We offer math placement exams to ensure that students begin the study of mathematics at the level for which they are prepared. The ACT/SAT math score is used as a measure of preparation for entry-level college math and statistics courses. Math placement exams are offered for specified ACT/SAT math score levels and major fields of study as indicated in the table below. Placement in entry-level math courses is based on the Enhanced ACT/SAT math score. If no scores are on file in the Admissions Office or the Registrar’s Office, the score will be assumed to be 0.
When can I take the math placement exam?
Exams are offered during every Student Orientation session in the summer. They are also administered prior to the beginning of every quarter. The exam schedule will be listed on the Schedule of Classes (Racing Form) and in the Student Orientation brochure.
Can I prepare for the exam?
Yes! Advance preparation is highly recommended! Review materials are available free of charge by accessingwww.latech.edu/~charlesp/and following the steps listed below:
- Scroll to bottom of page and click “Review Materials for Math Credit Exams”
- Click on “Instructions for Accessing Math Review Materials” for list of topics on exam.
- Print out and follow the instructions
- Click on the course you are testing out of (Math 101, 112, or 240)
How do I know which math courses I need to complete for my major?
The curriculum requirements for your major determine which math courses you must complete. Refer to the Louisiana Tech catalog for the specific math requirements for your major. In the Math and Statistics section of the catalog, you will find information about the college preparatory course(s) taken in high school that should have prepared you for the various entry-level college courses.
What are the math requirements for transfer students?
Transfer students who do not have credit for the equivalent math prerequisite(s) for the math requirement in their major must satisfy the same placement criteria as entering freshmen. This may require submitting ACT/SAT scores, which in most cases are not needed for transfer admission to Louisiana Tech. Transfer credit for prerequisite math courses must be evaluated and approved through the math program before registering for a math or statistics course.
| Test Scores | Placement | Description |
| ACT Math score less than 19, OR SAT Math score less than 510, OR Accuplacer QRAS 200-262, OR HS Cumulative GPA1 less than 3.0 | MATH 103B/ C2 | Math 103 is a 5-credit hour “co-requisite delivery” format for applied algebra. Less rigorous than college algebra. Developmental math content is practiced just-in-time in 2-credit hour Math 103B while students learn applied algebra in 3-credit hour Math 103C. This math sequence does not count for all majors. Please check with your advisor. |
| ACT Math score 19-21, OR SAT Math score 510-530, OR Accuplacer QRAS 263-275, OR Accuplacer AAF 250-262 | MATH 100B/C2 OR MATH 103B/C2 | Math 100 is a 5-credit hour format for college algebra. Includes review material from Developmental Math and allows additional instruction hour for college algebra material. |
| ACT Math score 22-23, OR SAT Math score 540-570, OR Accuplacer QRAS 276-288, OR Accuplacer AAF 263-275 | MATH 1013 OR MATH 1024 | Math 101 is a 3-credit format for college algebra. It does not include review material from Developmental Math. Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra. |
| ACT Math score 24-255, OR SAT Math score 580-6005, OR Accuplacer QRAS 289 or greater, OR Accuplacer AAF 276 or greater | MATH 1013 OR MATH 1024 OR Eligible for MATH 101 Credit Exam | Math 101 is a 3-credit format for college algebra. It does not include review material from Developmental Math. Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra. |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | Credit for MATH 101 is granted if scores are within 5 years | |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | MATH 1127 | Trigonometry |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | MATH 125 | Algebra with applications for business, management, and the social sciences. |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | MATH 130 | Mathematics focusing on the usefulness and practicality of mathematics, no algebra content. |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | MATH 2407 | Precalculus and introductory calculus topics. |
| ACT Math score 26 or greater,6 OR SAT Math score 610 or greater6 | STAT 200 | Introductory, algebra-based statistics. |
| HS Cumulative GPA1 3.0 or greater | MATH 1024 | Math 102 is a 3-credit format for applied algebra. It is less rigorous than college algebra. |
1 On a 4.0 scale
2 Students who place into MATH 100B/C must take MATH 112 before moving on to MATH 240 if MATH 240 is in their degree pathway. Additionally, MATH 103B/C does not satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 112.
3 Students will not be given credit for both MATH 101 and MATH 100B/C.
4 HS Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale allows placement into MATH 102, but it is recommended the Accuplacer be taken to determine a more adequate placement.
5 Math ACT 24-25 (New Math SAT 580-600) eligible for Math Credit Exam to earn credit for MATH 101. Studying for the exam is highly recommended. Please refer to http://www2.latech.edu/~charlesp/mathcreditexammain.htm
6 Students automatically receive credit for Math 101 with this Math ACT/new SAT score if Math ACT/new SAT test date is within the previous 5 years.
7 Eligible for Math Credit Exam to earn credit for Math 112 or 240. Studying for the exam is highly recommended.
Math 101 credit can substitute for Math 102. Math 100 credit can substitute for Math 103.
