Getting started
Do I need to complete the math placement process?
All new undergraduate students should complete the math placement process. It takes less than 10 minutes and can help prevent delays when you schedule courses. Complete the process even if you are waiting for AP, IB, A-Level or transfer credit to be posted to your Ohio State record.
When should I complete the math placement process?
Complete the process at least two weeks before orientation so your placement is available when your academic advisor prepares for your course scheduling session.
What does my math placement level mean?
Your placement level helps determine which math courses you are eligible to take. It does not necessarily tell you which math course you should take. Your placement is one way Ohio State determines course eligibility. AP, IB, A-Level and transfer credit do not change the placement level you receive from the math placement platform, but they may make you eligible for additional or higher-level courses. Your academic advisor will consider your placement, applicable exam or transfer credit, intended major and other requirements when helping you choose a course. Your math placement may also affect your ability to enroll in non-math courses that have math prerequisites, including courses in areas such as engineering, biology and business.
What happens after I complete the math placement process?
Your placement level should appear within about one minute after you complete the process and will be added to your academic record. You do not need to choose a math course on your own before orientation. Your academic advisor will help you determine which course is appropriate.
Do all Ohio State campuses use the same process?
Yes. Students at all Ohio State campuses use the same math placement process.
Understanding your placement
How was my math placement level determined?
Your initial placement is based on your high school math course history and, when available, ACT or SAT mathematics scores. AP, IB, A-Level and transfer credit are not used by the math placement platform to determine your placement level, but may make you eligible for additional courses.
How long does it take for my placement level to appear?
You will have your placement level within a minute of completing the process. It will also be in your academic record.
Where can I view my placement level?
After completing the math placement process, you can log back into the math placement platform to view your placement level. Your placement level is also available in SIS and on your advising report.
What if I believe the Math Placement Platform has given me a placement that is too low?
You have several options. Consider which option is most appropriate to your individual situation:
- Check your Transfer Credit Evaluation — If your evaluation displays equivalent math credit, you are exempt from the MPP and should consult with your advisor to determine which math course is your best next step. If you have unevaluated math credit in your evaluation report, you may submit a request for that credit to be evaluated in-depth by the Math department. Note that this evaluation typically takes 3-4 weeks.
- Submit an official ACT/SAT score — If you have not officially submitted your ACT/SAT score, or if you have recently re-taken the ACT/SAT and earned a higher math subscore, then submitting your score may increase your math placement level. After your new official score is submitted, processed, and posted, you may request an MPP re-set and go through the MPP again. Note that the highest possible placement for the MPP is Calculus I. Scores must be from 2017 or later to be considered.
- Submit recognized test credit — Official submission of certain nationally or internationally recognized tests, including AP, IB, A-Level, and CLEP exams, can award credit for math courses at Ohio State. These exams are available from testing centers in the U.S. and internationally, and the CLEP is also available at Ohio State’s testing center. Once your test credit is officially submitted and processed, consult with your advisor to determine which math courses you are eligible for.
- Take a proficiency exam — Once on Ohio State campus students can take an in-person proficiency exam for the pre-requisite course(s) to their desired starting course. This approach is only recommended for students to move past Calculus 1 (our highest placement level) and is not recommended for students who wish to move up from a placement into Math 1050, 1075, 1148 or 1150.
AP, IB, A-Level, ACT, SAT and transfer credit
I'm waiting for AP, IB, A-Level or transfer credit. Should I wait to complete math placement?
No. Complete math placement before orientation even if your scores or transfer credit have not been posted. If you completed coursework at another college or university, including through College Credit Plus, make sure your official transcript has been sent to Ohio State.
What if my actual AP, IB or A-Level score is different than what I expected?
You do not need to complete math placement again. If you have not yet attended orientation, discuss the updated score with your academic advisor at orientation. If you have already attended orientation, contact your academic advisor for assistance.
I already completed the math placement process, but have a new or updated ACT or SAT score. What should I do?
Ensure that your updated score has been sent to Ohio State. After Ohio State receives the score, contact MathPlacement@osu.edu.
I already have calculus credit. Do I still need to complete the math placement process?
If your calculus credit has not yet been posted to your Ohio State record, or you are unsure whether it has been posted, complete the math placement process. Your placement level will not replace or lower valid calculus credit. Check whether your transfer credit has been evaluated
How does having transfer credit impact my math placement?
The math placement platform does not incorporate transfer credit into your course eligibility. Your academic advisor will review all of your credit with you and determine all the courses for which you are eligible.
Be assured that you will be allowed to take the highest-level course you are eligible for, whether that is by transfer credit, exam credit or placement level.
Ensure that you have sent your transcripts to Ohio State so that the credit is on your record.
Sending transcripts to Ohio State
Your academic advisor will review all of your credit with you and determine all the courses for which you are eligible. Be assured that you will be allowed to take the highest-level course you are eligible for, whether that is by transfer credit, exam credit or placement level.
How do I know if my transfer math course satisfies an Ohio State requirement?
Use the following resources to determine how your previous coursework transfers:
Check Ohio State transfer course equivalencies
Learn about credit evaluation
View the Department of Mathematics transfer credit information
Your academic advisor can also help you understand how transfer credit applies to your degree requirements.
High school coursework and grades
I'm still taking my current high school math course. Should I wait until the course ends?
No. If your current math course is still in progress, enter either:
- the grade from your most recently completed grading period; or
- your current grade shown by your teacher or in your school's online gradebook, such as Canvas, Schoology or Google Classroom.
What if my final course grade is different than the grade I entered during the math placement process?
If your final grade is two or more full letter grades higher or lower than the grade you entered during math placement, email MathPlacement@osu.edu.
Choosing math courses and planning for your major
I'm unsure about my major. How do I know which math course to take?
It is common for students to be unsure about their major or to change majors. At orientation, your academic advisor can help you select an appropriate course based on the majors you are considering. Helpful resources:
Math requirements by major
Placement levels and course eligibility
University Exploration
What if I change my major after completing the math placement process?
You do not need to complete the math placement process again simply because you change your intended major. Your existing placement level remains on your record. If you have not yet attended orientation, contact Orientation (orientation@osu.edu) about changing your intended major. If you have already attended orientation, contact your academic advisor about how the change affects your course plan.
What if my major requires a higher level math course than the one I'm currently eligible to take?
You may need to complete one or more prerequisite math courses before taking the course required for your major. Students begin their math sequences at different points. Your academic advisor can help you plan the appropriate sequence of courses to reach your major’s math requirement.
What if I don't feel prepared for the level of math I placed into?
If the highest course available based on your placement does not feel like the best fit, discuss your options with your academic advisor. The Department of Mathematics allows students to enroll in a math course one level below their placement level.
Should I complete the math placement process if it has been a while since I last took a math course?
If the last time you took a math course in high school or college was more than five years ago, you should still complete the placement process. You will want to talk to your advisor about your specific situation and work with them to determine the best course to take, which could be lower than the placement level you receive during this process.
The Department of Mathematics allows students to enroll in a math course one level below their placement level.
I have exam or transfer credit for a math course, but I don’t feel ready for the next course. May I repeat the course?
Yes. However, you cannot earn credit for the same course twice. For example, if you already have five credits for Math 1151 (Calculus I) and choose to take Math 1151 again, you will not earn another five credits toward your degree. Talk with your academic advisor before repeating a course to determine whether it is the best option for your academic plan.
Support and help
Where can I receive help with math?
Math coursework or tutoring: Check out Math study and tutoring resources and/or the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Center.
Schedule tutoring: Use OnCourse. Select Appointments → Tutoring, then choose the type of tutoring you need. You can also search Places for tutoring options by subject, campus and course level.
Questions about your current class: Attend your instructor's or teaching assistant's office hours.
Study skills, time management or motivation: Visit the Dennis Learning Center.
Who do I contact about a technical issue with the math placement platform?
Email MathPlacement@osu.edu.
