First Year Student Registration

Choosing the Right Mathematics Course: Complete the Mathematics Survey and Take the Placement Tests

In order to graduate, each Lafayette student is required to pass at least one course in mathematics, logic (Philosophy 150) or computer science (Computer Science 102).  Furthermore, many major programs have specific mathematics requirements.  You should consider what major(s) you may want to pursue and identify the mathematics requirements for those majors.  We encourage you to choose a mathematics course that preserves your opportunity to pursue those majors. You can find this information in the Course Selection Guide or in the list of Mathematics Requirements. Also, it may be helpful to read the Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions. If none of the major programs you are considering has a specific mathematics requirement, then you may satisfy the Lafayette mathematics requirement by completing Philosophy 150, Computer Science 102 or any course offered by the Department of Mathematics. You may view a list of all first-year mathematics courses here.

Once you have an idea about the mathematics course you might select, you are ready to begin the online mathematics placement process. The purpose of this process is to gather information that will help us advise you on your choice of a mathematics course. To do that, we need an honest assessment of your interests and skills. The placement process has three components:

• A short online Mathematics Survey, completion of which is required of all students in the Class of 2012. Please complete this mathematics survey even if you won't take a math course immediately. To complete the survey, please have your Lafayette ID number ("L number") available. It was sent you your home in a letter in mid-May.
• An online test of algebra and trigonometry, Mathematics Placement Test A, which you must take if you are considering any mathematics course numbered 141or higher.
• An online test of first-semester calculus, Mathematics Placement Test B, which you must take if you have studied calculus and are considering any mathematics course numbered 162 or higher.

Preparing to take the Survey and Placement Test

n order to complete the survey and the placement tests, you'll need to go to the Lafayette Moodle site and log in using your NetworkID and Password. These access codes were sent to your home in the Tech Orientation CD in mid-May. Once you are logged in, you will see a block on the left of the screen labeled "My Courses." This contains three sites you currently have access to: Math Placement Test, Chemistry Placement Test, and Class of 2012. Click the "Math Placement Test" link to access the survey and both placement tests. Once you access the survey, you will also need to have your Lafayette "L number" handy. It was also sent to your home in a letter.

Your test results will be held in confidence and will be used only to advise you on your mathematics placement.

After You Finish the Mathematics Survey and Test(s)

After you have completed the mathematics survey and the placement test(s) (if required), and have submitted your registration for the fall semester, we will review your course selection in light of the data you have provided. We will contact you if we believe that your selection of a mathematics course is not a good one. If we agree with your course selection, you will not hear from us on this issue.

Questions?

If you have questions about the mathematics survey, about either placement test, or about what mathematics course you should choose for the fall, please feel free to email Professor
Thomas Hill. Alternatively, you may contact Professor Hill by telephone at (610) 330-5282.

If you have completed the mathematics survey and all required placement tests, please go to the Course Selection Guide for further guidance concerning all course selection.