The Ohio State University has over 200 undergraduate majors, and each one has requirements related to mathematics.
Ohio State’s math placement process helps identify the course(s) that best align students’ mathematical preparation with their academic plans. We strive to support every student in completing their degree requirements.
How placement works
Students do not need to take a test for math placement. The Math Placement Platform uses demonstrated performance in math to determine placement level and provide course recommendations based on a student’s major. The process uses a combination of the following information:
- ACT or SAT math sub-score (if available)
- performance in high school math courses
- exam credit from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Levels (if applicable)
Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) and high school math performance determine your placement level, and any exam credit (AP/IB/A-Levels) informs course eligibility.
Your transfer credit is noted, but it does not factor into your course eligibility recommendations.
The placement process takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
What you need to do
Students must complete the math placement process at least two (2) weeks before their orientation session. To do so, log in to the system and be prepared to:
- confirm ACT or SAT score in the platform
- enter final grades for high school math classes (or the last term grade for any course still in progress)
- confirm any posted AP, IB or A-Level scores (math and statistics)
- enter anticipated scores for any pending AP, IB or A-Level exams (math and statistics)
- optional: enter pending transfer credit (math and statistics)
You will need your placement before you register for classes, so it is extremely important to complete the process before your orientation session.
Placement levels and eligibility
Placement levels and course eligibility
After completing the placement process, students will be given a placement level (and letter that corresponds to that level). Many students will also receive information on their course eligibility based on their major.
Course eligibility is determined by the following factors:
- placement level
- any exam credit (AP, IB A-Levels)
- declared major
Transfer credit (including College Credit Plus) is not considered in course eligibility.
For advising purposes, the platform will display transfer credit and allow students to enter any pending credit, if desired. Your academic advisor will help determine how transfer credit impacts your course eligibility. Please be assured that you will be allowed to enroll in the highest-level course for which you are eligible, whether that be from transfer credit, exam credit or placement level.
How course eligibility is determined
Course eligibility is based on the Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (or Data Analysis) category of the General Education (GE) program. All students must complete this GE category requirement, but your major determines how you complete it. Your major may require:
- a math course
- a statistics course
- a specific course in Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (or Data Analysis) category that is not math or statistics
- any course that fulfills the Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (or Data Analysis) category
- additional math courses beyond what is required for GE
When possible, the Math Placement Platform directs you to the courses you are eligible to take to best fulfill the GE’s Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning (or Data Analysis) category requirement based on your major (and if you must take courses beyond that).
Some majors have different ways to fulfill this requirement: for these majors, students will be given a placement level and should consult with their academic advisor at orientation.
Keep in mind that there are other considerations for mathematical (or quantitative) coursework, including:
- double majors or minors
- changing your major
- pre-professional plans (like pre-med)
Your placement level and any course credit you have will help guide your course eligibility no matter your major. You also have support from an academic advisor who helps with successful degree planning, and they will help you select the best course options for your plans.
