Placement Testing
Every BMCC student must take the mathematics placement test as soon as they enroll. Scores on this test then determine what level of mathematics course a student may take. Some students made need remedial courses to give them the math skills they require. Your adviser will tell you if you need to take a remedial mathematics course.
STEM majors include Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics as well as some areas of Business and Elementary Education.
NON-STEM majors include English, art, languages and some social sciences, for example.
See the chart of remedial courses recommended for STEM and non-STEM majors.
Remedial Courses
Your advisor will help you decide which remedial courses to take. Descriptions of courses will provide more information about math courses, including the prerequesits. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
Exemption from Remedial Courses
To be exempt from taking remedial courses, a student must demonstrate proficiency in pre-algebra (arithmetic) and elementary algebra. Students can do this by scoring at least 45 on the ACT’s COMPASS exam in pre-algebra and at least a 40 on the ACT’s COMPASS exam in algebra. If a student has a high enough Regents exams score, SAT score, a high score on the CUNY Mathematics Assessment exam (the test given prior to COMPASS), or if a student has earned a BA or BS degree, then they may be exempt from remedial math courses.
Requirements for 200 and 300 Level Courses
- In order to take 200-level courses, a student must pass or place out of MAT 056, Intermediate Algebra and Trigonometry. Students are not automatically tested for MAT 056 when admitted to the college; students who have previously taken an intermediate algebra course at another school can go to the Math Lab in S535 to schedule the MAT 056 placement test.
- Students who have passed an intermediate algebra course at another college may be able to be placed in MAT 200 or 206 directly without taking the placement test; such students should see the math department chairperson or a math department deputy chairperson for placement.In order to take MAT 209, Statistics, or any 300-level mathematics course, students must pass or place out of MAT 206, Pre-Calculus. Students who have previously taken a precalculus course elsewhere can go to the Math Lab in S535 to schedule the MAT 206 placement test. Students who have passed a college precalculus course should receive transfer credit for MAT 206.
- Students who have taken one of the AP Calculus exams and received either a 3, 4, or 5 can be placed in a higher level mathematics course than MAT 301.
The COMPASS Exam
The COMPASS Pre-algebra and Algebra exams are used CUNY-wide a placement examination for mathematics courses for remedial courses. For more information, see the BMCC Testing Center Information page.
