| Frequently Asked Questions | Math Majors | Math Alumni |

Placement

1. What is the COMPASS Test?

          The COMPASS Test is a nationally normed adaptive test. Answering a particular question correctly results in            a higher level question, answering incorrectly results in a lower level question. The test can very quickly            determine you mathematics placement. To "pass" the test, that is, to demonstrate what the university calls            minimal mathematics competency, you need to score a minimum of 45 on each of the first two parts of the            test.

2. I passed the COMPASS Test, why was I recommended to register for a Continuing Studies (CSTM) course and not a college level math course?

Passing the COMPASS Test indicates less than a 9th year mathematics level, a level of mathematics not quite through elementary algebra. Baruch College requires its students have a much greater mastery of algebra, at least through an intermediate algebra level. If your score on the COMPASS Test did not indicate this level, you were not placed directly into a college level mathematics course.

3. I’m a transfer student who has taken and passed a course equivalent to precalculus. I took the COMPASS Test and my placement recommendation is precalculus. What should I do?

If you passed a course that has been evaluated as equivalent to Baruch’s precalculus course, you will receive credit for it and the next course (for BBA majors) is calculus. However, it has been our experience that if you did not do well in precalculus, then you will probably find calculus much too difficult and you are not likely to succeed in that course. We recommend you retake precalculus at Baruch (for which you cannot receive credit) before calculus. In any event, you should discuss this with an advisor at your Orientation session.

4. I’m a transfer student who has taken a course equivalent to precalculus. I took the COMPASS Test and my placement recommendation is MTH 1030 or CSTM 0120 or MTH ADVSR . What should I do?

Obtaining a placement for one of the above courses indicates that your mathematics skills are very weak and you need to refresh them before advancing. We strongly recommend you to take the recommended course.

5. I’m an entering freshman and I was placed into MTH 2003, while one of my friends was placed into MTH 2207 and another was placed into MTH 2610. Why were we placed into different courses, and what is the difference between them?

If a student demonstrated on the COMPASS Test a reasonable knowledge of intermediate algebra but limited or no knowledge of precalculus, then he/she is placed into MTH 2003 which is Precalculus and Elements of Calculus. If a student’s score on the test indicated a stronger mastery of precalculus, the student is placed into Applied Calculus, MTH 2207. If a student did very, very well on the COMPASS Test, then the student is placed into MTH 2610, which is a four credit calculus course. If a student who was placed into MTH 2207 or MTH 2610 believes that he/she is not ready for that course, then this placement may be changed after consultation with a math advisor.

6. I’m an entering freshman, do I have to take the math course that was recommended? Is there any way of changing my placement?

It is usually a good idea to take the course that was recommended. However, if you believe you were misplaced, you may discuss your placement recommendation with a math advisor at Registration Orientation. Bring all supporting documents with you. The math advisor will ask you what mathematics REGENTS examinations you passed in high school and what grades you received on those examinations, not your course grades! Bring your high school transcript with you to Orientation.

7. Can I postpone taking my math course until my junior or senior year?

If you are a BBA major, you should take your mathematics courses as early as possible in order to obtain Junior Status which is needed before you may take many business courses. In general, we recommend that all students take their mathematics courses as early as possible. This is important because all math courses require that you be proficient in at least intermediate algebra. If you delay, there is a good chance you will forget these skills and decrease your chances of doing well in mathematics.

8. I took Advanced Placement calculus in high school, what math course may I take next?

It depends. If you took the AB exam and scored 4 or 5, you will get credit for MTH 2610 (providing you send official notification to Admissions) and may register for MTH 3010. If you scored 3 or less, you should take MTH 2610.

If you took the BC exam and scored 4 or 5, we will give you credit for MTH 2610 and 3010 (providing you send official notification to Admissions) and you may next register for MTH 3020. If you scored 3 you may take MTH 3010. If your score is below 3, you should talk with an advisor.

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