Mathematics Placement Policy
For Incoming Students
Success in any mathematics course depends on the student’s understanding of skills and information that was taught in previous mathematics courses. In order to ensure this success, Mercer calculates a Math-Index score (100*HS-GPA + Math-SAT) and uses it to place the students as follows:
- Math-Index of < 850: The student may take MAT 095 or 104.
- Math-Index of 851 to <950: The student may take STA 126 or MAT 133.
- Math-Index of 950 or greater: The student may take MAT 191.
General Math Course Descriptions
- Pre-calculus (MAT 133) teaches algebra and trigonometry and prepares a student to take MAT 191 Calculus.
- Intermediate Algebra (MAT 095) teaches basic algebra skills and prepares the student to take STA 126 Statistics or MAT 133 Pre-calculus. Note that no college credit is given for MAT 095 credit.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit
A student will receive credit for MAT 191 with a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC Placement Exam. With a score of 5 on the BC Placement Exam, a student may receive additional credit to be determined by interview with the Department Chair. A student will receive credit
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More Information
Course Catalog
Contact Us
Academic and Advising Services
Located In Penfield Hall
(Across from Tarver Library)
p: (478) 301-2078
f: (478) 301-2015
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for MAT 121 with a score of 3.
Please follow the advice of an academic advisor regarding the appropriate math course choice(s) for your major and track.
- Physical Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) majors, Mathematics majors, and Computer Science majors should consider MAT 191 Calculus.
- Social Science (Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology) majors may take STA 126 Statistics or MAT 191.
- Majors in the Humanities and Fine Arts may take MAT 104 Finite Mathematics, STA 126 Statistics, or MAT 191 Calculus.
- Students on a Pre-Health Track must consider the requirements of their major and the admission reuqirements of their specific pre-health track.
- Undecided students should speak with their academic advisors about the appropriate choice, but might consider taking MAT 191 Calculus since it provides the most flexibility in terms of future choices.
See the Math Department web site for additional information.
