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The Department has two placement
exams, and it is important that you take the one appropriate to your
particular situation. The
Mathematics Placement Exam
is only for Freshmen coming straight out of high school. The
Diagnostic Test
is for everyone else including Freshmen who have been here for a semester or
more, transfer students, non-traditional students, etc.
Take great care in entering your 8-digit NMU IN. An error
could result in a wrong placement recommendation making course registration
difficult.
Math Placement Websites
If you have questions please email rzhang@nmu.edu for further assistance.
MATHEMATICS
PLACEMENT FAQ
Part I
Generally, start with the highest recommended on the
Mathematics Placement Exam. However, if you are recommended for MA115,
you should take:
-
MA106
(Trigonometry) if you do not need calculus (eg. Electronics, Technology
majors)
-
MA115 (Precalculus)
if you will go on to calculus.
Part II
|
Recommended |
You may take |
|
MA115 or higher |
Recommended course or MA171 |
|
MA104 or
MA105 |
MA104 if you do not plan to take precalculus.
MA105 if you plan to take
precalculus. |
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELEMENTARY
EDUCATION MAJOR
|
Recommended |
You Should Take |
|
MA103 or higher |
MA150 |
|
MA100 or Lower |
As recommended by Mathematics Department. |
IDEAL COURSE PROGRESSIONS
MA 103 -> MA 171 typical for business majors
MA 103 -> MA 271 geography-related programs
MA 104 -> MA 106 typical for most CTAS majors
MA 105 -> MA 115 -> MA 161 typical of many science, math and CS majors who
are not advised to start at a higher level by the Math Placement Exam
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Only one of MA 103, MA 104 and MA 105 should be taken.
The choice between MA 104 and MA 105 largely depends on
the goals of the student. If the student enjoys mathematics, has a good math
background, and will (or may) take precalculus and calculus, MA 105 is the
appropriate course. On the other hand, MA 104 is geared for those students
who need (and want) only basic, applied algebra and perhaps trigonometry.
MA 104 -> MA 171 is not recommended.
MA 104 -> MA 115 requires a B- or better in MA 104.
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