Which Calculus Should I Take?
If you plan to take Calculus but aren't sure where you should start, we strongly recommend taking the ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment. ALEKS is a self-diagnostic knowledge check that will help gauge your preparation. The assessment in ALEKS should be taken without use of any outside tools including AI. Only use the resources provided to you by ALEKS. Your score on the ALEKS assessment is for your benefit only and does not affect your ability to register for any MATH course. Along with your ALEKS results, here are some general guidelines to help you decide:
- MATH 1150 (Long Calculus I): You’ve taken precalculus or similar courses in high school but don’t feel comfortable jumping into calculus without a review. MATH 1150 is recommended for students who score between 55 and 64 on their initial ALEKS assessment. Such students should select the Prep for Precalculus Module in ALEKS and work through it over the summer, with the aim of increasing their assessment score by 5 points before the semester begins.
- MATH 1210 (Calculus I): You’ve taken precalculus or equivalent courses and feel ready for Calculus I. This is also a good option if you’ve taken AB Calculus but scored below a 4 on the AP exam. MATH 1210 is recommended for students who score between 65 and 84 on their initial ALEKS assessment or who score 85 or above but have had no prior exposure to calculus. Such students should select the Prep for Calculus 1 Module in ALEKS and work through it over the summer, with the aim of increasing their assessment score by 5 points before the semester begins.
- MATH 1310 (Consolidated Calculus): You’ve taken AB or BC Calculus and did well, but you don’t have AP or dual enrollment credits to transfer. You feel confident enough to cover Calculus I and II in a single semester (and get credit for both after earning a B- or better). MATH 1310 is recommended for students who score 85 or above on their initial ALEKS assessment and who have taken some calculus in high school, but have not earned credit for Calculus I. Such students should select the Prep for Calculus 2 Module in ALEKS and work through it over the summer, with the aim of increasing their assessment score and solidifying their understanding of what they have learned about calculus in high school before the semester begins.
- MATH 1220 (Calculus II): You’ve earned dual enrollment or AP credit for Calculus I (MATH 1210) by scoring a 4 or 5 on the AB exam or 4 or 5 on the AB portion of the BC exam.
- MATH 2210 (Calculus III): You’ve earned dual enrollment or AP credit for Calculus I (MATH 1210) and Calculus II (MATH 1220) by scoring a 4 or 5 on the BC Calculus exam.
