Several Math courses at SIUC require that the student take a placement test as a prerequisite. Currently we are using the COMPASS test created by the ACT. Practice problems can be found there. Students can also get help from the Math Department's Online Course Review Materials.
These departmental placement procedures are ultimately intended to help you succeed in your mathematics courses.
To place into Math 108, 110, 125
- Complete Math 107 (Intermediate Algebra) at SIUC with C or better; OR
- Complete equivalent of Math 107 with C or better at a transfer institution; OR
- Complete Algebra II and geometry in high school AND present an ACT math subscore of 24 or higher; OR
- Complete algebra II and geometry in high school AND pass the COMPASS placement test for Math 108, 110, 125.
To place into Math 109, 139, 140
- Complete Math 108 at SIUC with C or better; OR
- Complete Algebra III (Advanced Algebra) in high school and present ACT math subscore of 24 or higher; OR
- Complete Algebra III (Advanced Algebra) in high school AND pass the COMPASS placement test for Math 109, 139, 140, OR
- Complete the equivalent of Math 108 at a transfer institution with C or better.
To place into Math 111*:
- Complete Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry in high school AND present an ACT math subscore of 26 or higher.
*Math 111 is intended for very strong students with previous background in advanced algebra and trigonometry. Students who have completed only SIUC Math 107 (or Algebra II in high school) are typically not ready for the rapid pace of Math 111. You should take Math 108 followed by Math 109.
To place into Math 113:
- Complete Math 107 at SIUC; OR
- Complete high school Algebra II and Geometry and meet admission requirements for SIUC.
To place into Math 120:
- Meet admission requirements for the Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education or Special Education program AND complete Algebra II and Geometry in high school OR Math 107 at SIUC.
To place into Math 141, 150:
- Complete Math 108 AND 109 at SIUC, or the equivalent at a transfer institution, with C or better; OR
- Complete Algebra III AND trigonometry in high school AND present ACT math subscore of 27 or higher; OR
- Complete Algebra III AND trigonometry in high school AND pass COMPASS placement test for Math 141 or Math 150.
To place into all other math courses:
- Meet prerequisites stated in the catalog.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
- We find that students who avoid math even for one semester do not succeed nearly as well as those who continue their math without interruption. We recommend that students who took no math the semester prior to enrollment in a math course should also take the COMPASS placement test.
- The mathematics department will be happy to provide syllabus information to help you prepare for the placement test.
- Data collected since the Fall of 1998 suggest that transfer students generally have a lower probability of success in math than freshmen.
- Virtually all 100-200 level mathematics courses are “controlled enrollment.” You must see your college advisor and demonstrate that you meet all prerequisite and placement requirements. Your advisor may then enroll you in the course.
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS?
Call Mary Wright at 453-6582; or e-mail mwright@math.siu.edu