Placement into Calculus Courses

There are two advanced placement exams for calculus, called AB and BC. The following table summarizes the department’s recommendations for proper placement into introductory courses based on these exams and the student’s prior experience with calculus. Students with an unusual background or any other concerns should confer with the department.

Student’s experience

Recommended calculus placement
  • 4 or 5 on AP Calculus BC

Math 220
  • 3 on AP Calculus BC
  • 5 on AP Calculus AB

Math 220
  • 4 on AP Calculus AB

Most likely Math 125, but confer
  • 3 on AP Calculus AB

Math 125
  • 1 or 2 on AP Calculus BC or AB

Math 121 or 125; confer
  • AP Calculus course, but no exam
  • Non-AP Calculus course

Possibly Math 220, most likely Math 125; confer
  • No Calculus experience

Math 101 or Math 121; confer