The study of mathematics builds upon previous knowledge and skill in the field more than any other subject of study. It is imperative that you meet the stated prerequisites for the class in order to succeed in the next level. It is also important to carefully choose your first mathematics course so that you can start with success and build upon that success, semester by semester until your mathematical goals are reached.

Currently there are two main methods of getting into mathematics courses above Developmental Mathematics. One can either make a grade of C or above in the prerequisite course at a college or university or one can have the equivalent course in secondary school and then validate that learning through an adequate score on some exam, such as the mathematics portion of the ACT or the Compass exam. Minimum ACT mathematics scores for entry into several mathematics classes are given in the following table.

Course	Minimum ACT Mathematics Score
MATH 1403 College Algebra	19
MATH 2753 Finite Mathematics	23
MATH 1453 Plane Trigonometry	23
MATH 1715 Precalculus Mathematics	23
MATH 2403 Survey of Calculus	23
MATH 2503 Probability and Statistics	23
MATH 2805 Calculus I	25

Notice that scoring above a cutoff on a placement tool allows one to take the appropriate course but it is not a recommendation for taking that course. Students with scores at or barely above the cutoff should carefully consider other factors before choosing their first college mathematics course. You should look carefully at the mathematics courses required by your degree plan, your personal goals and interests, your background preparation, and the time since your last mathematics class, as well as placement exam scores before choosing your first mathematics class.