Mathematics Assessment for Prospective Calculus Students
All students who wish to begin the study of calculus at Mount Holyoke must complete an online Mathematics Assessment. The results of the Assessment will help you decide if there is preparation you should do before arriving at Mount Holyoke and will assist the department in placing you in your first calculus course.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers two ways to begin the study of calculus: Math 100 and 101. Most students begin with Math 101 (Calculus I). Multiple sections are offered at varying times.
As a general rule, to begin with Math 101 you should be able to score at least 80/100 on the Mathematics Assessment Test. You can make use of the suggested review materials and re-try the Assessment (on the Mathematics Assessment link) until you feel that you have sufficiently strengthened your pre-calculus skills.
If your interests lie in science, economics, or social sciences, calculus is important because it is the language these disciplines use. If the assessment test or your own mathematics background suggests, you should consider a year-long sequence of Math 100, Pre-Calculus, followed by Math 101, Calculus I. The Pre-Calculus course carries 4 credits but does not meet any distribution requirement. Distribution credit will be granted upon successful completion of Math 101, Calculus I. Pre-Calculus courses taken outside the Mount Holyoke College Math 110/Math 101 sequence will not be granted credit nor be approved to satisfy any distribution requirement. Admission to M100 is by permission of the instructor, based on your Assessment results and other information about your mathematics background.
If you are unsure of your placement choice, you may contact Professor Harriet Pollatsek by email.
Students who have already studied calculus usually begin with Math 202 (Calculus II), but some begin with Math 203 (Calculus III). It is not necessary to complete the Mathematics Assessment for continuations of calculus, although you are welcome to do so if you're curious. For more information about these courses and the calculus preparation they require, as well as about introductory courses in the mathematical sciences other than calculus, see Beginning the Study of Mathematics.
Using your Mount Holyoke login and password, you will be able to access the online Assessment. Here's how you do it:
Open your browser to Euclid:
Accessing Mathematics Assessment
- Mac users with OSX should use Firefox or Safari; Mac users with OS9 should use Netscape
- PC users can use Firefox, Mozilla or Internet Explorer
Once your browser has opened:
- Select: Math Assessment 2010-2011
- Login with your MHC username and password
- Again choose Math Assessment 2010-2011
Read Instructions for Math Assessment before attempting this assessment. It is also suggested that you review "Topics to Review" and practice "Trying out an online quiz" before you to take the Math Assessment.
If you have technical difficulties, please call the LITS help desk (413-538-2600) for assistance.
You can view a sample test, and the answers, of the kinds of questions on the Mathematics Assessment. While this is not the actual assessment test, it should give you an idea of the kinds of problems you will see on the assessment.
200-Level Calculus
100-Level