Related pages: Math Degree Math Help Math Courses Sample Placement Tests

During your time at Skyline College you will almost certainly need to take at least one Mathematics Course. In order to make your experience in Mathematics as successful as possible we have prepared this web site to help you make informed decisions about which classes you should take. It is in your best interest to make sure that you enroll in the appropriate class and that you do so as early in your program as possible. Mathematics courses are prerequisite for many business and science courses. There are specific Mathematics requirements for an Associates Degree, and for transfer to most four year institutions. The sooner you complete your requirements the more flexibility you will have with your program choices.

How To Choose The Right Course The First Time

The answers to these three questions will help determine which Math course you should start with at Skyline.

1. What Math courses have you had before coming to Skyline?

2. How long has it been since your last successful Math experience?

3. What is your placement test score?

Before taking any Math class at Skyline College you should take the placement test. You cannot pass or fail a placement test. It simply provides information to you and your counselor about your current skills. If you have materials or notes from your last math class available, it would be helpful to review them before you take your placement test. There are four different placement tests, and it is important for you to take the right one.

After taking a placement test, make an appointment with a counselor to discuss the results of your placement test and your prior experience in Mathematics. Be sure to bring a copy of your transcripts (if they are available) to the meeting with the counselor. The counselor will help you decide which Math course is most appropriate for you. Be sure to take into consideration all of the prerequisites for any course.

If you feel that the placement test did not adequately reflect your skills, it is possible to retake the test, but this is done an a limited basis. You may wish to talk to one of the Mathematics instructors before determining an appropriate class.

Another important consideration in taking a Math class is your proficiency in English. All mathematics classes are taught in English and the instructors will expect that you have a reasonable command of English.

Here are some guidelines to help you decide which placement test to take.

Test 1: PRE ALGEBRA

This test is designed for students who expect to enroll in Elementary Algebra (Math 110 or Math 111). It is intended to measure proficiency in Basic Arithmetic and Pre algebra computations. If you have never had an Algebra class or if you have had one year of high school Algebra, but it has been more than two years since your last Math class then take Test 1.

Test 2: ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA

This test is designed for students who expect to enroll in Geometry (Math 115) or Intermediate Algebra (Math 120 or Math 122), or who need to demonstrate proficiency in Elementary Algebra.

If you have one year of high school Algebra or if you have had two years of Algebra but it has been more than two years since your last Math class then take Test 2

Test 3: INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA

This test is designed for students who intend to enroll in Trigonometry (Math 130), Statistics (Math 200), Quantitative Reasoning (Math 201), Precalculus (Math 222), or Applied Calculus (Math 241). It is intended to measure proficiency in Intermediate Algebra.

If you have two years of high school Algebra or if you have had three years of Algebra but it has been more than two years since your last Math class then take Test 3.

Test 4: PRECALCULUS

This test is designed for students who intend to enroll in Calculus with Analytic Geometry (Math 251). This test is intended to measure proficiency in Trigonometry and College Algebra.

If you have had four or more years of high school Math, take Test 4.