Math Placement
VCU may require incoming students to take a math placement test (at no charge) in order to determine which math class they are eligible to register for in their first semester of enrollment.
If you are a current student during the spring 2023 semester and want to take your second attempt of the math placement test please email math@vcu.edu for steps on how to do so.
When should I take a math course?
The math department recommends that students take a math course during their first semester at VCU because many programs at VCU require some level of math as a prerequisite and many courses outside of the math department have math as a prerequisite.
Do I have to take the math placement test?
If you submitted standardized test scores to VCU, please see the table below to determine what your math placement level will be based on your standardized test score(s):
SAT/ACT taken in 2022 or 2023:
| SAT Math Score | ACT Math Score | VCU Placement Level | Courses Eligible to Enroll in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 530 |
Below 21 |
131 | MATH 129, MATH 131 |
| 530-579 | 21 - 23 | 141 | MATH 141, STAT 208 |
| 580-589 | 24 | 139 | MATH 139, MATH 141, STAT 208 |
| 590-649 | 25 - 28 | 151 | MATH 151, STAT 210, BUSN 212 |
| 650+ | 29+ | 200 | MATH 200, MATH 211, CMSC 255, STAT 212, BUSN 212 |
SAT/ACT taken between 2018 - 2021:
We can provide a prerequisite override for the eligible math course for students that have taken the SAT or ACT exam between 2018 and 2022.
| SAT Math Score | ACT Math Score | VCU Placement Level | Courses Eligible to Enroll in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 560 | Below 23 | 131 | MATH 129, MATH 131 |
| 560 - 609 | 23 - 25 | 141 | MATH 141 |
| 610 - 619 | 26 | 139 | MATH 139, MATH 141 |
| 620 - 679 | 27 - 30 | 151 | MATH 151 |
| 680+ | 31+ | 200 | MATH 200, MATH 211 |
If it has been recommended to you to take the math placement test, please complete the Math Placement Test Follow Up Questions [Google Form] to determine if taking the math placement test is the best option for you.
If you are a Pre-Professional Health student, please email the math department to determine if you should take the math placement test.
When should I take the math placement test?
For first-year students who plan to take math in their first semester and need to take the math placement test, it will make sense to take the math placement test prior to enrolling in your first semester courses at VCU. Otherwise, the math department recommends you not take the placement test until the semester prior to enrolling in a math course because you only get one attempt at the test.