New Student Placement & Enrollment

All incoming freshmen are required to take the UW math placement test.

Transfer students are informed which placement test(s) they are required to take via email. More information on placement testing for SOAR students can be found on the SOAR website.

The SOAR website has information on how to sign up for the placement test and when to take it.

If you attend your SOAR date without having taken the placement test by the specified date, you may not be able to enroll in math courses until you’ve completed the test and received your scores.

Testing and Evaluation Services should have notified you regarding when you can expect to see your scores. To access your placement test scores, please see this page for directions.

More information on placement test results can be found here.

You should fill out the Missing Placement Test Scores report form on the SOAR website, and then someone will reach out to you regarding getting the scores posted.

Retaking the placement test is an option if a student thinks their current scores do not accurately represent their knowledge of the material. Except in the case of transfer credit, there is no exception to math course placement.

Please see our information on retaking for more details.

In general, we strictly enforce prerequisites on all of our math courses, so students are expected to satisfy the prerequisites or place into a course before enrolling in subsequent courses.

Students are not permitted to enroll in courses “above” their math placement. The only exception to math placement is course credit (more on this below).

Students are welcome to enroll in courses “below” their placement, though we try to discourage it, as the placement test is a good indicator of proper math placement. Students in this case may consider doing some review for the course they placed into before deciding to enroll in a course “below” their placement.

That said, should you decide to enroll below your current placement level, please send an email to placement@math.wisc.edu to ask for help with enrollment if you’re not able to do so on your own.

MATH 96 is a developmental math course that some students must complete in order to graduate from UW-Madison, and other students must complete if they intend to take subsequent math courses that require college-level algebra. The requirement to take MATH 96 is based on placement test scores on the UW math placement test and is intended to ensure that you have adequate preparation for subsequent mathematics or Quantitative Reasoning A (QRA) courses at UW-Madison. If you need to take MATH 96, the expectation is that you will do so in your first semester.

If you are required to take MATH 96 you will see a notation regarding “developmental math proficiency” on the top of your DARS report. This means you are required to take MATH 96 before you are eligible to enroll in any other mathematics course and any course that satisfies the QRA requirement for all UW-Madison students (including courses that satisfy this requirement outside of the Math Department).

If your placement test scores give you an option to take MATH 96 or MATH 141, you will see “MATH 96 or MATH 141” on your placement test results. You should work with your academic advisor to understand which of these two courses, if any, is best for you in your particular situation. If you need to take precalculus (i.e., MATH 112 and 113, or 114), then MATH 96 is where you should start. If your intended major does not require any precalculus or beyond, you can take any of the other courses that satisfy QRA (if needed), including MATH 141.

If you think your scores on the UW math placement test do not accurately reflect your skills, you can retake the math placement test. See here for more information. If your scores on the retake are higher, you may no longer be required to complete MATH 96. Retaking the math placement test as soon as possible will help ensure that you are in the appropriate courses in your first semester and will help us ensure that you are on track to graduate on time.

Note that students that place into MATH 96 should have a full conversation with their academic advisor to determine which courses or actions are most appropriate based on the student’s areas of interest. A student that places into MATH 96 may not need to take it depending on other factors.

If there is even the slightest possibility that you may need to enroll in precalculus (e.g., MATH 112 or 114) at some point in the future then MATH 96 is the course you should take.

MATH 141 is a terminal, QR-A math course that does not lead to enrollment into higher-level math classes, and its completion does not imply preparedness to move on with our precalculus coursework. However, if you are very confident that you just need a QR-A course, MATH 141 is one option.

We maintain a courses page that gives some more in-depth information on the courses and choosing between them.

Please check in with your advisor to determine which option would be best for you; there are other QR-A courses outside of MATH 141 as well!

It should be noted that either pathway is equally effective, though which course a student should more heavily consider is based on their goals.

We maintain a courses page that gives some more in-depth information on the courses and choosing between them.

Depending on academic goals, students should work with their advisors to carefully consider whether MATH 211 or 221 is most appropriate for them.

MATH 221 is the most commonly taken calculus course at UW-Madison, and is accepted as a prerequisite for MATH 222, which then leads to the rest of the mathematics curriculum. On the other hand, MATH 211 is primarily taken by Business majors, and is only a prerequisite for MATH 213, which is then a terminal course with respect to the mathematics curriculum. That is, students cannot take the MATH 211/213 course sequence and then continue into the “main” calculus sequence. For this reason, students should take MATH 221 if there is even the slightest chance they will require or want further mathematics courses. Students who take MATH 211 and change their mind later will be required to go back to MATH 221.

Even most Wisconsin School of Business non-direct admits should heavily consider MATH 221 if given the option, as MATH 211 has less utility outside of the Wisconsin School of Business. Even so, some programs in the Wisconsin School of Business require MATH 221, however! All students should check with their advisors to determine which course is most appropriate. Students who are interested in more advanced courses in mathematics, statistics, data science, engineering, modeling, etc. should likely opt for MATH 221.

We maintain a courses page that gives some more in-depth information on the courses and choosing between them.

Confirm with your advisor that you’re enrolled in the appropriate calculus course!

No. Assuming you have no other transfer credit for math coursework that would qualify you for MATH 221, course enrollment eligibility is based upon your placement test. We do not evaluate a student’s preparedness for calculus based solely on high school coursework.

No. Assuming you have no other transfer credit for math coursework that would qualify you for MATH 221, course enrollment eligibility is based upon your placement test. We do not evaluate a student’s preparedness for calculus based solely on high school coursework.

Students who took substantial calculus coursework in high school but did not receive college credit may be interested in the Calculus Credit by Examination page.

For an overview, refer to this page from Registrar.

If a student has transfer credit for an equivalent UW-Madison course (i.e., a named course, like MATH 221) then this credit can supersede a student’s placement via the placement test.

Transfer credit can get complicated, so students should connect with their advisor to discuss it.

You may consider checking out these links to get some ideas on how to refresh your knowledge of math course topics:

• Math Learning Center FAQs
• Math Learning Center Review Resources

We usually recommend that students start off in and attend the first class of a subsequent course before deciding whether to retake a course they already have credit for.

We assume that students enrolling in a math course will have a strong understanding of the prerequisite materials. If a student wants to retake a course then that is perfectly fine, but they should consider whether it is a good use of their time, especially if they already have a strong grasp on the materials presented in the course. 

NOTE: different schools and colleges at UW-Madison have varying policies regarding retakes. For example, here is the College of Letters & Science’s page on retake policies. These may be slightly different for students in other schools or colleges (like CALS or Engineering), and so we strongly suggest that a student speak to their advisor before retaking a course. A common point to make, though, is that you cannot earn degree credit for the same course twice, so transferring in a course and then taking that same course at UW-Madison will not grant you degree credit for the retake course.

• Math Learning Center FAQs
• Math Learning Center Review Resources

Two things to consider are:

1. There is evidence that suggests that students with credit for calculus despite lack of adequate algebra knowledge, function knowledge, etc. but nevertheless make use of their credit to move into more advanced courses (including repeating calculus) tend not to do as well in future technical coursework as their peers.
2. If a student is interested in working on these skills, then the right course to take is probably MATH 114 or the MATH 171/217 sequence. (Differences between the MATH 114/221 and MATH 171/217 routes can be found here.) That is, taking MATH 221 will not refine precalculus material since it is presumed of students who are enrolled in the class.

Having underprepared precalculus skills may lead to poorer outcomes in MATH 221 (and beyond), so if precalculus is something a student is not comfortable with then caution should be taken before moving ahead.

• Math Learning Center FAQs
• Math Learning Center Review Resources

If after review a student feels underprepared, then note that students with (relatively) underprepared algebra skills and function knowledge (i.e., precalculus) tend to have poor outcomes in college-level math courses (including Calculus 2). In particular, this correlation is stronger than grade or advanced standing in Calculus 1. In such a case, we would suggest that the student consider precalculus or equivalent before moving on, even if they do earn credit for MATH 221 via some means.

Two things to consider are:

1. There is evidence that suggests that students with credit for calculus despite lack of adequate algebra knowledge, function knowledge, etc. but nevertheless make use of their credit to move into more advanced courses (including repeating calculus) tend not to do as well in future technical coursework as their peers.
2. If a student is interested in working on these skills, then the right course to take is probably MATH 114 or the MATH 171/217 sequence. (Differences between the MATH 114/221 and MATH 171/217 routes can be found here.) That is, taking MATH 221 will not refine precalculus material since it is presumed of students who are enrolled in the class.

Having underprepared precalculus skills may lead to poorer outcomes in MATH 221 (and beyond), so if precalculus is something a student is not comfortable with then caution should be taken before moving ahead.

If you intend on enrolling in MATH 211 and have transfer credit for:

• MATH 96, you can enroll in MATH 112, then MATH 211.
  • Note that MATH 114 is not the suggested precalculus course after MATH 96, unless you were to place into it.
• MATH 112, you may enroll directly into MATH 211.
• MATH 113, the Math Department can help with course access to MATH 112, after which you would qualify for MATH 211 enrollment.
• MATH 114, you may enroll directly into MATH 211.

Alternatively, you may consider taking the math placement test to place into MATH 211 directly, if you place appropriately. The placement test may also qualify you for more appropriate precalculus coursework. More information on taking the math placement test–as well as placement test retakes–can be found above.

• NOTE: all incoming freshmen are required to take the placement test, and transfer students are notified of which placement tests they need to take.

If you intend on enrolling in MATH 221 and have transfer credit for:

• MATH 96, you can enroll in MATH 112, then MATH 113, then MATH 221.
  • Note that MATH 114 is not the suggested precalculus course after MATH 96, unless you were to place into it.
• MATH 112, you can take then MATH 113, then MATH 221.
• MATH 113, the Math Department can help with course access to MATH 112, after which you would qualify for MATH 221 enrollment.
• MATH 114, you may enroll directly into MATH 221.

Alternatively, you may consider taking the math placement test to place into MATH 221 directly, if you place appropriately. The placement test may also qualify you for more appropriate precalculus coursework. More information on taking the math placement test–as well as placement test retakes–can be found above.

• NOTE: all incoming freshmen are required to take the placement test, and transfer students are notified of which placement tests they need to take.

Some students who transfer in MATH 211 credit will need to establish MATH 221 credit for their programs or coursework of interest. We maintain a courses page that gives some more in-depth information on the courses, some sequencing differences, and other considerations. MATH 211 and MATH 221 are often not interchangeable in terms of course prerequisites or program requirements, and MATH 211 alone is not a prerequisite to MATH 221. Students should always have a conversation with their academic advisor if they are uncertain about whether MATH 221 is necessary given their academic plan.

Below are some options for establishing MATH 221 credit:

• We strongly suggest that you consider taking the UW math placement test. This would give us an indication of your placement and would allow you to enroll directly into MATH 221, should you place into it. Note that we do allow a retake.
  • NOTE: all incoming freshmen are required to take the placement test, and transfer students are notified of which placement tests they need to take.
• If you decide that you do not wish to take the math placement test, then given your credit for MATH 211, the Math Department can waive you into the following courses (which you can request by emailing placement@math.wisc.edu):
  • MATH 112, after which you must complete MATH 113 to enroll in MATH 221.
  • MATH 114, after which you can enroll in MATH 221.
  • MATH 171/217, which is equivalent to the algebra/trigonometry/221 sequence but taught in a different format. More information can be found here.
• If you feel qualified, you can consider taking the MATH 221 calculus exam for credit.
  • If you were to take this exam and earn credit for MATH 221, but not place into MATH 221 via the math placement test or you feel that you do not have a strong grasp on precalculus, note that we have resources linked above for students who place into precalculus with calculus credit. It is important to be comfortable with precalculus topics before moving ahead with math course sequencing.

Students should submit any syllabi that they’d like to have reevaluated via the Course Reevaluation Request form. Note that:

1. You must submit the syllabi from the semester/term in which you took the course.
2. The form only takes in one syllabus at a time.
3. You are strongly encouraged to submit all sequential math courses for review even if you are receiving transfer credit for one or more of them.
   1. For example: You have taken a Calculus I and Calculus II course at your previous institution. Calculus I transferred as electives (or MATH 211), but Calculus II transferred as MATH 222. You should submit BOTH your Calculus I and Calculus II syllabi for review, as it may be the case that the combination of both courses are equivalent to our MATH 221 and 222.

For assistance in deciding which syllabi to submit, or for enrollment in mathematics courses in general, please email Kyle Martinez at placement@math.wisc.edu to ask for some help.

There are a few reasons why your transfer credits are not be reflected on your record, which may include:

• An updated transcript was not received by the Office of Admissions with your math course on it;
• Your AP/IB/A-Level exam scores were not received by UW-Madison in time for your SOAR appointment;
• Your transcripts were very recently received and the credit has not been posted yet;
• If you took the course as a high school student and did not enroll in it for college-level credit, we cannot grant college credit for the course and so credit will not be posted;
• A mistake was made, and the credit hasn’t been posted yet.

The first step should be to contact the UW-Madison Office of Admissions to inquire about why your credit has not been posted yet.

If you are looking to enroll in a math course: if you have unofficial college (i.e., not high school) transcripts with the course(s) reflected on it, or if you have unofficial score reports for AP/IB/A-Level exams, please attach these as PDFs in an email to placement@math.wisc.edu with a brief summary of your situation. In general, once we see evidence that transfer credit will be granted then we can grant permission for immediate enrollment into the appropriate coursework while you work on getting the credit posted.

Information on downloading an AP score report can be found here.

No. We must have verification that the course in question was taken and passed. Here are the steps that should be completed in order to request enrollment permission for subsequent math coursework:

1. Complete the course. After the course has been completed and a final grade has been posted, please send your unofficial transcript (i.e., not a grade report) in PDF form to placement@math.wisc.edu with a brief overview of your situation, as well as a reminder of what math course you need permission for.
2. Keep an eye out for an email from someone in the Math Department with information on enrollment. Permission could take a couple business days, so please be patient.

Do keep in mind that other departments may have different policies on this.

The Mathematics Department offers exams to students who want to earn credit for MATH 221, MATH 222 and/or MATH 234. The exams are offered the first week of the fall and spring semester.

These exams are intended primarily for freshmen who have taken substantial calculus courses in high school, or for transfer students who did not get transfer credits for a calculus course taken at another institution, and who desire to establish college credits for MATH 221, MATH 222, or/and MATH 234. It is open to undergraduate students only.

Students who have been or will be granted calculus credit by other means—such as through AP exams, transfer credit, etc.—do not need to take these exams. Students who are not sure whether they should take one or more of these exams should check in with their advisors.

More information is listed on the Calculus Credit by Examination page.

MATH 101 is a course that is no longer offered, but was used as preparation for college-level algebra coursework. It can be used as a prerequisite for MATH 112, 114, 141 or 171. Students that have MATH 101 but are having trouble enrolling in one of these courses can be referred to a math consultant, or can email placement@math.wisc.edu for some more help.

We offer four main introductory-level linear algebra courses:

• MATH 320
• MATH 340
• MATH 341
• MATH 375

All of these courses are slightly different and offer different experiences/topics. One course may be suggested over another depending on a student’s goals and program(s) of interest.

A more in-depth look at our linear algebra offerings can be found here.

Honors Calculus is a year-long sequence of two courses–MATH 375 and 376–which serves as a more theoretical and advanced alternative to multi-variable calculus (MATH 234), differential equations (MATH 319), and linear algebra (MATH 341). The goal of these courses is to provide highly motivated and well-prepared students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of these fundamental areas of mathematics.

This is a rigorous and challenging sequence and is open to students outside of the Honors Program!

Please see our MATH 376/376 page for more information on the sequence, enrollment prerequisites, and the enrollment application form.

WES = Wisconsin Emerging Scholars. Essentially, some calculus courses have sections which are smaller (~15-20 students), meet more often (6 hours/week rather than 2), and are more intensive. Students in these sections do well compared to the others in the class. WES-Calculus sections also add on an extra 2 credits!

For more information, see the WES-Calculus page.