on math courses or take a few during winter or summer semester.

I believe you can take the test up to three times… Both of my kids are NOT math kids… Calc is VERY hard at UD… especially if you are like my kids and in a business track… most engineering kids have an inclination towards math anyway but at UD their math requirements for business are above and beyond most schools with no business track calc course. That being said… my kids did NOT take precalc in high school so they took it at UD… they did fine in it. if you took precalc in high school and come from a relatively competitive high school AND got an A or high B in your precalc there is a good chance you should be “ok” in Calc at UD. You will have to work your tail off and even kids who took AP Calc have to work. Both of my kids took Calc at our local community college over the summer since it’s not their strong suit. Try the test again without notes and see how you fare. Chances are if you took precalc already you will should be ready to move forward.

if math is not your thing, you might consider taking whatever requirement online at delaware tech. A bit easier, and you can go at your own pace. You can also have a tutor help you…My D did this and it was a good move for her

If you took precalc in high school and have a good understanding of the subject then you will be okay in calculus. If you have a choice between 221/241 for your major you should take 221 with Georgia Pyrros. She is awesome and very helpful in her office hours. You can also use this summer to review some precalc to gain some more confidence. Good luck and don’t worry!