Skip to main content
Close

Frequently Asked Questions

The SLCC Math Placement process is designed to help you determine which math class or classes you need to take and where you need to start to be successful to meet your quantitative literacy degree requirement. Not everyone needs to take the SLCC placement test, but everyone should go through the SLCC placement process.

The process starts by determining if you are eligible to take a quantitative reasoning class without taking the placement test. If it is determined that you need to take the placement test, you will be asked if you are ready to start. Although you can take it again (please see retesting guidelines) it is advised that you study before you start this test. The placement test takes into account your previous math and educational success and is designed to match our curriculum and your past experiences.

  • The Placement Assessment is intended as a math course placement tool so that students enroll in the correct math course. This means that students should prepare for the Placement process but they are not supposed to be studying for it like you would do for a regular math test. Again, the goal of this assessment is to place students in the correct math course based on their current knowledge and skill level. Please note: Students should ask whether they need to go through the Placement process as MATH 0920, MATH 1035, and MATH 1045 do not require math placement.
  • Please review the Math Placement website for a general overview of the content of each math course. As students view the videos they should be assessing if they already know the content and how well they actually know it. Students can also use a variety of online resources to brush up on their math, but they should not get caught up in getting everything right. Again, placement process is about getting into the correct math course, where students can be successful and learn what they need to learn in order to move into their next math class or to complete their math requirements strong and with the grade that will count for their progress toward their degree/transfer goals.
  • Since tutoring is quite different from teaching and tutoring sessions are driven by the student (i.e., that students are to bring concepts to the tutor so that the student can guide the session), it would be difficult for a student to use SLCC's tutoring services to prepare for the Math Placement. The Tutoring Center does have textbooks and other resources that can help students brush up on concepts to prepare for the Placement. If students have specific concepts that they want to review and need the assistance of a tutor, the Tutoring Center can help; but this is quite different from having a tutor prepare them for the Placement so that they can be placed in a higher-level math course (which is not the intent of the placement test anyway).
If you don’t place as high as you think you should on the SLCC Placement Process, you may retake the Math assessment once per semester and are required to wait 3 weeks between attempts. For more information go to the Testing Services Placement page.

Math 1050 is intended as a pre-calculus course; students taking Math 1050 are progressing towards Calculus. Math 1030, Math 1040, and Math 1090 are intended for majors not requiring the traditional calculus sequence. Math 1030, Math 1040, and Math 1090 also fill a Quantitative Literacy requirement for graduation, double check with your advisor and your major's requirements.

The STEM Learning Resources offers tutoring and various workshops for math; visit their website for more information.

Math 1060 covers the trigonometry you will need to know for Calculus. A grade of C or better in Math 1060, or an appropriate score on the mathematics assessment test is required for you to take Math 1210. Math 1210 and Math 1220 are intended primarily for students of the physical sciences, engineering, and mathematics. This Calculus sequence encompasses an introduction to the major ideas of single variable calculus including limits, derivatives, and integrals of algebraic and transcendental functions and their applications. A solid foundation in college algebra and trigonometry (Math 1050 and Math 1060, respectively) is necessary for the Calculus I and Calculus II.

The main difference? Math 1035 does not have any pre-requisites. Anyone can register for this course. Watch this video for information about Math 1035 and how it is different from Math 1030. Math 1035 – Quantitative Reasoning with Integrated Algebra (QL)
The main difference? Math 1045 does not have any pre-requisites. Anyone can register for this course. Watch this video for information about Math 1040 and Math 1045 for more information: Math 1040/1045.

Anytime you find yourself not understanding the material or if you have failed an exam, set up a meeting with your professor to discuss your progress in the course. Take your exams so the two of you can review any mistakes. The goal of this discussion is to be able to determine if the mistakes you have been making warrant more studying on your part, getting a tutor, remediation in a particular area where you lack the prerequisite skills, or withdrawing from the class.

Send an email to the instructor teaching the course, ask them about the class and teaching modalities used in the class. Better yet, go talk to them either before or after class to get an idea of their teaching style. You may also ask them for a course syllabus to get an idea of the instructor's course policy and expectations. Teaching styles vary, and some may be better suited for your particular learning style than others. Do you excel in classes where there is more interaction and group activity, a more traditional lecture format, or something in between? Do you like online courses or online homework?

In addition to about four hours a week attending the scheduled class, it is recommended each student work a number of hours each week outside of class in either the Dumke Center for STEM Learning or at home.

Tests are timed, and some assignments may be as well. These times may be adjusted on a student-by-student basis to match accommodations as directed by the DRC. A low distraction environment for both instruction and testing is available. More information may be obtained from the Disability Resource Center.

All online math classes are closed to registration on the second day of the term. Online courses move quickly and have due dates as early as the second day of class, therefore students who register late are placed at an inherent disadvantage. While we regret the inconvenience, this is done for the wellbeing of our students in order to prevent them from falling behind in their coursework.

Online coursework and testing is carried out through Canvas while finals are conducted in person via the Student Testing Services. Instructors may assist with questions pertaining to course material though tutoring resources are also available. Refer to “Where can I go for additional help with course concepts?” for details.

Not in the classroom, nor for tests. Tests are proctored in the classroom, and under special circumstances, the Testing Center. They may however use their own machines on the homework at any other time. (iPads and smart phones generally do not support the necessary software and therefore won't work.)