Placement for Mathematics Classes

The default recommendation of the Department of Mathematics is that all students take the full Math Core. Students are often happier and more successful when they strengthen their foundations rather than skipping courses. That being said, we want each student to be in the appropriate mathematics courses.  

We offer challenge exams for our Core and Major Core courses. These are typically 3-hour, closed-book exams. Here are some important points.

  • A challenge exam may only be attempted once per course.
  • The challenge exam for a given course must be completed before noon on the first day of class of the semester for that course.
  • If you pass the exam, you will be offered a waiver for the course.
  • A waiver does not award units towards graduation.
  • A waiver does fulfill the course requirement as a prerequisite for future courses and as a requirement for programs of study.

Advanced Placement policies at HMC are described in our Catalog here:
https://catalog.hmc.edu/content.php?catoid=26&navoid=1342#advanced-placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I have taken single variable calculus already. Should I attempt to place out of Math 19?

No, Math 19 includes both single and multivariable calculus. A year of calculus at the high-school level is an entrance requirement for HMC, so familiarity with limits, differentiation and integration is assumed in all mathematics courses.

Q2. I’ve taken AP Statistics. Do I receive credit for Math 62?

No, credit is not awarded at Mudd for AP exams in the mathematical sciences. Instead of taking Math 62, we recommend Math 151 for students with AP stats experience.

Q3. If I place out of a math class (i.e. pass a Challenge Exam), will I receive units towards graduation?

No, the mathematics department does not award units towards graduation by examination. Students who pass a challenge exam for a given course will receive a waiver for that course.

Q4. If I place out of Math 19, what course should I take?

Math 19 is a four-unit course, and there are few four-credit alternatives. A popular course to consider is Math 55, Discrete Mathematics. However students who place out of Math 19 may enroll in any available course from across the Claremont Colleges. This is a good opportunity to take advantage of our liberal arts offerings.

Q5. When are Challenge Exams offered?

Math 19 pre-tests are distributed in the summer and incoming students who pass the pre-test may elect to take the Challenge Exam during orientation. In general, challenge exams for courses in semester N are offered in semester N-1, allowing time for results to inform course registration. Students may inquire about challenge exams at any time by contacting the Placement Coordinator at math-placement-l@g.hmc.edu.

Q6. I’m an incoming student who has taken university-level mathematics during high school, will I receive transfer credit at Mudd?

No, transfer credit is only awarded to transfer students. The Department of Mathematics makes placement decisions based on examination.

Q7. I have placement questions that are not addressed here. How can I get more information?

Contact the Mathematics Placement Coordinator at any time via math-placement-l@g.hmc.edu.