Questions With Advisor

Before making your final decision regarding your first mathematics course, we recommend you print this page of questions, answer each of the questions thoughtfully, and discuss your responses with your advisor.  We wish you the best in your academic career here at Penn State. 

Questions to Consider and Discuss

1. Have you completed at least two years of algebra and a course in trigonometry? 

 Yes No

2. Was your grade in your highest level high school mathematics class at least a B?

    Yes No

3. The department recommends that, for each hour of lecture in a mathematics course, you spend at least two hours studying the material. This means approximately 6-8 hours of studying per week for each mathematics course.  Is this your plan?

 Yes No

4. When studying mathematics, do you attempt to understand concepts rather than simply memorizing facts?

 Yes No

5. Are you a conscientious student (in terms of class attendance and timely completion of homework)?

 Yes No

6. Are you planning to take less than 16 credit hours this semester?

 Yes No

7. Do you enjoy studying mathematics?

 Yes No

8. Do you have a high degree of confidence in your ability to learn mathematics?

 Yes No

9. Are all the majors you are considering related to science and/or mathematics?

 Yes No

If you answered "No" to one or more of the questions above, you may be placing yourself at risk of poor performance in a mathematics course that is at a higher level than your Mathematics Placement recommendation.