Frequently Asked Questions
Information for undergraduates
Disclaimer: This page is provided by the mathematics department
for informational purposes only. Official policies are found elsewhere and
these pages may be out of date or oversimplified in some cases.
Placement Questions
-
Q. How do I schedule a placement test?
- A.
- Entering first-year students can register for a placement
test on-line at the
Office of Institutional
Research
- Transfer students may contact April Pagano,
732-932-8445, for placement testing dates.
Transfer students do not need to register in advance.
- Other questions regarding the schedule of placement exams can be
addressed to April Pagano at 732-932-8445.
-
- Q.
Where can I find my mathematics placement code?
- A.
You can use Degree Navigator
to review all SAS and major requirements. The placement result is given
under Requirements:Quantitative Skills:Type GE.
-
- Q.
What is a mathematics placement code?
- A.
A typical code is MA:640:PCA. This is read as follows:
- MA: Math placement test
- 640: Mathematics courses
- PCA: Pre-calculus. You are eligible to take a pre-calculus course.
See the Full list of
placement codes.
-
- More information on placement
Special Permission Questions
- Q.
What is a special permission number?
- A. A number issued by the mathematics department when
departmental permission is required for entry into a section of a course.
There are two possible reasons for this.
- The course as a whole requires departmental permission (most honors
courses and other special courses).
- The section is fully enrolled (closed).
- Q.
How do I apply for a special permission
number to enter an honors course or other special course?
- A.
Come to the undergraduate office (Hill 303) and fill out a paper form.
- Q.
How do I apply for a special permission
number to enter a closed section of a course?
- A.
Use the on-line system, which opens on the first day of classes.
See the special
permission web page for details.
Exceptions:
- Graduate students and non-matriculated students fill out a paper form at
the undergraduate office, Hill 303, before the term begins. These are
reviewed together with the on-line requests, after the term begins.
- Honors courses require a paper application during the registration
period.
- Summer school courses: write to ugvcsp@math.rutgers.edu
-
More information on special permission numbers
Prerequisite Overrides
- Q.
What is a prerequisite override?
- A. The Mathematics Department can override a prerequisite
requirement if you have satisfied the requirement in a way that
is not recognized by the registration computer (late transfer, proficiency,
or an unusual course outside the department).
- Q.
How do I apply for a prerequisite override?
- A.
Contact the Head Mathematics Advisor at advisor-AT-math.rutgers.edu.
Transfer or pre-approval of courses taken elsewhere
- Q.
As a transfer student arriving at Rutgers, how do I get my
courses taken elsewhere evaluated for credit at Rutgers?
- A.
See the Head advisor. For courses taken outside the state of New Jersey
bring in a syllabus if possible.
- Q.
As a continuing Rutgers student, when and how do I get approval of
courses I wish to take elsewhere?
- A.
Before registering for a summer course in mathematics taken elsewhere,
see the Head Advisor to review your prerequisites and the acceptability
of the course. No course given in a session of less than 5 weeks is
accepted.
Late Withdrawal
- Q. May I request a late withdrawal?
- A. In extraordinary circumstances, such requests would be made
through your dean. If they feel the request has merit, they will request
further information from the mathematics department, and they may give you
a form to bring to us, or they may contact us directly. Failure to attend
class is not sufficent grounds for a late withdrawal.
Repeating Courses
- Q. May I
repeat courses?
- A. Yes, but different rules apply in each of three cases:
failed courses, courses passed with a D, and courses passed with a C or
better. SAS students should read the statement of
SAS policies for repeated courses and others should consult their
deans.
Auditing Courses
- Q. May I
audit a course?
- A. The only officially approved program for auditing a
course (sitting in, not for credit) is restricted to
senior citizens, specifically those 62 and above. Other limitations apply.
- See the
Senior Citizen Audit Program Webpage for details.
Academic Advising
- Q.
I need to see the Head Advisor. What is the advising
schedule?
- A. The schedule is posted on the
Advising Office home page. No appointment is necessary.
For basic skills and precalculus (through 115) consult Lew Hirsch.
For all other courses (103-107, calculus, and above) consult
our Head Advisor.
Routine business can be conducted by email.
The Math Major
- Q.
How do I declare a math major?
- A.
See
this page for the form.
To be admitted into the mathematics major program, a student must
normally have completed three terms of calculus with a grade of C or
better in each course. To continue as a mathematics major, a student is
expected to make satisfactory progress toward completing the
program. Under normal circumstances, satisfactory progress for a
full-time student means completion of at least one mathematics course
each term, at an appropriate level, with a grade of C or better.
-
More information about the major
Academic Integrity
