FAQ

The University Core Curriculum Requirements specify that all students in all Schools and Colleges must meet a Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement. You may satisfy this requirement by completing one semester of mathematics at the level marked "core," but AP credit can also be used to satisfy the requirement.

You are exempted from the Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement if you received a score of four or higher on either the Calculus AB or BC placement exam, and the result has been recorded on your transcript.

No. AP credit in Statistics cannot be used to satisfy the Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement.

No. AP credit in Statistics cannot be used to satisfy the Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement.

Yes. Usually, the Admissions Office will accept IB (International Baccalaureate) credit for Advanced Level mathematics courses with a score of five or higher. Please feel free to consult the Mathematics Chairman directly for other cases where IB credit has been earned in mathematics.

No. Other than what's listed above, there is no procedure for "testing out" of the Math Requirement. There are no placement tests administered at BC that you can take to "test out of" the Math Requirement.

Yes. Having AP credit for Calculus does not preclude you from taking a Calculus course, even if it repeats material from your high school course(s). However, we strongly suggest that you speak with a Mathematics Advisor during your Orientation Session to see which Calculus course is right for you. Also, make sure to visit the Calculus Advisement pages on this website for more help on this question.

As long as your school or major does not recommend or specify a completion deadline for the Math Requirement, you can take Math in any semester you choose. We find that taking Math is easier for many students when it's done earlier. This is especially true if you'll be taking Calculus. Completing the Math Requirement no later than junior year would seem to be a good, general recommendation.

It depends. The MATH1100 and MATH1101 Calculus courses require that you have ... and be able to use, both on assignments and exams ... a graphing calculator. Calculators are strongly suggested for the Math and Science Major Calculus courses (MATH1102 - MATH1103 - MATH2202), and may be required at the discretion of the instructor. Most core-level Math courses do not assume that students have calculators.

We recommend the Texas Instruments TI-83+. This is the calculator of choice in all of our Calculus courses -- it is routinely used in the classroom for MATH1100 and MATH1101.

The TI-84 family is the more recent equivalent of the TI-83 family -- the TI-84 calculators are "keystroke-compatible" with the TI-83 family, they are faster, they have a better display, and they have a USB connection. You'll pay about $25 more for a TI-84+ over a TI-83+; and about another $15 for a TI-84+ Silver Edition. The speed, display, and USB connection of the TI-84 models may well be worth the extra cost, but there is no specific functionality difference for our purposes between the TI-83 family and the TI-84 family.

The TI-82, TI-85, and TI-86 may also be used, as can calculators from other manufacturers such as Casio and Hewlett-Packard. However, support is available primarily for the TI-83+, and to a limited extent, for the TI-82, TI-85, and TI-86.

Certain symbolic-capable calculators (e.g., the TI-89, TI-92, and HP49g) can also be used, but may be prohibited during examinations, at the discretion of your instructor.