Advising and Placement Information
This page contains the information you need to choose the mathematics course that is most appropriate for you at Boston College.
Use the guidance provided here to identify courses that:
- fulfill the Math Core requirements for your School;
- meet requirements for your intended major or academic program; and
- align with your mathematical background, preparation, and interests.
You can also find answers to common questions about mathematics courses and placement in the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Mathematics courses that fulfill the Math Core requirement vary by school at Boston College. The available options are outlined below.
For mathematics courses required by a specific major or program, consult the website of the appropriate academic department.
AP Credit for the Math Core
Students who earn a score of 4 or higher on the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus 天美传媒app exam may fulfill the Math Core requirement as well as certain major requirements.
Note: AP Statistics, International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, and other placement examinations do not fulfill the Math Core requirement.
Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (MCAS)
Morrissey students may fulfill the Math Core requirement with any of the following:
- MATH 1004聽Finite Probability and Applications
- MATH 1007聽Ideas in Math
- Any calculus course numbered MATH 1100 or higher
- The MATH 1002 - MATH 1003 sequence
- Any mathematics course numbered MATH 2000 or higher, except MATH 2290 - MATH 2291
- CSCI1101聽Computer Science I
Course descriptions and current mathematics offerings are available on the Mathematics Course Offerings page.
Students whose major or program requires calculus can review additional guidance for selecting the appropriate calculus course. This includes students in mathematics, computer science, the physical and life sciences, and the social sciences. Select the Choosing a Calculus Course section below for details.
Carroll School of Management (CSOM)
CSOM students generally take BZAN 1135 or BZAN 1137, both of which fulfill the Math Core requirement.
Additional information about undergraduate academic requirements is available from the Carroll School of Management.
Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD)
Math requirements vary by major:
- Elementary Education majors take MATH 1190.
- Applied Psychology majors take APSY 2217.
- Students in other LSEHD majors may take either of these courses or another approved Math Core course.
Additional information about undergraduate program requirements is available from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
Connell School of Nursing (CSON)
Nursing majors take MATH 1180 during the spring semester of their first year.
Additional information about undergraduate nursing requirements is available from the Connell School of Nursing.
Choosing a Calculus Course
Select the option that best matches your academic program or question.
For Students Considering Math, Computer Science or Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Geological Sciences) or Engineering
What is your Precalculus background, if any?聽
鈥淧recalculus鈥� material includes high school Algebra I and II, trigonometry and exponential and logarithmic functions.
If you have no previous precalculus and/or calculus experience, or negative prior experiences taking either precalculus or calculus, we strongly recommend MATH 1000 Precalculus: Functions, Models, and Change, followed by MATH 1102 (Calculus I Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors). (Following this, you will be prepared to take MATH 1103 Calculus II (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors), if you wish.) Note: MATH 1000 does not satisfy Math Core, and Math1100 and higher does satisfy the Math Core.听聽
What is your Calculus background, if any?
If you had no Calculus or only a semester of Calculus in high school, but have a strong background in precalculus material, you should take the Calculus Placement Test. Based on that, you will be recommended to start in MATH 1102 Calculus I (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors) or MATH 1000 Precalculus: Functions, Models, and Change, then Math1102. Following MATH 1102, you will be prepared to take MATH1103 Calculus II (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors). Note: MATH 1000 does not satisfy Math Core, and Math1100 and higher does satisfy the Math Core.听聽
If you had at least a year of Calculus in high school, then the options are MATH 1102 Calculus I (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors), MATH 1103 Calculus II (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors), or MATH 2202 Multivariable Calculus, depending on the following factors:
- the type of high school Calculus curriculum you studied ("AB," "天美传媒app," or "Other");
- the results you achieved in these courses;
- the results you achieved on the AP exam, if you took one;
- your attitude towards and experience with mathematics;
- your motivation to pursue a demanding program, and the level of other courses you are taking.听
Our general recommendations on which course you should choose as a first Calculus course can be found in the following table. In all cases where we suggest choosing one of two possible courses, you should almost always take the higher-numbered course if you have a positive attitude towards mathematics and are motivated to pursue a demanding program.
AP Calculus Placement
| AP Exam | Score | Recommended Course |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 5 | MATH 2202 or MATH 2203** |
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 4 | MATH 1103 or MATH 2202 |
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 3 or lower | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
| AP Calculus AB | 5 | MATH 1103 |
| AP Calculus AB | 4 | MATH 1102 or MATH 1103 |
| AP Calculus AB | 3 or lower | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
Other Calculus Background
| Previous Calculus Experience | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| One year of high school calculus without an AP Calculus AB or 天美传媒app score of 4 or 5 | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
| Other calculus preparation | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
* Based on your CPT score, you will be recommended to start in MATH 1102 or MATH 1000 depending on your precalculus background.听
** Students in this category may also want to consider MATH 2203, Honors Multivariable.听
For Students Considering Life and Social Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Economics), or Other Majors
What is your Precalculus background, if any?聽
鈥淧recalculus鈥� material includes high school Algebra I and II, trigonometry and exponential and logarithmic functions. If you have no previous precalculus and/or calculus experience, or negative prior experiences taking either precalculus or calculus, we strongly recommend MATH 1000 Precalculus: Functions, Models, and Change, then Math1100 (Calculus I (Life & Social Science Majors). (Following this, you will be prepared to take MATH 1101 Calculus II (Life and Social Science Majors) or MATH 1103 Calculus II (Math, CS, & Physical Sciences Majors), if you wish.) Note: MATH 1000 does not satisfy Math Core, and MATH 1100 and higher does satisfy the Math Core.听
What is your Calculus background, if any?
If you had no Calculus or only a semester of Calculus in high school, but have a strong background in precalculus material, you should take the Calculus Placement Test. Based on that, you will be recommended to start in MATH 1100 Calculus I (Life and Social Majors) or MATH 1000 Precalculus: Functions, Models, and Change, followed by MATH 1100. Following MATH 1100, you will be prepared to take MATH 1101 Calculus II (Life and Social Science Majors). Note: MATH 1000 does not satisfy Math Core, and MATH 1100 and higher does satisfy the Math Core.听聽
If you had at least a year of Calculus in high school, then the options are MATH 1100 Calculus I (Life & Social Science Majors), MATH 1101 Calculus II (Life & Social Science Majors), or MATH 2202, Multivariable Calculus, in some cases, depending on the following factors:聽
- the type of high school Calculus curriculum you studied ("AB," "天美传媒app," or "Other");
- the results you achieved in these courses;
- the results you achieved on the AP exam, if you took one;
- your attitude towards and experience with mathematics;
- your motivation to pursue a demanding program, and the level of other courses you are taking.
Our general recommendations on which course you should choose as a first Calculus course can be found in the following table. In all cases where we suggest choosing one of two possible courses, you should almost always take the higher-numbered course if you have a positive attitude towards mathematics and are motivated to pursue a demanding program.
AP Calculus Placement
| AP Exam | Score | Recommended Course |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 5 | MATH 1101 or MATH聽2202 |
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 4 | 惭础罢贬听1101 |
| AP Calculus 天美传媒app | 3 or lower | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
| AP Calculus AB | 5 | 惭础罢贬听1101 |
| AP Calculus AB | 4 | MATH聽1100 or 惭础罢贬听1101 |
| AP Calculus AB | 3 or lower | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
Other Calculus Background
| Previous Calculus Experience | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| One year of high school calculus | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
| Other calculus preparation | Take the Calculus Placement Test* |
* Based on your Calculus Placement Test (CPT) score, you will be recommended to begin with MATH聽1100 or MATH聽1000, depending on your precalculus background.
AP Calculus AB and 天美传媒app tests with a score of 4 or higher fulfill Math Core and some major requirements.
Note: Statistics AP Placement Exams do not fulfill Math Core requirements.
What is the Calculus Placement Test (CPT)
The Calculus Placement Test (CPT) is for students who are planning to take Calculus at Boston College. The CPT covers material that is prerequisite for Calculus 1 and 2 courses.听 To help you be successful this fall, the CPT will give you information to determine which Calculus course is the best fit for you and what prerequisite material to review for the course you take. The CPT is computer-based, delivered online through Canvas.听
Who needs to take the Calculus Placement Test (CPT)
- If you have not taken Calculus before, take the CPT.听
- If you took Calculus but did not take a Calculus AP Exam (AB or 天美传媒app), take the CPT. (This includes students who have taken IB courses or other non-AP Calculus courses.)
- If you scored a 3 or below on the Calculus AP Exam (AB or 天美传媒app), take the CPT.听
- If you took a Calculus AP Exam but did not receive a score yet, take the CPT and register for the course recommended when you complete the test. When you receive the AP score, you should do the necessary placement adjustment. If you have questions, speak with the mathematics advisor at your registration session.
You should plan to take the CPT prior to coming to Boston College for your First Year Orientation Session.
If you took the AP test (AB or 天美传媒app) and scored 4 or higher, you do not need to take the CPT. Refer to the Calculus Advising 26-27 document for course placement.听
For students interested in Multivariable Calculus at 天美传媒app, reference the above document as well. No placement test is needed for these situations.听
Instructions for taking the online Calculus Placement Test
- The Test is computer-based, delivered online through Canvas. It can be taken only once. You may take the test anytime, day or night, 24/7.
- Have your Boston College username and password information and any picture ID with you before starting the test.听
- Log in to your Canvas at 聽with your Agora username and password information. You cannot take the test without these login credentials.
- You will find the Calculus Placement Test 26-27 as a course tile in the Canvas Learning Management System or at聽.听
- You MUST use a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam and the following required operating systems: Windows 鈥� 11 and 10, Mac 鈥� macOS 11 鈥� 15.0+
- DO NOT use a Chromebook, iPad or other mobile device to access the Calculus Placement Test.
- Install the Boston College LockDown Browser tool. Instructions to do so are located within the Calculus Placement Test course in Canvas and . When you enter the course, make sure to carefully read the entire homepage.
- Take the practice quiz to help you troubleshoot LockDown Browser.听
- Take the Calculus Placement Test itself with the LockDown Browser in place. If you are planning to take Calculus 1, take the Precalculus Content Test only. If you are planning to take Calculus 2, take the Precalculus Content and Calculus Content test.听聽
- Do your best. Do NOT use any form of calculator, computer or AI program. Do NOT ask for help from another person or look up information or answers from any outside resource. Otherwise, this will invalidate the recommendations and may end up recommending you for a course which is not the right level yet.听
Technical and Other Support
- 聽For technical assistance with your Agora username and password, contact Boston College's Technology Help Center at (617) 552-4357 (option #2) Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm EDT or /techchat Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT.
- For 24/7 technical assistance with the LockDown Browser or related issues contact Boston College's Technology Help Center at (617) 552-4357 (option #1).
- If after seeking technical assistance with the Help Center your issue has not been resolved, you need to email the Calculus Placement Test Administrator at bccptadm@gmail.com and await a reply email.听
- The Administrator will reply to email within 48 business hours (M-F 9 am - 5 pm).听
- Test takers with technical inquiries during the test should also email bccptadm@gmail.com immediately following the test.听
- Should you need assistance with any non-technical test issue (e.g. to be added to the Calculus Placement Test Canvas site), do not contact the Help Center, but instead please email the Calculus Placement Test Coordinator, bccptadm@gmail.com
Special testing accommodations
If special testing accommodations are necessary, please email bccptadm@gmail.com with your accommodation information. We will determine whether it is possible to take it online or if an in person setting is necessary.听
Math Core Other than Calculus聽
For students who want to take a Math Core course other than Calculus, please note that the Math Department offers two options:
- MATH 1007 Ideas in Math聽 This course is designed to introduce the student to the spirit, beauty and vitality of mathematics.听 The emphasis is on development of ideas and problem solving skills.听聽
- MATH 1004 Finite Probability and Applications聽 This course is an introduction to finite combinatorics and probability, emphasizing applications and problem-solving. Topics include finite sets and partitions, enumeration, probability, expectation and random variables.听
Students in LSEHD, CSON, CSOM also have other options. Talk to your advisor.听
We look forward to welcoming you to our courses soon!
About Advanced Placement
In May of each year, the administers Advanced Placement tests in calculus at two different levels:
- The Calculus AB Advanced Placement Examination covers the topics of differential and integral Calculus.
- The Calculus 天美传媒app Advanced Placement Examination includes the topics of the AB Advanced Placement Examination as well as additional material on infinite series.
Only results from these two exams affect whether a student may or may not be exempted from The University Core Curriculum requirement in mathematics, and what, if any, mathematics corequisites may be omitted in a student's major program. In particular, note that results achieved in the Statistics AP Placement Examination have no impact with regards to mathematics requirements.
AP credit in math at Boston College
We consider a student to have Advanced Placement ("AP") credit in mathematics if he or she has received a score of four of higher on either the Calculus AB or Calculus 天美传媒app Placement examination.
Earning AP credit from the Calculus AB exam can be roughly equated to successfully completing our Calculus courses MT100 Calculus I and MT101 Calculus II. Earning AP credit from the Calculus 天美传媒app exam compares very closely with successful completion of our Calculus courses MT102 Calculus I (math and science majors) and MT103 Calculus II (math and science majors).
Using AP credit in math at Boston College
It's important to understand that AP credit at Boston College serves a variety of different functions.
- In all schools and colleges, AP credit exempts the student from The University Core Curriculum requirement in Mathematics.
- In the Carroll School of Management (CSOM), AP credit exempts the student from the CSOM Calculus requirement.
- In many programs or majors (e.g., chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and psychology), AP credit may exempt the student from having to meet mathematics core requisites specified by the program or major.
- In some majors or programs (e.g., Biology-BS and the Pre-medical program), AP credit is used primarily to properly place the student in a required calculus course, allowing the student a wider range of options in how he or she may complete a mathematics corequisite in the program.
The pages of this website that specify mathematics requirements according to a student's school or college and then by major or program define as precisely as possible how AP credit can be used in each of those majors or programs.
AP credit in math is not course credit
Note that AP credit is not considered as course credit. That is, each student is required to complete 38 or more courses for graduation, depending upon their school or college. AP credit does not reduce the number of courses needed to graduate.
In short, AP credit allows a student to be properly placed into courses when mathematics is an essential component of his or her program or major, often bypassing corequisite mathematics courses, and almost always giving students more options in completing requirements in their majors and programs.
Recording AP credit in mathematics
Students must ask that their scores be transmitted by the College Board to Boston College. Once scores are received by Boston College, appropriate designations are made on the student's transcript - MT011 and MT012 AP designations are made on the student's transcript when qualifying scores are received.
It is the responsibility of every incoming student to make sure that results of their AP examinations are correctly transmitted to Boston College. Please contact the College Board and/or Boston College Admissions if your examination scores are not properly transmitted. All questions regarding the recording of AP credit in math must be resolved by Boston College Admissions.