Calculus Placement by Test Scores

 

You will be cleared to enroll in Math 2A (Single Variable Calculus I) or Math 5A (Calculus for Life Sciences) if at least one of the three items are satisfied.

• • You scored 650 or above on the math portion of the SAT
  • You received a math score of 29 or above on the ACT
  • You scored 3 on the AP Calculus AB test.

You will be cleared to enroll in Math 2B (Single Variable Calculus II) if

• • You scored 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB test
  • You scored a 3 on the AP Calculus BC test

You will be cleared to enroll in Math 2D (Multivariable Calculus I) if

• • You scored 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC test

If you have not taken Precalculus, Math 1B is the recommended class to take. Scores from the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2 are NOT used for placing you into Calculus at UC Irvine.

New Students: Please ensure your test scores are sent to the university. Read how to do so here.

 

 

 

Calculus Placement Exam

If you wish to take Mathematics 2A or 5A but are not qualified, you can meet the prerequisites for the course by either of the following:

Summer 2023 Note: For Summer Precalculus (Math 1A & 1B) and Calculus Courses (Math 2A, 2B, 5A, & 5B), no placement test is needed to enroll in these courses. Students can register directly for the course that is best for them during Summer Sessions 1 or 2. These courses are offered online during both summer sessions.

Option 1: Completing Math 1B with a grade of C or higher

A grade of C or better in Mathematics 1B will allow you to enroll in Mathematics 2A or 5A.

Students are encouraged to read carefully all of the information on this webpage to help them decide the best Math course, either Math 1A or Math 1B.

 

Option 2: By taking the ALEKS Placement exam and scoring 80% or higher. 

 

Please refer to the ALEKS Access Guide for step-by-step instructions. 

1. Purchase access to the ALEKS PPL Module

You must purchase access online for $20 and set up your account before you can take the test. 

You must purchase and access the ALEKS Calculus module through this link. 

Please note that access codes may only be purchased once and the results of your second attempt is final. You cannot repurchase access to receive additional attempts. 

A score of 80% or better on either attempt will place you into Mathematics 2A or Math 5A. If you do not score 80% or better on both attempts, then you must complete Math 1B with a grade of C or higher.

2. Set up an appointment to have the exam proctored.

This exam MUST be taken in the presence of a valid proctor, who will provide you the password to access the exam.

The two options for proctoring this exam are:

Proctoring Option 1: Sign up to take the placement exam(s) via our online proctoring service, ProctorU, for an additional fee of $19.

This option requires you to have a computer, a webcam, and a valid photo ID at the time of your exam. Schedule your exam with ProctorU at least 3 days in advance to avoid late fees!

Information about ProctorU: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pn7vBBHEe6PDb98xwvgtjZxbDjnTzGXW/view

ProctorU Technical Support: 855-772-8678

Proctoring Option 2: Register to take the placement exam at our office on campus for free. To schedule an appointment, contact us via email testcenter@uci.edu.

3. Return to your ALEKS dashboard and take the exam.

Click here on the day of exam to begin your exam session. The access code will have to be entered by your Proctor.

You are given two attempts. If you do not receive a score of 80% on your first attempt, then you must work in the ALEKS learning module for a minimum of 10 hours before you can take your second (and final) attempt. It should be noted that these modules are not accessible before your first attempt. The second attempt cannot be taken within 48 hours of the first attempt.

The exam has a two-hour time limit. You may have pencil and blank scratch paper at hand to assist you while you take your assessment. Academic integrity is an expectation for all UC Irvine students.

Your placement result from ALEKS will be posted on the Academic Testing Center website within two working days of your taking the assessment. 

Your placement result from ALEKS placement will be valid for one calendar year.

Note: Tablets, Chromebooks, and the Chrome browser are not supported at this time.

 

Preparing for ALEKS Placement

Click here for sample problems.

Here are also some videos to watch that will be helpful in preparing as well: 

https://www.math.uci.edu/node/22608..

 

 

ALEKS Technical Support

ALEKS PPL Information: https://www.aleks.com/highered/ppl/what_is_aleks_ppl

ALEKS FAQ: http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical

For ALEKS customer support please phone or email:

Phone: 800-258-2374

Email: http://support.aleks.com