Placement FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Math Placement
This list contains questions and answers that we frequently encountered. There's a good chance your question is answered right here. Please read this Q&A list carefully; if you still have questions, send email to the Department Chair, Bert Wachsmuth (wachsmut@shu.edu).- Q: Do I have to take the Accuplacer Placement Test?
- No. All students get a 'default' placement based on your SAT scores. Only if you are not satisfied with your default placement should you consider taking the placement test.
- Q: I took the Placement Test, and it placed me lower. What now?
- The better of the placement procedures counts. If the Accuplacer Placement test places you lower than your default placement, we will ignore the placement test results.
- Q: I placed into Developmental Math (MATH 0012). Can I take that course over the summer at Seton Hall?
- Yes - contact the registrar and register for MATH 00112. There is usually one section available in July. After you take that course your placement is automatically upgraded. Please note that you can also take the course at another institutions prior to coming to Seton Hall - many places offer courses at that level, and it may be more convenient for you to pick a place close-by (see question below)
- Q: I placed into Developmental Math (MATH 0012). Can I take that course elsewhere, and what do I need to do in that case?
- You certainly can do that, in fact we recommend you do take the appropriate
course before starting your studies at Seton Hall. Many colleges and universities
offer courses at that level of good quality, you don't necessarily need to take that
course at Seton Hall. The procedure is as follows:
- Find a course that you think is equivalent to our own MATH 0012
- Notify Maria Gushanas (gushanma@shu.edu) about your intention. You need to send her the course number, the course description, the number of credits, and the name of the institution (and of course your full name). In most cases you can 'cut-and-paste' that information from the institution's web site easily into the email to Ms. Gushanas. If you don't know which course is appropirate, send Ms. Gushanas a list of course descriptions and ask her for a recommendation.
- Ms. Gushanas, our Director for Developmental Mathematics, will notify you if that course is appropriate or not. If it is, take it (and notify her once you complete the course), otherwise look for another course.
- Important: After you pass the course, you must show a copy of the grade report to Ms. Gushanas (AS 108). Only when she sees that grade report or equivalent "proof" will your placement be upgraded.
- Note that your schedule for the Fall may need to change - contact your mentor in Freshmen Studies for details.
- Q: I placed into Intermediate Algebra (MATH 1014). Can I take that course elsewhere, and what do I need to do in that case?
- You certainly can do that, and if you are a science major we
recommend that you do that. Many colleges and universities offer courses at that level of good quality, you don't necessarily need to take that course at Seton Hall. The procedure is as follows: - Find a course that you think is equivalent to our own MATH 1014 (see below)
- Notify Maria Gushanas (gushanma@shu.edu) or Bert Wachsmuth (wachsmut@shu.edu) about your intention. You need to include the course number, the course description, the number of credits, and the name of the institution (and of course your full name). In most cases you can 'cut-and-paste' that information from the institution's web site easily into your email. If you don't know which course is appropirate, send us a list of course descriptions and ask for a recommendation.
- Ms. Gushanas or Dr. Wachsmuth will notify you if that course is appropriate or not. If it is, take it (and notify us once you complete the course), otherwise look for another course.
- Important: After you pass the course, you must show a copy of the grade report to us. You could do that in person or fax it to us. Only when she sees that grade report or equivalent "proof" will your placement be upgraded.
- Note that your schedule for the Fall may need to change - contact your mentor in Freshmen Studies for details.
- Note that courses equivalent to MATH 1014 are college-level courses and you can transfer the credits to Seton Hall. You could do that during your first semester; contact your mentor in Freshmen Studies for details.
- Q: Do you have a list of equivalent courses at other institutions?
- Many
universities, colleges, and community colleges offer courses at a level
equivalent to the required courses. We can't list everyone, but a few
colleges in the area are coming up frequently, at least for courses
equivalent to MATH 0012:
Equivalent to MATH 0012: Dev. Math:
- Bergen Community - Math 035
- Brookdate - Math 022
- Essex - Math 092/093
- Morris - Math 014
- Union - Math 022
Equivalent to MATH 1014: Intermediate Algebra:
- At the college of your choice, locate the Math course called "Calculus 1". Virtually everyone has such a course
- Look for the pre-requisit for that course, which is usually called "Pre-Calculus".
- Look for the pre-requisit for that course. That course is likely equivalent to our own MATH 1014. There are many names for that course, such as College Algebra or Intermediate Algebra, but if you found the pre-req. for the pre-req to Calculus, you likely found the appropriate course.
- Q: I took a course elsewhere. Will my placement get upgraded automatically?
- A: Not automatically. You need to notify Ms. Gushanas (gushanma@shu.edu) and show here a copy of the grade report. If your course was 'pre-approved', your placement will then be upgraded. If your course was not 'pre-approved', you need to also show here the course description and a syllabus for the course so that the course can be evaluated. It may or may not get approved, so it's best to get 'pre-approval' before taking a course (see question above).
- Q: I took an approved course equivalent to MATH 0012 elsewhere. Can I transfer the credits?
- A: No. MATH 0012 or equivalent courses do not carry credit that counts towards graduation. Your placement, however, will be upgraded (see question above) so you can take your real math course at Seton Hall.
- Q: I took an aproved course equivalent to MATH 1014 (Intermediate Algebra) or MATH 1015 (Precalculus) elsewhere. Can I transfer the credits?
- A: Yes, in most cases you can and they will count as "free electives" towards the total number of credits needed for graduation. Contact a mentor in Freshmen studies to figure out the process, but be sure to also contact Ms. Gushanas (gushanma@shu.edu) to get your placement upgraded, which is independent of transfering your credits.
Last Modified: October 2004
Maintained by: Math/CS @ SHU.edu (bgw)