Incoming Freshmen Information

QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED BY ENTERING STUDENTS

I TOOK THE AP CALCULUS EXAM IN MAY, BUT I DON'T YET KNOW MY SCORE. HOW DO I ENROLL WITHOUT THAT INFORMATION?

You will be asked to estimate your score and then sign up for the appropriate course based on your estimate and the calculus courses required in your chosen major. If you incorrectly estimate your score, you can make appropriate changes a few days before classes begin. It is your responsibility to make certain you fulfill the prerequisites for calculus courses. If you have any questions, you may see a mathematics adviser in 313 Altgeld Hall while on campus or send an e-mail to advising@math.uiuc.edu.

WHAT COLLEGE CREDIT CAN I RECEIVE FROM THE AP CALCULUS EXAMS?

Five hours credit for Math 220 is given if you score a 4 or 5 on the AB exam or a 4 or 5 on the AB subscore and a 3 on the BC exam. Credit for Math 220 enables you to register for Math 231 if you wish. Enrollment will depend upon your declared major or possible majors (if you are enrolled in the Division of General Studies). Five hours credit for Math 220 plus three hours credit for Math 231 is given if you score a 4 or 5 on the BC exam. Credit for Math 220 and Math 231 enables you to register for Math 241 if you wish. Whether you enroll in Math 241 depends upon your declared major or your possible major (if you are enrolled in the Division of General Studies).

WHAT IF I DO NOT CORRECTLY PREDICT MY SCORE AND SIGN UP FOR THE WRONG COURSE?

If you expected to receive credit for Math 220 but did not, a 27 item multiple choice exam on the material covered in Math 220 is given to new students on Thursday, August 21, 2008 from 1 - 2:30 pm in 314 Altgeld Hall. This is the only time a multiple choice exam is given. You may take the exam at other times, but it will be a 3-hour written exam.

This is a walk-in exam; no sign-up is necessary. You must bring a valid photo ID and your UIN #. No calculators are allowed.

For information about the material on this exam, please see the syllabus for Math 220.

The results of this exam will be available before classes begin so you can make appropriate changes in your schedule if necessary.

If you expected to receive credit for Math 220 and 231 but only received credit for Math 220, you may take a proficiency exam for Math 231 on August 30, 2008, the Saturday after classes begin in August. You must sign up for this exam in 273 Altgeld Hall by 5 pm Wednesday, August 27, 2008.

See http://www.math.uiuc.edu/UndergraduateProgram/freshmen_proficiency_exams.html for more information about proficiency exams and a syllabus for Math 231.

Remember it is your responsibility to make certain you have received credit for Math 220 (if you are enrolled in Math 231) or credit for Math 220 and 231 (if you are enrolled in Math 241). You may make changes in your schedule if you do not receive the credit you expected from AP exams or proficiency exams until the 10th day of classes.

HOW CAN I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A MULTI-VARIABLE CALCULUS COURSE I TOOK IN HIGH SCHOOL?

If you have credit for Math 220 and Math 231, you may take a proficiency exam for Math 241 on August 30, 2008 ,the Saturday after classes begin in August. You must sign up for this by 5 pm Wednesday, August 27, 2008, in room 273 Altgeld Hall.

See http://www.math.uiuc.edu/UndergraduateProgram/freshmen_proficiency_exams.html for more information about proficiency exams and a syllabus for Math 241.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAD A YEAR OF CALCULUS IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT DID NOT TAKE AN AP EXAM?

A 27 item multiple choice exam on the material covered in Math 220 is given to new students on the Thursday, August 21, 2008, from 1 - 2:30 pm in 314 Altgeld Hall. This is the only time a multiple choice exam is given. You may take the exam at other times, but it will be a 3-hour exam.

This is a walk-in exam; no sign-up is necessary. You must bring a valid photo ID and your UIN #. No calculators are allowed.

For information about the material on this exam, please see the syllabus for Math 220.

WHAT DOES MY MATH PLACEMENT INFORMATION MEAN WITH REGARD TO MY ENROLLMENT IN MATH COURSES?

The placement information is based on your ALEKS score and your choice of major. If you have a declared major with specific required math courses, your placement information will list those courses if your ALEKS math score indicates you are prepared for these courses, or it will suggest preparatory courses that will enable you to succeed in courses required for your major. If you have no specific math requirement for your major or are enrolled in the Division of General Studies, the placement message might list several course options. These students usually do not take a math course first semester unless their goal is to major in an area that requires several specific math courses.

MY MATH PLACEMENT MESSAGE INDICATES THAT REMEDIATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE Math 012 or Math 016. WHAT CAN I DO TO ACCOMPLISH THIS?

(1) You could purchase the Learning Module in ALEKS This option will provide an online learning environment and you will be reassessed as you learn the material. Once you have mastered 70% of the material you should re-take the U of I Math Placement Exam through ALEKS. For information about purchasing the Learning Module go to the ALEKS webpage.

(2) You can take an intermediate algebra course at a community college or four-year institution. For information on appropriate courses in Illinois, go to College Course Options.

If you choose this option, you should take any assessment the school has for placement in math courses. It is possible that you would place in a higher level course (e.g. College Algebra) than at the U of I. You should take that course in hopes that after completing the course you could assess at least 50% on ALEKS and not have to take Math 012 or Math 016 at the U of I.

Please note: Not all freshmen take a math course. If your declared major or majors in which you are interested have no specific math courses required, then you could wait until next summer to prepare for taking a math course sophomore year. You can see requirements for all majors on the University web-pages. If calculus, Math 220 (or 221) or Math 234 is required in your major or majors you are considering, then you should do something this summer.

MY MATH PLACEMENT INDICATES THAT I SHOULD ENROLL IN AN ALGEBRA (MATH 012) OR AN ALGEBRA/TRIG COURSE (MATH 016). I TOOK THESE TYPES OF COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL AND DID VERY WELL IN THEM. WHY SHOULD I TAKE THEM AGAIN?

The ALEKS test measured your knowledge of these subjects. Your score indicates that your proficiency in these subjects is not high enough to ensure a good chance of success in calculus or other math courses at the University of Illinois that might be required in your major. You must realize that almost every student admitted to this university has A's or B's in all high school math courses. You can avoid retaking algebra or algebra/trig at the U of I by taking these courses via NetMath (information will be posted soon) or at a community college or other college near your home. For information on appropriate courses in community colleges and most four year institutions in Illinois, go to college course options.

Please note: Not all freshmen take a math course. If your declared major or majors in which you are interested has no specific math courses required, then you could wait until next summer to prepare for taking a math course sophomore year. You can see requirements for all majors on the University web-pages. If calculus, Math 220 (or 221) or Math 234 is required in your major or majors you are considering, then you should do something this summer.

Calculus courses in the major scientific calculus sequence (Math 220/221, Math 231, and Math 241) are taught in various ways. Most classes are taught in a large lecture/small discussion format, but some sections use computer-based instruction with Mathematica and some are taught using small-group learning methods. How will I know which choice is right for me?

Your choice is personal. It depends upon your own preference for the manner in which the course is taught.

Please go to information about methods of instruction for Math 220, 221, 231 and 241.

What is the difference between Math 220 and Math 221?

Math 220 is aimed at students with no calculus background. Math 221 will cover the same material, but will go faster over some topics which students already know well. Students who have taken a year of high school calculus may find Math 221 more interesting and thus work to achieve a higher grade than they might receive in Math 220.

What is Math 234? It is also labeled as a calculus course.

Math 234 is a calculus course geared to business and the social sciences. For example, if you are in the College of Business you may satisfy your mathematics requirement by taking Math 234 and Math 125 (a linear algebra course with business applications). You can always substitute Math 220 or 221 for Math 234. For example, you may have AP credit for Math 220 - then you would only need to take Math 125 to complete the mathematics requirement for the College of Business.

You cannot get credit for both Math 234 and Math 220 or 221. There is no additional calculus course you can take after completing Math 234. If you take Math 220, then you have the option of taking two more semesters of calculus (Math 231 and Math 241). If you take Math 234 and decide you want to take more calculus, you must take Math 220.

Who teaches mathematics courses for freshmen?

The lecturers are either faculty members or very experienced, highly rated graduate teaching assistants. Graduate teaching assistants are graduate students who are working toward advanced degrees in mathematics. They support their study by teaching on a part-time basis. Graduate assistants without prior teaching experience are assigned to assist the lecturers in large-section calculus courses. These graduate assistants grade papers and conduct the discussion sections under the supervision of the lecturers.

How large are math classes at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?

Math 012, Math 016, Math 115 and Math 125 are taught in lecture/discussion format with 200-250 students in a large lecture with accompanying small discussion sections of 36 students. All sections of Math 234 and most sections of Math 220, 221, 231 and 241 are taught in a combination of large lecture and small discussion sections.

Where can I obtain more information on math courses and requirements?

Requirements for almost all majors can be found on the University's Programs of Study webpage by going to http://courses.uiuc.edu/cis/ and clicking on the link "Programs of Study."